Post-Webinar Recap: Digging into Practical and Innovative Reuse Solutions
We were thrilled to launch the RCBC Webinar Series with a highly engaging and practical session focused on making reuse a reality across British Columbia!
The enthusiasm and innovative spirit shared by our attendees and speakers truly highlighted the momentum building around diverting usable items from the waste stream. Our inaugural webinar provided a deep dive into the practical aspects of implementing successful reuse programs—from local government initiatives to collaborations with non-profit organizations.
Key Takeaways from Our Speakers
Our expert panel shared real-world challenges and successful strategies for managing community reuse facilities:
| Speaker | Organization | Key Insight |
| Janette Derksen | Regional District of Bukley-Nechako (RDBN) | Shared the complexities of operating a highly accessible free shed at a depot, highlighting challenges like overuse, safety risks to staff and the public, capacity limitations, and liability/insurance requirements. |
| Phil Bailey | Hornby Recycling Depot | Provided the perspective of a community-agency run depot in collaboration with their Regional District. Demonstrated how limiting access to the free store can effectively curtail some of the operational issues faced by more accessible facilities. |
| Pat Simons | Penticton Free Store (St. Saviour’s) | Showcased a model focusing on social equity. The store maintains very strict access rules and collaborates with 9 community service organizations to ensure clothing and self-care items reach those in the community who truly need them. |
| Colleen Matte | Recycling Council of BC – Recyclepedia Refresh | Presented RCBC upcoming Recyclepedia Refresh Project that aims to include reuse, repair, refill organizations into its platform. |
| James Ruttan | iWasteNot – Donify platform | Presented his Donify platform available for Regional District to make it easy for people to donate items they no longer need and for charities to find the resources they require to support their valuable work. |
Potential Solutions: Making Reuse Manageable
The discussion generated several actionable solutions for local governments and organizations looking to implement or refine their reuse programs:
- Restrict Access: Limit access to free items by locating facilities away from high-traffic depots or by restricting open times to better manage volume and ensure staff safety.
- Prioritize Social Equity: Collaborate with social service organizations to redirect items to a targeted user base, such as those supported by the St. Saviour’s Free Store model.
- Be Proactive: Actively donate items to identified areas of need rather than waiting for individuals to claim them.
- Manageable Inventory: Limit the types of items accepted to only those that are manageable for current staff levels and available resources.
Calls to Action: Get Involved with RCBC
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this foundational session! The work to advance the circular economy in BC continues. Here is how you can stay involved and take the next step:
- Join the Recyclepedia Refresh Working Group: Email colleen@rcbc.ca to get involved and contribute to this vital resource.
- Attend Our Next Event: Join our Speaker and Discussion series on November 17 for Getting to Zero Waste: Advancing Solutions for a Circular Economy
- Stay Informed: Join our Event Mailing List to receive updates on upcoming webinars, workshops, and key events, including the RCBC Circular Economy Conference in late May 2026.
We are pleased to announce the inaugural webinar in RCBC’s new series, designed to address emerging trends and challenges across British Columbia.
Register below and join us for this first session focussing on practical and innovative reuse solutions. From free sheds to free stores, local governments and organizations are working to make reuse happen in their communities. We’ll dig into what’s working, and share insights and opportunities to help make reuse a reality for residents across BC.
What to expect
- Presentations covering topics such as how to effectively manage free sheds, liability issues related to salvaging, and strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Speakers including representatives from regional districts that have implemented successful reuse programs, as well as non-profit organizations operating free stores in collaboration with local governments.
We also want to hear from you! Please submit your questions in the registration form to help shape the conversation.
Event Information:
- Cost: Free for RCBC Members, $20 for non-Members
- Date & Time: October 29, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT
- Platform: Zoom
A link will be provided to registered attendees in advance of the event.
