Project Porchlight Blog

Matt Surch, our special projects expert, sends the following report from Vancouver, where he attended the Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo on November 28 and 29:

The expo showcased over 150 leading companies dedicated to generating fresh ideas for, and practical solutions to municipal waste and recycling challenges. In addition, a variety of public and not-for-profit organizations were present to discuss their programs, ranging from the Greater Vancouver Regional District to Environment Canada. I divided my time between discussing Project Porchlight and our CFL recycling concerns with representative and attending seminars on recycling related topics, including: Hazardous Waste as a Recycling Opportunity; Trends in Extended Producer Responsibility; E-Waste Collection; and Promoting Reuse with a Community Materials Exchange Program.

Despite harsh weather conditions ranging from cold rain to a snowstorm, the trip was a success. I established relationships with a number of key players in the recycling milieu, including: a handful of individuals working on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling programs - both at the governmental and public level; municipal officials; environmental consultants; and national federations and councils working on waste solutions.

Project Porchlight continues to move forward on the CFL recycling issue, advocating EPR programs across Canada, and developing recycling programs where none exist. Stay tuned! See our photos from the Expo in our Flickr album. Please send your CFL recycling related questions and concerns to recycling@onechange.org.