June 14, 2019 – Information Event Recap

Thank you to all of our presenters and attendees!

50 attendees enjoyed three informational and distinct presentations. Overall, the event feedback we received was positive; another successful half day of connections, networking and learning.

Following lunch, Board Member Jeff Ainge spoke about the amazing legacy of Will Burrows as he moves onto new things. Will was presented with a gift of appreciation for his dedication and hard work over 12 years.

HOW RETURN-IT IS MODERNIZING THE DEPOT NETWORK

with Allen Langdon 
President and CEO, Return It

PRESENTATION

WHAT’S NEW IN EPR SOLUTIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

with Bob McDonald
Director, Extended Producer Responsibility, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

PRESENTATION

REUSING & RECYCLING BOOKS: SOLUTION VIGNETTES

With an introduction of the challenges of books by Denise Finch of Discover Books, we explored current traditional and untraditional options for recycling or reusing books presented as vignettes by colleagues from across the island. Solution discussion results are on an additional tab. 

PRESENTATION

Reusing & Recycling Books: Solution Vignettes

Thanks to Denise Finch of Discover Books for helping us understand the challenges of reusing and recycling books from her organization’s standpoint and for everyone who took part in this problem-solving discussion.  The goal of this session was to get members discussing possible solutions and to see if there was any potential collaboration to replace Discover Books closing down their Canadian operations.

In the lower mainland, Big Brothers Canada hosts the original Discover Books bins but are not able to do the same for Vancouver Island. Please see the presentation to learn more.

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of options to consider to help you manage books:

Textbooks for Change
There are two collection points on Vancouver Island  for textbooks 15 years old or less. 20% of the text books stay here and the rest are shipped to the main operations in Ontario where they are sorted and then sent to East Africa post-secondary institutions.
https://textbooksforchange.com

Literacy Groups 
Many literacy groups look for used books to sell. Finding one close to your site/ centre, or partnering with one was a positive solution for many.

Find a literacy in British Columbia group near you: https://www.decoda.ca

Literacy Central Vancouver Island: https://www.literacycentralvi.org/bookstore.php

Discover Books will still pick up full loads: potential for member collaboration
Comox Valley Regional District led the way looking for collaboration to help them fill load and coordinate a multi-stop pickups one or two times a year as needed. Get in touch with Sarah Willie, Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service, for more information or questions.

Major Used Book Sales
Times Colonist (see presentation) https://www.timescolonist.com/life/book-drive
Rotary in Nanaimo https://portal.clubrunner.ca/387/page/rotary-booksale

Regional District of Mount Waddington: Grinding the leftover / unwanted books
While many books can be diverted for good causes and re-sell, there are several that are not accepted and need to find a home. Practical diversion of Fiber from the Waste Stream. All other fibre waste that lacks an EPR program is ground into hog fuel. Read the presentation for more information or contact Patrick Donaghy at RDMW.

Donations Accepted
Libraries will take books that are in good condition and of current interest. e.g. Greater Victoria Public Library https://www.gvpl.ca/howdoi/donate-books/

Also look for local Charities like Value Village, Big Brothers, SPCA Thrift Store, Salvation Army, or Developmental Disabilities Association 

What can be done with Academic Textbooks… more ideas:

Please plan to attend yet another great networking and information event from CWMA followed by our Annual General Meeting. 

Friday, June 14, 2019
$65.00 CWMA members | $75.00 non-members (prices includes lunch, tax and gratuity)
Arbutus Ridge Golf Club 3515 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L4

–Agenda–

9:30 AM — Doors open/Networking & Light breakfast
10:30 AM — Presentations begin
12:30 PM — Lunch is served
1:00 PM — CWMA Annual General Meeting with thanks to Will Burrows for his years of service
There is no charge for those wishing to attend the AGM only.
2:30 PM — Networking until 2:30 PM

–Presentations–

Enhancing the Customer Experience: How Return-It is Modernizing the Depot Network for the 21^st Century

with Allen Langdon
President and CEO, Return It

What’s new in EPR solutions in British Columbia 

with Bob McDonald
Director, Extended Producer Responsibility, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Reusing & Recycling Books: Solution Vignettes

With an introduction of the challenges of books by Denise Finch of Discover Books, we will explore current traditional and untraditional options for recycling or reusing books presented as vignettes by colleagues from across the island. Discussion will include solutions by the Times Colonist Book Drive and 7 Mile Landfill and Recycling Center, and more.