FAQs
Start with Recycling within your own home before promoting it to your neighbours. After that, try promoting it to your community as a whole. Some good ideas include: working with elders, youth or parent groups; speaking with staff from the education, health, lands, maintenance or public works departments; or bringing the idea to Chief and Council.
Almost everything is recyclable now. Some basic items include paper, bottle, cans, cardboard and plastic containers.
Possibly. Every community is different. Contact IZWTAG to set up a meeting or conference call to discuss what support your community might need.
- Aluminum. Aluminum cans are 100 percent recyclable, and they can be recycled over and over again. …
- PET Plastic Bottles. …
- Newspaper. …
- Corrugated Cardboard. …
- Steel cans. …
Yes, dirty containers attract pests and contaminates the entire recycling load.
- Your public works
- Go to your nearest transfer station
- Search Recyclepedia or on a smart phone click HERE.
We can help communities find funding programs for zero waste management.
Yes, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) offers grant opportunities. See the Funding page for more details.
- Expanding Recycling (Product Steward) partnerships
- Strategies to manage common challenges in the communities, for example, discarded end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), removing pollutants (Freon gas) from appliances, collection and removal of household hazardous waste (HHW)
- More training programs – technical training modules and best practice resources
- National Project – working with other Provinces and the federal government to assist Indigenous communities across Canada.
See the Communities page- you will see all the communities that we are working with or starting to work with.
- Join IZWTAG – General Membership and Associate Member forms
- Check out training courses offered through IZWTAG
- Send us an email info@izwtag.com
Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group
The purpose of IZWTAG is:
- To provide First Nations communities with assistance, information and resources to develop and sustain environmentally responsible waste management systems,
- To provide training to First Nations communities with regards to the efficient operation and maintenance of zero waste systems,
- To advance education of First Nations communities about responsible waste management and environmental protection, and
- To support First Nations in achieving their zero waste goals.
- See Resources section within IZWTAG website. We have information that can be shared within classroom settings.
- The school should have received a Zero Waste Education Toolkit from ISC. If not, email info@izwtag.com
General membership is for the benefit of individuals who are directly responsible for waste management in First Nation communities. Benefits include access to:
- A network of members and experts who can offer support, information and resources
- Subsidies for training costs, including travel, accommodation and registration fees
- Reduced fees for annual membership renewals
- Annual conference on zero waste management in First Nation communities
- IZWTAG roundtables and working groups to tackle concerns and opportunities for First Nations zero waste systems
- IZWTAG annual general meetings (general member have voting rights)
- Free circulation of the Society’s publications, including the Annual Report, the Merganser newsletter and a copy of the annual calendar
As a member of IZWTAG you will contribute to the growth of all First Nation communities, including your own, by sharing your ideas, identifying challenges, developing new skills and strategies, and establishing resource and support networks. To apply or renew your membership, click the General Member link below.
An Associate membership is for organizations wishing to support IZWTAG in its work to benefit First Nations. Associate membership is also open to First Nations youth up to age 18. Associate Members do not have voting rights but are able to:
- Potentially partner with IZWTAG on a range of initiatives e.g. training, service delivery, pilot projects, recognition programs
- Outreach through IZWTAG’s network and seek input on important topics
- Attend IZWTAG’s annual general meetings and conferences
- Join IZWTAG working groups to tackle important policy or solve practical problems
- Receive free circulation of the Society’s publications, including the Annual Report, the Merganser newsletter and a copy of the annual calendar
Volunteers can help with training programs, conferences, workshops, or with providing zero waste management education to communities.
Yes, as a General member training fees would be waived for any training program you would like to take .
Check out the Programs and Partners page
Sign up on the IZWTAG website to receive information and you will be able to access up and coming programs.
2-3 times a year.
Start by browsing through the IZWTAG website. If you have a specific question, send us an email at info@izwtag.com
- Level 1 (Basics) & Level 2 (Advanced) training on Transfer Station and Ecodepot Operations
- Community Recycling Champion training
- A new course on Community Zero Waste Systems
- Technical Training Modules for specific types of recycling
- Zero Waste “Circuit Rider” to make annual on-site visits and assist with training, equipment and system needs.
Yes we can – we are willing to work with any partner(s) to develop training initiatives that involves recycling/reusing/composting and/or educating members.
Yes you can.
Yes you can, depending on qualifications. We are leaning towards having Circuit Riders throughout BC and also First Nations trainers/instructors.