Illustration of the Zero Waste site for illustrative purposes and does not reflect any of the actual or contemplated technologies on site
Image for illustrative purposes only

Zero Waste Demonstration Site

In support of our goal to become a zero waste community by 2040, we are collaborating with the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) to explore transforming our former recycling materials receiving yard, located at 1198 East Kent Avenue South, into a Zero Waste Demonstration Site.

Once realized, the Zero Waste Demonstration Site could serve as an industrial-sized incubator and demonstration space to: 

  • Enable zero waste and clean technology companies to commercialize (for example, gain partners, investment, customers)
  • Reduce waste to landfill and incinerator 
  • Increase green jobs 
  • Establish technologies that could be scaled up for City operations 

For more information, email: ZeroWasteInnovation@vancouver.ca

What's happeningTen innovators have been shortlisted

We’ve shortlisted the 21 applications down to 10 innovators who have been invited to demonstrate at the Zero Waste Demonstration Site pilot. These selected innovators will pilot their zero waste technology solutions for up to 2 years. 

Discussions with the innovators are underway as we work through the permits, finalize their requirements, order, and install the infrastructure.

Key dates

On June 14, 2023, Council approved the below-market rent request for these start-ups. Review the Council report

Learn more about the pilot 

Timeline

  • 2016

    VEC identified lack of industrial land to demonstrate technology

  • 2017

    COV divested its curbside recycling collection operation

  • 2018

    Council approved Zero Waste 2040 Strategic Plan, outlining support for waste technology research and incubation

  • 2020

    COV Engineering explored plan to develop former recycling receiving yard into a Zero Waste Demonstration Site

  • July to September 2021

    Market sounding and analysis completed

  • November 2021

    City Executive provided seed funding to pilot the concept

  • November 23, 2022

    Targeted market call open

  • January 10, 2023

    Information webinar

  • January 31, 2023

    Targeted market call closes

  • March 2023

    Shortlisted applicants interviewed and final selection of successful candidates

  • June 2023

    Report to go to Council for approval of below-market licenses for Zero Waste Demonstration Site (ZWDS) pilot

  • We are here

  • Fall 2023

    First cohort of ZWDS pilot to begin pending approval of building permits and installation of infrastructure.

  • Fall 2025

    Assessment of pilot project, lessons learned, and determination of next steps