New Zero Waste Demonstration Site will Accelerate the Transition to a Zero Waste City

Vancouver has ambitious plans to become a zero-waste city by 2040. However, the Vancouver Landfill is on pace to reach its tonnage capacity limit earlier than 2037, the original projection. With the landfill accepting 70 percent of Metro Vancouver’s solid waste – and Metro Vancouver producing 3.5 million tonnes of solid waste every year, which is 30 times heavier than Toronto’s CN Tower – any barriers to the landfill accepting more waste could significantly threaten waste disposal throughout the region.

What is the Zero Waste Demonstration Site?

To address this problem, Vancouver Economic Commission and the City of Vancouver have joined forces to issue a special call for innovation through Project Greenlight. Innovators in Vancouver and beyond are tasked with proposing zero-waste technologies that can eliminate waste issues or save landfill space. Five to 10 of these companies will have the opportunity to pilot their solutions at the new Zero Waste Demonstration Site for a period of two years.

The Zero Waste Demonstration Site is located in a former recycling receiving yard in the southern industrial lands. Once active, it will serve as a co-location for innovators to explore the scaling up of technologies that reduce waste, increase resource recovery and green jobs, and decrease greenhouse gases.

What’s the benefit for innovators to participate in the Zero Waste Demonstration Site?

In addition to helping to reduce waste going to landfill and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, selected innovators will be in a prime position to demonstrate their technology solutions to an audience of potential clients, investors, strategic partners and other important stakeholders, while leveraging the City of Vancouver’s $31 billion brand to increase exposure and expand connections to customers, investments and partnerships.

What zero-waste solutions are needed?

Solutions should have a low footprint, including minimal infrastructure requirements. They can also be passive displays that exhibit innovative technologies, such as natural walls or improved concrete products.

Solutions must address:

• Biodegradable waste
• Recyclables
• Electronic waste
• Construction and demolition
• Composite waste
• Residuals from industrial processes
• Other wastes

How can I apply?

When is the submission deadline to participate in the Zero Waste Demonstration Site?
Innovators are invited to submit proposals showcasing why their technology is the perfect addition to the Zero Waste Demonstration Site by January 31, 2023. The selected proposals will be announced on March 31, 2023.

What’s the application process for the Zero Waste Demonstration Site?
The Zero Waste Demonstration Site is seeking innovation proposals with solutions related to food and organic waste, recyclables, electronics and residuals.