Waste Reduction Week

Waste Reduction and Recycling Weeks in Canada started in the mid-1980s, when a number of recycling councils and environmental organizations began holding provincial events. In 2001, the national Waste Reduction Week program was formalized by the Circular Innovation Council (formerly the Recycling Council of Ontario) who now leads the national campaign with support from a coalition of not-for-profit environmental groups and governments from each of the 13 provincial and territorial jurisdictions across Canada.

In October of 2022, we celebrated Canada's first-ever public awareness month dedicated to educating and engaging Canadians on building a circular economy. Over four weeks each year going forward, we invite Canadians to learn about the circular economy, celebrate our individual and collective efforts, embrace circular solutions, and encourage others to take action.

Waste Reduction Week 2021 Highlights 

Waste Reduction Week at the Wellington County Museum and Archives

The Wellington County Museum kicked off the week by showcasing blue and green lights on the evening of October 16.

The circular economy goes far beyond finding a recycling solution at end-of-life. Circularity incorporates better design that consumes less raw material during production, maximizes value during use, and improves products and services that are intended to eliminate waste.

The circular economy is based on three principles, driven by design:

1. Eliminate waste and pollution
2. Circulate products and materials
3. Regenerate nature

How can Canadians advance our circular economy? 

• Purchase smartly designed products meant to be reused, refurbished, and dismantled
• Support companies that will lease or rent their products and offer to take them back for recycling after use

For an excellent overview of the Circular Economy and the power of consumers to impact the Circular Economy, read this article from Sustainable Biz interviewing Jo-Anne St. Godard, Executive Director at the Circular Innovation Council. 

For more information visit: Introducing the Circular Economy | What is a Circular Economy

The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

Circularity incorporates better design that consumes less raw material during production, maximizes value during use, and improves products and services that are intended to eliminate waste. A circular economy ultimately moves beyond a traditionally linear approach to create a more sustainable, longer-lasting and higher-value system of use.

The Circular Economy has many benefits that reach far beyond waste reduction, including:

• Protecting natural resources
• Promoting cleaner oceans and lakes
• Protecting biodiversity
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Mitigating climate change
• Conserving water

Celebrating Canada's 22nd Waste Reduction Week! Learn about waste reduction and recycling of issue-based waste streams such as: textiles, e-waste, plastics, and food waste.

Waste Reduction Week in Canada is a time for Canadians to take action and adopt more environmentally conscious choices. During Waste Reduction Week, let's celebrate our environmental efforts and achievements, and encourage new innovative ideas and solutions to the world's environmental problems. 

In addition to protecting and conserving natural resources, the Circular Economy has social and economic benefits, including encouraging innovation, creating jobs, driving the local economy, and engaging the community. Learn about opportunities and steps you can take to live a more circular lifestyle.