Whereas the Province of British Columbia has recognized that the traditional linear economic model of take, make, waste leads to waste, environmental harm, the over-consumption of resources, and diminishing landfill capacity, and has committed to working toward a circular economy through its CleanBC Plan; And whereas despite some initial efforts, including a strategy pre-engagement exercise, work through the Provinces extended producer responsibility programs, and the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund, a comprehensive strategy to address the systemic change necessary to transition BCs economy to a circular model has not yet been adequately pursued and developed: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province take meaningful action to develop a comprehensive Circular Economy Strategy which includes public education and economic development considerations, such as expanding the provinces remanufacturing and re-processing capacity for recyclable materials.
Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions Ministry of Environment and Parks The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 committed to developing a Circular Economy Strategy to enhance BCs ability to achieve waste and emissions reductions and continue to build a clean growth economy. Targeted engagement on this topic was completed in 202324 with specific industry sectors and community groups. In the fall of 2025, independent experts released their review of CleanBC and the Province is now reviewing their recommendations. The independent reviewers did not include a circular economy strategy in their recommendations. In the meantime, BC continues to advance the circular economy through targeted initiatives. The Manufacturing Jobs Fund, part of the BC Manufacturing Action Plan, supports projects like GRT Holdings Ltd., which turns construction waste and excess soil into aggregate products, and Bioflame Briquettes Ltd., which produces briquettes from forestry sawdust. Under the Critical Minerals Strategy, BC is investing in regional projects that enable critical minerals processing, manufacturing, and circular economy activities, leveraging federal funding. The Ministry of Environment and Parks also drives waste reduction through programs such as expanding extended producer responsibility EPR, the Plastics Action Fund, and support for municipalities and regional districts to develop plans and implement programs that reduce landfill and incinerator waste.