An Evaluation of the Institutional Framework for the Organic Waste to Compost Process in Metro Vancouver

Within the regional district of Metro Vancouver, organic waste has been banned from disposal in landfills as of 2014 (Metro Vancouver, 2017). Organic waste is source separated by residents and business owners, collected by haulers, processed by composting facilities and utilized by a variety of users in the region. Metro Vancouver relies on the efficient and sustainable operation of this framework as a regional waste management strategy for the organic waste stream of municipal solid waste.

There have been several points identified within the framework where the steps are occurring inefficiently. To address the issues identified within the framework, specific strategies have been developed for the utilization of the following stakeholders: Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Services, member municipalities, composting facilities, haulers and Metro Vancouver residents and businesses. By addressing institutional inefficiencies, the stakeholders can improve the regional organic waste to compost system in Metro Vancouver resulting in a more efficient, productive and profitable system for all stakeholders.