Message from CEO: RCBC 2018 Conference Preview

​Louis Pasteur once observed that chance favours the prepared mind. While that was in the context of scientific discovery, at #RCBC2018 the chances presented are about opportunities. At our 44th annual zero waste conference, we want you prepared to "Rethink a World Without Waste."  

This year we will be focusing on reuse, which provides a wide spectrum of diversion opportunities and economic activities that are more sustainable and circular. We'll kick things off on Wednesday afternoon with a tour of the internationally recognized Whistler Re-Use-It Centre and neighbouring Regional Recycling Depot. Then we'll convene back at the Whistler Westin Resort and Spa to discuss change and innovation. A select panel of sector leaders will explore the future of waste and recycling in Canada. As the impacts of China’s restrictive waste import policy reshapes the recycling landscape across North America, markets may never be the same. But is that a bad thing? Engaging delegates to examine and identify the leverage points within our situation, panelist will pose some pointed questions:

• Can we follow the example of Merlin Plastics and process recycled materials into feedstock commodities?
• Can we duplicate that success for fibres, metals, and other materials?
• Is this an opportunity to build industrial capacity in Canada?
• Could that capacity be scaled to recycle and process waste and recycling streams from the United States?  
• Are we ready to take this leadership role in resource conservation?

​That’s only part of day one. At least six more information-packed sessions will follow. Thursday will start with coverage of B.C.’s EPR with stewards and key analysts from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. That session will be followed by presentations from industry leaders developing new and innovative technologies.

We'll delve deeper into reuse in the Thursday afternoon sessions. An expert in the sharing economy and a successful sustainable entrepreneur, David Van Seters will deliver a keynote on a vital industry sector that is both an underutilized diversion mechanism and a primary component of the circular economy. With Canada’s gross domestic product just north of $1.5 trillion USD, our $16 billion reuse sector represents one percent of GDP and is expanding. David will set the stage for two full sessions on innovative reuse and its potential for growth. 

Friday will be dedicated to communications, public engagement, and change management from thought leaders in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. Throughout the three-day event, we're confident that you will find significant takeaways from #RCBC2018 to apply in your community. So join us and share the experience of being prepared to rethink a world without waste. See you in Whistler May 30-June 1.  

Brock Macdonald
CEO, Recycling Council of BC