BBOT Holds Final Info Session for 2015 Organics Ban

In advance of the January 1st implementation of the new Metro Vancouver Organics Garbage Ban, the Burnaby Board of Trade held a final info session to explain the implications of the new law for businesses.

The info session, presented as part of the BBOT’s Pledge for a Sustainable Community initiative, featured Esther Berube, Senior Project Engineer with Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Services, who presented on the new bylaw and what it means for businesses.

In addition, the BBOT arranged to have representatives from the City of Burnaby as well as two organizations that have already successfully implemented a plan to properly handle organic waste, the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown and Simon Fraser University.

36% of all garbage is currently organic material. The Metro Vancouver Organics Ban will impact all businesses and will require separation of organic material from other garbage starting in 2015. After an implementation stage, a target of no more than 25% organic components will be set for all garbage collected and disposed of in Metro Vancouver. By 2017, that target will be lowered to 5% and accompanied by an education and surcharge-based enforcement mechanism.

Business looking for more information on the Organics Ban can download an FAQ here or can visit the Metro Vancouver website.  If you want to help your staff/customers separate their garbage, you can download colour-coded images and signage here to provide information on how to source separate at your business.

Businesses can create opportunities and reduce the impact of regulations like this by pro-actively addressing environmental and sustainability issues in their business. To learn more about the business case of “going green” and what you can do to get started, visit www.bbotpledge.ca