Vancity helps Recycling Alternative drive zero waste

I’ve financed a lot of trucks, but when it came to this one, no financial company was interested in spending money on a truck that had never been built. Fortunately Vancity said, ‘We’re going to make it happen for you.' Robert Weatherbe, co-founder, Recycling Alternative

It started over 20 years ago, with Robert Weatherbe offering his friend Louise Schwarz help advancing her passion for recycling. Today, Robert and Louise co-own one of Canada’s most creative recycling companies, Recycling Alternative.

Since its inception, Recycling Alternative has recycled tonnes of materials from its clients throughout the Lower Mainland. Recycling Alternative is also home to the Vancouver Biodiesel Co-op, Metro Vancouver’s only source of 100 per cent recycled biodiesel.

Watch the video to hear the story from Robert Weatherbe and Louise Schwarz

How do you build a recycling movement that is an inspiration for environmental sustainability in North America? Ask Vancity member, Recycling Alternative. They've gone from picking up newspapers in a small hatchback, to now working towards developing Vancouver's first eco-industrial green hub.

As their recycling collection business evolved to include organics and food scraps—currently 40 per cent of Metro Vancouver’s waste stream—Recycling Alternative realized that to create operational efficiencies they would need a custom truck with more compartments to separate recycleables.

“I’ve financed a lot of trucks, but when it came to this one, no financial company was interested in spending money on a truck that had never been built,” says Robert. “Fortunately Vancity said, ‘We’re going to make it happen for you.’”

What’s next for Recycling Alternative? The company, along with other local businesses, has developed Vancouver’s first eco-industrial green hub. The hub allows green businesses to co-locate, sharing resources to create financial and environmental impact.