From the largest companies spanning the globe down to the everyday citizen, how we think about waste is the touchstone talking point of the 21st century. And one legacy business in Richmond is leading that conversation.
A long-standing leader in waste management
Established more than 50 years ago, Ecowaste Industries Ltd. specializes in the responsible management, diversion and recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste throughout Metro Vancouver.
Ecowaste’s landfill accepts inert refuse – mainly from C&D activities – and provides recycling for various waste streams including yard waste, clean wood, concrete and asphalt. It also has a public drop-off area for residential and smaller commercial vehicles, while larger commercial and industrial vehicles are sent directly to the landfill.
“From large-scale construction projects to local DIY jobs, our innovative recycling processes ensure waste is repurposed in a sustainable manner to support environmental and community well-being,” says Ecowaste’s operations manager Nabil Drissi El-Bouzaidi.
Building a circular economy in Richmond
Central to the Ecowaste promise is a continued move to become a larger part of the circular economy, where virtually nothing is considered waste. It’s a model that retains and recovers as much value as possible from resources by reusing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, repurposing or recycling products and materials.
This generational re-think places an emphasis on using valuable resources wisely, looking at waste as a resource instead of a cost and uncovering unconventional methods to better the environment and the economy.
When those concepts are put into practical terms, the Ecowaste team is turning yard waste into compost, breaking concrete into aggregates or recycling wood biomass from C&D into alternative fuels. The company has also devised extremely beneficial methods of re-using previously landfilled land to construct industrial warehouses to help bolster both the local and regional economies.
Local solutions for a global issue
El-Bouzaidi also notes that Ecowaste processes and recycles up to 30,000 tonnes of wood to be used as alternative energy sources. All inbound concrete is utilized internally within road and landfill infrastructure work, while yard waste is ground up, composted and used across the landfill.
Meanwhile, Ecowaste’s recycling and disposal solutions for C&D and land clearing waste is proudly local, which means no excessive trucking or greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are aligned with Richmond’s goals of progressing sustainability efforts to be considered one of the top green cities,” El-Bouzaidi says. “We have a very strong track record of environmental performance and positive relationships with the regulators.”
Prioritizing safety alongside sustainability
Ecowaste’s commitment to the environment runs directly alongside its promise to ensure safety. The company continues to invest in advanced recycling technologies, while complying with strict local, provincial and federal regulations.
“We consistently meet industry standards through comprehensive training, proactive safety protocols and ongoing investments in safer equipment, facilities and processes. It’s how we’ve built a reputation for protecting people and property,” El-Bouzaidi says.
Family-friendly community event
For those wanting to see the Ecowaste operation in action, an open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 6 at 15500 Blundell Rd.
The event offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the company transforms waste into valuable resources, with guided bus tours of the site, live demonstrations of heavy equipment, rock truck rides, games and activities for children and the chance to climb into excavators and bulldozers.
Free burgers and hot dogs will be served and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Richmond Food Bank. Guests are also asked to bring their own water bottles.
“We look forward to interacting with members of the community and industry so we can help them learn and appreciate the environmental and safety considerations that go into operations like this,” El-Bouzaidi says.
As Ecowaste Industries Ltd. expands its footprint in Richmond, its mission remains rooted in sustainability, innovation and community engagement. With more than five decades of experience and a forward-looking approach, the company is helping redefine what waste means—not just for the industry but for the broader public. To learn more visit ecowaste.com.
