RLG Spotlight: 2025 Canadian Waste to Resource Conference
From June 17–18, 2025, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered in Niagara Falls for the Canadian Waste to Resource Conference (CWRC)—and RLG was proud to be part of the action.
As one of Canada’s premier platforms for waste management, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and circular economy strategies, CWRC 2025 offered a dynamic environment for critical discussions on policy evolution, technological innovation, and actionable strategies for businesses and municipalities alike.
RLG’s Presence at CWRC 2025
A key moment for RLG at CWRC 2025 was our presentation in the EPR Track Session, where Jeff Speir, Manager of CCS Operations, shared practical insights into Ontario’s ongoing transition to full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the blue box regulation.
The presentation explored lessons learned from the current phase of implementation and highlighted key considerations for municipalities and producers alike. Jeff emphasized:
- The importance of starting early and planning ahead to align with new service delivery models.
- Best practices for communication with contractors, internal stakeholders, and municipal councils—especially when navigating competing priorities and political expectations.
- What’s staying the same: such as continuity of service providers for some communities, resident access to depots, and the ongoing use of municipal bylaws.
- What’s changing: including the shift to private service providers, the reorganization into 35 catchment areas, and the redirection of resident inquiries away from municipalities to contractors.
- Emerging opportunities around non-eligible sources, cross-municipal coordination, and using technology to address contamination rates.
The presentation underscored RLG’s role as a hands-on partner in ensuring operational continuity and stakeholder alignment during complex regulatory transitions.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
We thank the organizers and all participants for a thought-provoking and productive event. If you missed us at CWRC but want to learn more about RLG’s compliance and circular solutions in Canada and globally, reach out today.
