CWMA

Collaborative Engagement Roundtable: Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Management Plan
2025-10-29 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
October 29, 2025 | 12:00 to 1:30 PM Pacific time

– DETAILS –
CWMA is proud to take part in Metro Vancouver’s Collaborative Engagement Program as part of their Options Analysis Phase of the engagement to seek input on the future of waste management in the region.
Work began in 2021 and is nearing completion with a draft plan expected in early 2026. The objectives of this phase is to evaluate ideas that were generated in the previous phase by applying decision-making criteria that are grounded in the vision and guiding principles for the updated plan. The feedback Metro Vancouver receives, will help to decide what actions and strategies are included in the draft plan.
CWMA is taking a broad, collaborative approach to obtaining feedback from our members, so we are using a focus group/roundtable format to gather and then provide Metro Vancouver with CWMA Member input on a number of the strategies and actions they are considering.
Bring your thoughts and opinions!

– COST –
No cost for this event. This event is subsidized by Metro Vancouver to ensure the most fulsome participation across industry.

– AGENDA –

Introductions
Roundtable Discussion on presented strategies for facilitated feedback
(participants will receive information the week prior to prepare)
Next Steps / Farewell

– VIRTUAL NOTES / LOGIN –
We use the Zoom Platform for webinar events. Please reach out for accessibility accommodations or technical assistance. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

CWMA Industry Insights: British Columbia Solid Waste Data Unveiled
2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
– DETAILS –
This special presentation will take CWMA Members and Friends through samples of:

New baseline data (what we learned)
Compiled resources (what we’ve built and made accessible)

A showcase of information to help you in your knowledge-building. Including…
Industry Overview:

How much waste BC generates (tonnage, trends over time)
Geographic distribution across BC regions

Key Metrics & Benchmarks:

Diversion rates
Landfill statistics
Per capita waste generation

Compilations:

From tipping fees to EPR historical data

Practical Applications:

How baseline data and resources help the industry
What additional compilations are planned
How the library will grow and evolve — your input!

– COST –
Free for Members but please consider a fundraising contribution of $10 or $20 | Learn about our Collective Knowledge Funding Campaign
$10 for Non-Members

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 9:50 AM for visiting and a/v check

10:02 AM — Welcome Everyone / Acknowledgments
10:07 AM — Presentation by Sheila Molloy, Executive Director, Coast Waste Management Association
10:41 AM — Discussion and your ideas for more resources
10:59 AM — Farewell!

– LOGIN DETAILS –
We will send ZOOM room login details out the week of the event.

CWMA Emergency and Disaster Debris Management Roundtable
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– EVENT DETAILS –
We will begin this important discussion on disaster debris management with a roundtable to kick-start the collaboration and knowledge-building we need to move toward coordinated solutions. This event is intended to inspire forward action.

Debris Management is a critical component of emergency and disaster preparedness. It represents one of the most significant yet often under-appreciated challenges facing British Columbia’s emergency response and recovery systems.
As the province continues to experience increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters—including wildfires, flooding, landslides, and atmospheric rivers—the need for comprehensive, coordinated debris management strategies has never been more important.

CWMA Roundtables serve as our collaborative platform to share our scenarios, challenges, and come together to figure out a path forward for best practices. Plan to attend!

– COST –
No Cost. This event is generously subsidized with thanks to the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 12:50 PM for visiting and a/v check

1:00 PM — Welcome Everyone / Acknowledgments
1:10 PM — Roundtable / We anticipate a good-sized crowd and want to ensure we hear from all who want to contribute. As we hope to take a full inventory of what is going on related to this topic, we want to ensure we give enough time. Every CWMA roundtable is expertly facilitated with attendees expected to share about 2-3 minutes (ish).
2:25 PM — Next Steps
2:30 PM — Farewell!

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. The Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event. Please reach out for accessibility accommodations or technical assistance.

– ROUNDTABLE PROPOSED and SPONSORED BY –

Dreaming of Solutions for Mattress Recycling in British Columbia
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
We need to spring into action! Join us for a critical conversation about the future of mattress recycling in British Columbia. This collaborative session brings together regional districts, recyclers, social enterprises, and industry experts to chart a path forward.
Mattresses present a significant challenge for BC’s waste management systems. Bulky, expensive to haul, challenging to process, and often ending up in landfills, they represent both an environmental concern and an opportunity for innovation.
As we all navigate the postponement of an Extended Producer Responsibility system for mattresses in BC, now is the time to explore practical solutions that could work for communities across the province.
What We’ll Cover

Understanding the BC Context: We’ll begin with an overview of the current situation in BC
Highlights of Operational & Funding Models: Explore the spectrum of approaches—from EPR-driven programs to non-EPR alternatives—understanding what works, what doesn’t, and what’s possible in different contexts.
Innovation in Action: Hear from organizations demonstrating practical, scalable solutions right here in BC, with a focus on social impact and inclusive employment models.
Learning from Established Programs: Discover insights from successful mattress recycling programs in BC, Oregon, California, and Connecticut, plus a special look at the Netherlands’ RetourMatras EPR system.
The Reality Check: Through a collaborative data call, we’ll aggregate mattress volumes being managed across BC to paint an accurate picture of the challenge we’re collectively addressing.
Identify Gaps and Opportunities: Let’s collaborate while we wait for broader EPR implementation.

Featured Speakers & Perspectives

Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD): Frontline insights on how mattresses impact local waste management systems
Recycle Matters (INEO) + Penticton and Area Cooperative Enterprises (PACE): Social enterprise approaches to mattress recycling with inclusive employment at the core
Mattress Recycling: On-the-ground perspectives from commercial recycling operations and the largest mattress recycler in Western Canada.
Mattress Recycling Council (US): Lessons from established state EPR programs in Oregon, California, and Connecticut

Vignette: Mattress Recycling in the EU / RetourMatras

– COST –
$23 CWMA Members | $28 Non-Members
+GST. CWMA’s operations are supported wholly by events like these, dedicated patronage from sponsors, and our membership. We are grateful for your attendance. Differential pricing is available for students and non-profits; please be in touch. | Am I a member?

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 9:50 AM for visiting and a/v check
10:00 AM — Welcome Everyone / Acknowledgments
10:05 AM — Presentations / Vignettes
11:05 AM — Discussion Q&A
11:29 AM — Farewell!

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. The Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event. Please reach out for accessibility accommodations or technical assistance.

Funding and Resource Showcase 2026: A Year of Possibilities!
2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Our annual funding and resource showcase event has a lot of possibilities in store for our industry! Explore some fabulous resources and funding available for your initiatives.
Are you working to reduce waste, innovate sustainable solutions, or build circular economy projects? Discover a variety of funding and support programs available.

Grant opportunities for waste reduction and operational efficiency
Free technical resources and expertise
Entrepreneurial accelerator programs
Innovation funding for research and technology ideas
Community capacity-building support
Municipal infrastructure projects

Whether you’re a non-profit organization, inventor, business owner, or municipal leader, these opportunities can help turn your zero-waste and sustainability goals into action.
A full slate of presentations including:

CWMA’s annual highlight of resources for our industry
Green Municipal Fund | https://greenmunicipalfund.ca/
Data For Good | https://vancouver.dataforgood.ca/
Eco Canada | https://eco.ca/
Project Zero Accelerator program / BC Green Business Green Trades Certification | https://www.project-zero.ca/
Plus! Vignettes on local regional funding opportunities from Regional Districts or fundraising for your organization with the Bottle Depots!

– NO COST –
Seriously. It is free! Thank you to Grassland Organics for sponsoring this event so everyone can attend at no cost.

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 10:00 AM for visiting and a/v check
10:04 AM — Welcome Everyone!
10:10 AM — Presentations with q&a
11:10 AM — Open Mic: if you have great programs, resources, or funding, please attend to share.
11:28 AM — Conclusion & Farewell
As always, a follow-up/recap will be sent after the event.

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

– THANKS TO OUR AWESOME SPONSOR –

Exploring Recycle Coach: A Member-Driven Information Session
2026-02-05 11:00 - 11:45 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Following discussions at the CWMA 2025 Conference Local Government Roundtable, members expressed interest in learning more about Recycle Coach’s platform and services.
In response to this member request, CWMA has arranged this informational session where Recycle Coach will present an overview of their tools and answer questions from attendees.
This session provides an opportunity for peer learning and exploration of available waste management communication solutions.
As with all CWMA sessions, this presentation does not constitute an endorsement, and members are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence when evaluating any service provider.

– AGENDA –

CWMA Welcome
Presentation by Recycle Coach
Q&A and discussion

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Electronic Products Recycling Association
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
For this first session, we are highlighting the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) and their work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EPRA

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 1:00 – 1:45 PM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 1:50 – 2:30 PM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

Resource Revolution: Models to Turn Local Waste into Community Prosperity
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Moving from aspiration to hands-on action, this event will bring practical ideas on how communities can create new circular businesses, jobs and social enterprises. Let’s move the conversation from “managing a problem” (waste) to “creating a future” (prosperity).
Join us to learn about three distinct but complementary approaches to community-level circularity – repair/reuse social enterprises, material recovery operations, and full system transformation. Learn more about mattress recycling social enterprises, footwear repair businesses, and how to create a full circular system, in addition to other examples that you can start working on tomorrow!
Circularity does not need to be complicated, just collaborative. You will learn from:
PACE Penticton | Helping communities and social organizations successfully start and run a mattress recycling program that provides a simple, low-tech solution to mattress recycling.
Awl Together Leather | Learn why rural shoe and gear repair matters and how to get started. This underserved niche is a perfect fit for a rural focus and fills the gap with a community-focused circular business.
Town of Banff | Building circularity in a tourism-dependent community: tackling food waste, single-use items, and creating circular systems in a unique mountain town context where visitor impacts amplify waste challenges.
Synergy Foundation | The economic and entrepreneurial side of circularity and how to inspire it locally tomorrow. Our own green business and circular economy experts will help us round out the bigger picture of economic development meets action and entrepreneurism.
Vignettes
Verbal highlights from other great organizations, including:
Better Buckets | An injection molding and recycling company founded by a local entrepreneur in Chilliwack, BC, in 2019, with the belief that efficiency and sustainability can align with sound economics, the founder has made it his mission to build a circular system, making quality plastic products more sustainably and cost-effectively with a local focus.
EZ Blocks | A Canadian-made modular building system designed to simplify construction—no tools, glue, or waste required. The blocks are crafted from reclaimed wood, free from VOCs and harmful chemicals, making them a safer, eco-conscious choice for indoor and outdoor builds and are 100% reusable and recyclable.
7 Leagues Leather | A woman-owned tannery and wholesale fish leather manufacturer combining circular economy production with a commitment to positive environmental and social impact and the highest quality of craft. Our bio-based leather processing uses plant compounds and rescued fish skins that would otherwise be discarded.

– COST–
Another popular BOGO event!
BYO Economic Development colleague, a local entrepreneur, or a social organization leader to learn along with you.
2 people for the price of 1: $23 CWMA Members | $28 Non Members
+GST. CWMA’s operations are supported wholly by events, dedicated patronage from sponsors, and our membership. We are grateful for your attendance. Differential pricing is available for students and non-profits, please be in touch. | Am I a member?

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 9:50 AM for visiting and a/v check
10:00 AM — Welcome Everyone
10:10 AM — Presentations + Vignette with Q&A
11:17 AM — Open Discussion
11:28 AM — Farewell
As always, a follow-up/recap will be sent after the event.

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Product Care
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This second session will highlight Product Care and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PRODUCT CARE

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Call2Recycle
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Call2Recycle and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALL2RECYCLE / Recycle Your Batteries

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Tire Stewardship BC
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Tire Stewardship BC and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TSBC

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

Emergency and Disaster Debris Planning: Shared Realities Across Different Landscapes
2026-03-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
This workshop-style event is the clever follow-up to our well-attended roundtable in late 2025.
Communities across North America are facing a rapidly evolving landscape of climate‑driven emergencies. Whether the challenge is keeping solid waste facilities operational during a crisis or managing massive debris flows after a major event, the underlying reality is the same: preparedness determines resilience.
We will bring together three complementary perspectives: one grounded in the operational realities of a mid-sized BC region, one shaped by large-scale debris management in a major metropolitan area, and one forged in the particular challenges of dispersed communities and coastal contexts.
Together, they offer something rare: planning insights that travel across geography, scale, and context.

Part 1: Comox Valley — Disaster Preparedness for Solid Waste Facilities & Waste Diversion
The Comox Valley offers a uniquely practical lens on disaster readiness. Their landscape – a mix of rural and urban communities, limited transportation corridors, and a regional solid waste system that must remain functional even under stress – mirrors the realities of many BC regions. We will explore:

How the Comox Valley developed a disaster preparedness plan tailored to solid waste facilities
What effective disaster waste diversion looks like when disposal capacity is limited
How operational continuity is maintained when staff, infrastructure, and access routes are disrupted
What happened when the plan was tested in a real emergency, and how lessons learned shaped improvements

The Comox Valley experience highlights a shared truth for small and mid‑sized regions: even with constrained resources, proactive planning can transform vulnerability into resilience.

Part 2: Metro Oregon & Cape Breton Regional Municipality — Disaster Debris Management in Diverse Contexts
Complementing the Comox Valley’s facility‑focused approach, Metro Oregon and Cape Breton Regional Municipality highlight the broader challenges posed by variable landscapes in disaster debris management. Despite their very different landscapes, both jurisdictions navigate similar pressures:

Debris volumes that exceed normal system capacity
The need for pre‑identified sites, contracts, and operational workflows
Environmental and public health risks tied to unmanaged debris
Intense pressure to restore community function quickly and cost-effectively

Metro Oregon’s planning reflects the complexity of multi‑jurisdictional coordination in a large urban region. Cape Breton’s approach reflects the realities of widespread storm impacts and the need for rapid mobilization across dispersed coastal communities.

– COST–
$23 CWMA Members | $28 Non Members
+GST. CWMA’s operations are supported wholly by events, dedicated patronage from regular sponsors, and our membership. We are grateful for your attendance. Differential pricing is available for students and non-profits — please be in touch. | Am I a member?

– AGENDA –
Virtual Doors Open at 9:50 AM for visiting and a/v check
10:00 AM — Welcome Everyone
10:09 AM — Presentations
11:10 AM — Q&A + Open discussion
11:28 AM — Farewell and what’s next

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARR

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Interchange Recycling
2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Interchange Recycling and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Interchange Recycling

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

This event is now closed for registrations.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Return-It
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Encorp / Return-It and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Return-It

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

Sharing Wisdom: Indigenous Elders Perspectives on Waste and the Environment | Session 1 with Elder Garry Oker
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –

Another great Virtual Event Series!
The April Event was moved due to a technical challenge to June 4, 2026 = a opportunity for more to sign on!
Series Event Dates: June 4, 2026, 1:00-2:00 / July 23, 2026, 1:00-2:00 / November 5, 2026, 1:00-2:00

Using a respectful, interview-style storytelling format, CWMA members will hear from Indigenous Elders from across BC as they share their observations and experiences. Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land for millennia, and their perspectives stem from this deep, continuous connection that we can all learn from.

CWMA is proud to partner with Indigenous Community for Leadership & Development (ICLD) to bring this series to life. ICLD have worked with over 90 First Nations communities in British Columbia and has developed strong relationships with them all. As an organization, they place Indigenous traditional knowledge at the forefront of their operations and are committed to sharing wisdom and celebrating community.
These unique events intend to raise awareness of Indigenous perspectives on the environment, waste, and how it impacts our earth and people.
This series is part of CWMA’s own efforts toward reconciliation with an invitation to our members to be part of our journey to build knowledge and community.

Session 1 – Elder
Elder Garry Oker, MA is a Dane-zaa Designer from Doig River First Nation in northeastern British Columbia. Garry occupies a rare and vital space: where Indigenous wisdom meets project design challenges. For more than twenty-five years, he has worked at the intersection of Indigenous, government and industry development. Garry’s leadership provides creative solutions to project sustainability. His practice is rooted in a fundamental belief: that how we design our world reflects how we understand our relationship to it—drawing from Dane-zaa teachings of balance, reciprocity, and respect. Garry offers a lens through which complex challenges become navigable and possible. Today, Garry is leading executives, engineers, planners, exhibit designers and 12 First Nations communities on one of Canada’s most significant cultural infrastructure projects: the BC Hydro Site C Cultural Center, scheduled to open in Fall 2027. This landmark project embodies his life’s work — weaving Indigenous stories into interactive exhibits so that what is built does not merely stand, but belongs.

Meet our Interviewer
wəqʷaqʷələq | Cyril Morris, ICLD: Born into the x̌əx̌ə teŋəxʷ (sacred lands) of Leǩʷəŋən Territory — the homelands of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation on what many now know as Victoria, B.C. — I spent my earliest years rooted in the snepənəq (teachings) of my grandmothers, my mother, and the stories of our people. My name, wəqʷaqʷələq, carries the weight (eyʔ steɫŋəxʷ – good medicine) of my lineage as my mother was born and raised on our lands, known as tl’čəs (the original Songhees Islands) and reminds me every day of my cultural responsibility to walk in balance.

– COST–
$23.00 +GST
CWMA’s work is supported entirely by events, sponsorships, and membership. We’re grateful you’re here. Reduced pricing is available for students and non-profit organizations — reach out to learn more. Am I a member?
These sessions will not be recorded. | No refunds, but registrations may be transferred to another attendee.
Group Rates
Attending as a team is a great way to support your organization’s reconciliation journey. Groups of three or more are eligible for a discount — email Sheila for the code.

– AGENDA –
1:00 PM
Welcome Everyone / Introductions
Interview, Listening, Learning
Questions (if time) and as preferred
1:58 PM
Farewell

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

Making the Grade: Waste Diversion in Schools — a two-part roundtable
2026-06-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
Making the Grade: Waste Diversion in Schools — a two-part roundtable
To keep the event timing open for our friends from School Districts, teachers, and program volunteers, we are splitting the roundtable into two main topic streams. Attend one session or both sessions!
Part 1: Food Waste, Composting & School Gardens | Tuesday, June 16 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Part 2: Recycling, Reuse & Waste Initiatives | Thursday, June 18 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM

– EVENT –
Schools are places where habits form — and where some of the most creative and committed waste reduction work in BC is happening. Cafeterias, classrooms, and schoolyards are also places where a gap between what’s possible and what’s actually in place can be wide.
As with every CWMA Roundtable, we bring everyone together to learn from each other and find a starting place for more action and ideas. Each session will start with a short presentation showcasing real experience and to spark conversation. Then we invite everyone to take part in the facilitated roundtable to share their best practices, ideas, successes, and challenges related to this topic.
Part 1 focuses on organic waste: the composting programs that have found their footing (and the ones still looking for it). We’ll dig into what’s driving diversion, where it’s working — and what gets in the way.
Part 2 turns to the broader waste stream: recycling infrastructure, reusable container pilots, and the systems that shape how waste can move through school facilities. From single-use plastics to student-driven reuse and reduction projects, we’ll look at current practice and talk honestly about what meaningful improvement requires — and who needs to be at the table to make it happen.

– COST –
$ Free for guests from School Districts, Administrators, Facilities, Teachers, Custodial, School environmental program coordinators (i.e. if your role touches compost, recycling, waste management, education, and programs for a school)
$10 for each event | CWMA Members and Friends | Your registration helps us subsidize the above group at no cost. Thank you!
+GST. CWMA’s operations are supported wholly by events like these, dedicated patronage from sponsors, and our membership. We are grateful for your attendance. Differential pricing is available for students and non-profits; please be in touch. | Am I a member?

– AGENDA FOR EACH DAY–
Virtual Doors Open at 3:20 PM for visiting and a/v check
3:30 – 3:35 PM | Welcome!
3:35 – 3:45 PM | Vignette presentation to understand the current
3:45 – 4:25 PM | Facilitated Roundtable. Some will come to share, others to listen; both are warmly welcome.
4:25 – 4:30 PM | Final thoughts and what comes next.

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. The Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.
Please reach out for accessibility accommodations or technical assistance.

– REGISTRATION OPTIONS –
You can register for both or only one of the session days that interest you. You can register more than one person at the same time as well. If you are paying for someone else to attend, fill in the attendee info on the first part of the registration, and the second page will be for your payment and contact details.

Sharing Wisdom: Indigenous Elders Perspectives on Waste and the Environment | Session 2 with Joan Morris
2026-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –

Another great Virtual Event Series!

Using a respectful, interview-style storytelling format, CWMA members will hear from Indigenous Elders from across BC as they share their observations and experiences. Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land for millennia, and their perspectives stem from this deep, continuous connection that we can all learn from.

CWMA is proud to partner with Indigenous Community for Leadership & Development (ICLD) to bring this series to life. ICLD have worked with over 90 First Nations communities in British Columbia and has developed strong relationships with them all. As an organization, they place Indigenous traditional knowledge at the forefront of their operations and are committed to sharing wisdom and celebrating community.
These unique events intend to raise awareness of Indigenous perspectives on the environment, waste, and how it impacts our earth and people.
This series is part of CWMA’s own efforts toward reconciliation with an invitation to our members to be part of our journey to build knowledge and community.

Session 2 – Elder
Joan Morris, whose traditional name is Sellemah, is an elder from the Songhees Nation. She was the last Songhees Nation member to have lived on TL’Ches until 1957, when the well went dry. She’s a Survivor of the Residential Schools and has been an advocate for Residential School Survivors and Indian Hospital Survivors.

Meet our Interviewer
wəqʷaqʷələq | Cyril Morris, ICLD: Born into the x̌əx̌ə teŋəxʷ (sacred lands) of Leǩʷəŋən Territory — the homelands of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation on what many now know as Victoria, B.C. — I spent my earliest years rooted in the snepənəq (teachings) of my grandmothers, my mother, and the stories of our people. My name, wəqʷaqʷələq, carries the weight (eyʔ steɫŋəxʷ – good medicine) of my lineage as my mother was born and raised on our lands, known as tl’čəs (the original Songhees Islands) and reminds me every day of my cultural responsibility to walk in balance.

– COST–
$23.00 +GST
CWMA’s work is supported entirely by events, sponsorships, and membership. We’re grateful you’re here. Reduced pricing is available for students and non-profit organizations — reach out to learn more. Am I a member?
These sessions may not be recorded; it is up to the Elder
No refunds, but registrations may be transferred to another attendee or used toward another event.
Group Rates
Attending as a team is a great way to support your organization’s reconciliation journey. Groups of three or more are eligible for a discount — email Sheila for the code.

– AGENDA –
1:00 PM
Welcome Everyone / Introductions
Interview, Listening, Learning
Questions (if time) and as preferred
1:58 PM
Farewell

– VIRTUAL NOTES –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.

EPR Stewardship Programs Foundations + Forum Series | Recycle BC
2026-09-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom | Watch for the login details the day before the event
– DETAILS –
Overview: A virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations, designed to build base knowledge, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
Each session will highlight one stewardship program and will be held in two back-to-back parts, where people can attend one or both parts, as they prefer.

– PROGRAM –
This session will highlight Recycle BC and its work in British Columbia.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Recycle BC

– AGENDA –
Part 1: 10:00 – 10:45 AM | Foundations

CWMA Welcome
Introductions, Acknowledgments / What Is EPR / How EPR Works in BC

Foundations
Perfect for new industry members, elected officials, solid waste management committee members, and anyone who wants to learn or refresh the basics

About the program
Who’s responsible for what
How does it all work
What resources are available
How to apply to host a new depot/collection
Program resources available
Fun Facts / Common Misconceptions
And more basics to set your foundational knowledge or refresh!

Part 2: 10:50 – 11:30 AM | Forum

Forum
Perfect for collector site staff, managers, coordinators, and anyone managing the stewardship programs for their community or organization.

Program updates and changes
Future improvements or innovations
Responses to your pre-asked questions
Problem-solving with peers

CWMA Fond Farewell

– NO COST –
These events are supported by each presenting Stewardship Program and CWMA’s regular supporting membership revenue.

– VIRTUAL EVENT –
CWMA uses the Zoom Platform for events. Zoom Link is sent the DAY BEFORE the event.
