Awards
The work of Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, our staff, and volunteers has been recognized numerous times over our 50+ year history. We appreciate every one!
2024 – Golden Ears Transition Initiative’s Inaugural Community Spirit Award – Organization awarded to Maple Ridge Repair Cafes
2024- Leanne Koehn, RMRS Community Engagement, receives the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Minister Lisa Beare and MLA Bob D’Eith
King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient – Leanne Koehn
“Leanne is a dedicated environmental and community advocate, continuing her family’s legacy through the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society. Under her leadership, the organization has become a vital force for a greener community. Her passion for sustainability is reflected in initiatives designed to educate and inspire practical action.
Key contributions include the annual Earth Day celebration, which unites the community and promotes sustainable practices for all ages. Leanne also advocates for improved recycling systems and spearheads one of the most successful Repair Cafes across Canada.
Leanne’s tireless work continues to inspire others, championing a future centered on sustainability and community.”
2024 – Interchange Recycling – #3 Top Collector in Province Award
2024 – Maple Ridge Repair Cafes recognized as one of the Top 10 Repair Cafes in the World by Repair Monitor
2024 – Nominee – Business Excellence Award for Inaugural Environmental Leadership Award – Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce
2024 – Ridge Meadows Recycling Society Founding Members Julie & Dave Koehn named Climate Champions by the Maple Ridge Climate Hub for their work
2024 – Recognition from MLA Bob D’Eith and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for the 7th Anniversary of Maple Ridge Repair Cafes
2023 – Call2Recycle “Leader in Sustainability” Award for collecting 11,881 kilograms of batteries in 2023
2023 – BC Used Oil Management Association – #3 Top Collector in Province Award
2023 – BC Used Oil Management Association – #3 Top Collector in Province Award
“Julie Koehn has been nominated for her dedicated volunteer work at Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, Maple Ridge Historical Society, Community Heritage Commission, Alouette Correctional Centre Citizen Advisory Board, SPEC, Earth Day, Girl Guides of Canada, Family Education Centre, Webster’s Corners Community Association. She was a founding director of the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, and served on the board of directors for 30 years.”
“Candace Gordon is the embodiment of the committed volunteer who works tirelessly on projects and causes that are close to her heart and changes a location from a town to a community.” 
“In 1972 a local project was launched in Maple Ridge to explore the new “fad” of recycling. Today the RMRS has developed to the point where in June 2002 they adopted “A Plan for Zero Waste”. In order to achieve this objective they have launched an extensive educational program. They encouraged municipal and provincial governments, business and industry to adopt policies and practices to make zero waste a reality. The community is buying into the concept. The Society employs in excess of 100 employees with an emphasis on employment opportunities for challenged individuals to become part of the NO waste initiative.”
Presented to the District of Maple Ridge, B.C. at the National Awards Ceremonies
From 1993 Legislative transcript:
“Hon. J. Cashore: This week has been proclaimed Environment Week in British Columbia. Therefore I would like to invite all members of the House to join me in welcoming and warmly congratulating nine individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions to the environment are being recognized this year through the 1993 minister’s environmental awards. These award recipients will be guests of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor at a special awards ceremony at Government House this evening…
W.Hartley: I’d like to take an opportunity to extend the Minister of Environment’s speech this afternoon by welcoming a couple of members of my constituency. I do so because of the tremendous impact they’ve had in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows area for over ten years. Their commitment and service to the environment has been outstanding. They’ve been leaders for government not only at the municipal and regional levels but also at the provincial level. The public education and hands-on work that they’ve done for recycling in the province needs to be commended. Again, please welcome Kelli Speirs and Candace Gordon.
D.Streifel: I ride on with the warm greeting from my colleague from Pitt Meadows in welcoming and thanking Kelli Speirs and Candace Gordon. The reason I do this is that their influence on recycling spreads far beyond Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. In fact, they are the reason why the Dewdney-Alouette Regional District is already well on the way to recycling 50 percent of its solid wastes, which is within the minister’s goal. We’re at 25 percent out there, colleagues; we’re way ahead of the rest of the province. Thank you, Kelli Speirs and Candace Gordon.”
October 26, 1989 – Letter of Appreciation from Maple Ridge Mayor Bill Hartley
“Dear Kelli:
Just a note to say how much we appreciate your efforts toward the betterment of our community.
Recycling has taken a leap forward recently and I believe you are responsible.
You are the first person to receive a letter on my 100% recycled paper.
Sincerely,
Bill Hartley”
Presented to Kelli Speirs (Executive Director of RMRS) by Mayor Bill Hartley
June 17, 1987 – Greater Vancouver Regional District – Certificate of Appreciation Participation Award
“In appreciation of the significant contribution made to Recycling in the Greater Vancouver Regional District
Presented to Ridge Meadows Recycling Society by the Chairman of the Greater Vancouver Regional District”