Zero Waste Recycling Funding

• Non-profit organizations operating in the RDN are eligible to apply.
• Eligible projects must increase waste diversion in the RDN through the development of a circular economy according to the zero-waste hierarchy of highest and best uses.
• Project outcomes must not compete with or favor an existing business or industry.
• Eligible projects cannot include waste reduction for products that already have an existing stewardship program or products that are included in an Extended Producer Responsibility Program (EPR).

• Project objectives may include:

  • Develop markets for recycled materials or products made from recycled materials.
  • Develop or use processes or technology to improve recyclability.
  • Create or improve access to recycling services.
  • Develop skills and knowledge to support the Zero Waste Hierarchy focusing on the best and highest uses.

• The RDN will review applications to assess the value of each grant request based on the criteria listed on the application. Successful applicants may not be awarded the full amount requested. These evaluations will be presented to the RDN Board of Directors for review and final approval. 

• Approved funds must be spent only on the items outlined in the application, following RDN's terms. Funding must be used within the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. 

Zero Waste Recycling Funding Application Guide

Please note: We are not accepting grant applications at this time. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island - Book waste diversion

Light house - Construction, renovation, and demolition material exchange program

Synergy Foundation - Waste hauler education and resource development

Loaves & Fishes - Food Recovery Equipment Installation Project

Gabriola Island Recycling Organization (GIRO) – Textile recycling

Habitat for Humanity – Book waste diversion

Light House – Construction, renovation, and demolition material exchange program

Ocean Wise – Single-use and unnecessary plastics reduction program for food and beverage businesses

• Guide for Businesses on Best Plastic Reduction Practices

Synergy Foundation – Supporting waste reduction through business onboarding to the BC Green Business Project

For information on these projects, watch the Solid Waste Management Committee meeting here. 

Canadians Locally Improving Communities Society (CLIC) - community upcycling activities and workshops aimed at diverting waste

Gabriola Island Recycling Organization (GIRO) - Textile recycling

Habitat for Humanity - Book waste diversion

Island Futures Society - Waste vegetable oil upcycling initiative

Loaves and Fishes - to carry out infrastructure and facility expansion

Ocean Ambassadors - to improve recycling, decrease good waste and maximize reuse within 80 businesses and 50 multi-family communities 

For information on these projects, watch the Solid Waste Management Committee meeting here.

Gabriola Island Recycling Organization - Phase 2 of textile recycling

Loaves and Fishes - to carry out infrastructure and facility expansion

Nanaimo Recycling Exchange - to conduct waste audits and research waste management practices in the industrial commercial and institutional sector

Habitat for Humanity - to initiate a workspace membership program and continue to revive program and upcycling workshops

Island Futures Society - Waste vegetable oil upcycling initiative

For information on these projects, watch the Solid Waste Management Committee meeting here.

Gabriola Island Recycling Organization - Textile Recycling Initiative

Habitat for Humanity - Acquire building space to repurpose and repair unwanted items

Loaves and Fishes - Expansion of capital infrastructure for expanded food recovery

Nanaimo Recycling Exchange - to carry out an Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector waste assessments program and to provide assistance to participants in implementing diversion plans

Nanaimo Recycling Exchange - to carry out an Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector waste assessments program and to provide assistance to participants in implementing diversion plans