Save the Date!! Maple Ridge’s Celebrate Earth Day festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10am to 2pm at Memorial Peace Park in the heart of Maple Ridge.
The Maple Ridge Earth Day 2024 theme, ROOTS, highlights the past and underlying supports in our community and our lives that are not always visible. Who we are today and what we see around us are the branches and “leaves” from seeds previously planted and nurtured. Our community has grown from many different people and ideas and initiatives and actions we may never be fully aware of. What seeds will YOU plant today that will become the Roots of the future?
The Earth Day Poetry & Photo Contests are open NOW! Submit your poem, flash fiction, short video, or photos on this year’s ROOTS theme for your chance to win great prizes and be featured in the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows NEWS. Deadline for entries is midnight on March 31, 2024. Select winners may be invited to share their work at Earth Day on April 20.
Celebrate Earth Day 2024 welcomes all community groups, environmental groups, green businesses, and residents to be part of our event! Sign up to have an interactive booth or activity, volunteer and meet other awesome people, or audition to be one of our performers.
Participant, Performer, & Volunteer registration forms available online at www.mrearthday.ca
If this will be your first Earth Day, don’t miss these always-popular activities:
FAMILY FREECYCLE:
In preparation for the Family Freecycle, donations of gently used books, toys, and clothing are collected for two weeks ahead of the event, including at a drop-off event from 5-7pm on Friday, April 19, the night before Earth Day, in front of the ACT Arts Centre. All items collected are sorted into sizes and categories, set out on tables in the Leisure Centre, and given away at the Earth Day event. We live in an abundant society – most people have too much “stuff” and are more than happy to give it away. Declutter your home then come to find something NEW to YOU!
CYCLE RECYCLE FREE BIKE DRAW: At the Cycle Recycle, the local HUB Cycling group collects secondhand bikes, fixes them up, and gives them away in a free bike draw at Earth Day at 1:00pm. Many of the bikes were destined for the scrap heap at the Recycling Depot and HUB helps get both the bikes and residents back on the road.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE DISPLAY & DEMONSTRATIONS:
Learn more about why the future is electric. Members of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association are more than happy to tell you about the different kinds of electric vehicles and you may even be able to go for a ride in an electric car!! If you are thinking of buying an electric vehicle, come and ask them all your questions!
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL:
Come hungry! Hunger Management has rounded up food trucks to satisfy your sweet, savoury, and any other hunger needs!
REPAIR CAFE: Got broken stuff? Bring it to the Maple Ridge Repair Cafe and learn how to fix it for FREE! Experienced Fixers will be on hand to assist with the repair or offer advice on all your sewing, electrical, carpentry, jewellery, or bike repair needs. Glue, tape, tools, sewing machines and more are available to use and TINKERbell Station will be set up for kids to get hands-on with tools, take stuff apart & learn how it works, build original creations, or just tinker! Want to just come check us out? No problem! Come have a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the magic of repair.
On Saturday, April 20, Maple Ridge Repair Cafés will be at the Bandstand in Memorial Peace Park from 10am – 2pm. Bring us your broken stuff & say “Hi!” to Special Guests from the Ridge Meadows Quilters Guild and TINKERBELL!!
Repair Cafés are pop-up events where residents can bring their broken items (jewelry, clothing, bikes, small toys or furniture, small appliances, lamps, electronics, etc.) and volunteer expert “fixers” are available to help residents learn to repair their stuff – for free!
Don’t forget to bring your kids to Tinkerbell Station where they can get hands on with tools and tinker & create to their hearts’ content!! TINKERBELL herself will even be there to lend a hand and hand out “TinkerBUCKS” for a treat at the Freecycle!
Change is Coming! If you haven’t heard, starting in 2025, Curbside and Apartment recycling collection in Maple Ridge will transition to direct services by Recycle BC, the organization responsible for paper & packaging recycling in British Columbia. Don’t worry! Ridge Meadows Recycling will still operate the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot and our Supported Work program is not going anywhere!
While there will be some slight changes to the way materials are picked up, and your collection day may change, you can use the same boxes & bags or recycling totes you are using now. Recycle BC and their contractors will be doing more education and outreach about any changes in the fall.
If you have questions, let us know! We will be attending lots of upcoming events like Earth Day on April 20, the Ridge Meadows Home Show May 3-5, and Canada Day!
Since 2011, the BC Recycling Regulation (part of the Environmental Management Act) requires businesses that supply packaging and paper product to BC residents to assume responsibility for the cost of collecting, sorting and recycling these materials.
Recycle BC is a not-for-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and paper product recycling throughout British Columbia, servicing over two million households or over 99% of BC through curbside, multi-family and/or depot services…
VISION: To be a recycling leader, inspiring and accelerating innovation in recycling technology, waste reduction, and packaging design.
We ensure packaging and paper product is collected from households and recycling depots, sorted and responsibly managed and recycled. Recycle BC provides recycling services either directly to communities or by working in partnership with local governments, First Nations, private companies, and other not-for-profit organizations. 194 communities participate in our recycling collection program and more are serviced by our recycling depots. Each year, over 200,000 tonnes of material is collected from households and depots.Our program is funded by businesses, like retailers, manufacturers and restaurants that supply packaging and paper products to BC residents, shifting costs away from homeowners.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters & get all our recycling updates, news, and tips emailed straight to your inbox! You can unsubscribe at any time.
In this newsletter…
Change is Coming! If you haven’t heard, starting in 2025 Curbside and Apartment recycling collection in Maple Ridge will transition to direct services by Recycle BC, the organization responsible for paper & packaging recycling in British Columbia. Don’t worry! Ridge Meadows Recycling will still operate the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot and our Supported Work program is not going anywhere! While the changes to recycling collection won’t happen for a while, here’s a head start to learn more about the transition and Recycle BC!
Calling all Climate Champions… The award-winning Maple Ridge Climate Hub is now accepting nominations for their 3rd annual Climate Champion Awards, to be presented at the Earth Day festival on April 20
Spring Cleaning Time!! Gather your gently used books, toys, clothing, & sports equipment to donate to the Earth Day Family Freecycle!! Learn more about the awesome volunteers that make it happen and bring your items to the drop-off event in front of the Leisure Centre on Friday, April 19 from 5-7pm. At the Earth Day event on April 20, come find something NEW to YOU – for free!!
Bring us Your Broken Stuff! The next Maple Ridge Repair Cafe is on Saturday, March 16 at the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre
Ready to Switch Off?Earth Hour is on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30-9:30pm
Easter Schedule Reminder – NO curbside pickup on Friday, March 29 or Monday, April 1
Summer Hours at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot start on Monday, April 1, 2024.
In case you missed it…
Save the Date! Maple Ridge’s annual Celebrate Earth Day festival will be on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Register to have a booth or activity, perform, or volunteer!
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? We need you at the Earth Day festival! Learn more & register online!
Have you checked out our Celebrate Earth Day EMERGE map yet? It’s great for exploring your community and has been viewed over 342,000 times! Let us know if we missed anything that should be on the map…
1. Interim Full-Time Process Worker Position Available
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is looking for a Full Time Process Worker to work at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot for a limited time (minimum 2 months).
The position is full-time, as scheduled, and may include weekends. Rate of pay is $22.03/hour. Available immediately, please send in your application ASAP.
Tasks & Responsibilities: -processing & sorting recyclables
-operating forklift & conveyors
-assisting the public with placing recyclables in the correct area
-general cleanup – maintain a clean worksite.
-other duties as assigned *Note: outdoor work – applicant must be able to work in all types of weather
Preferred Education/Qualifications:
-Class 5 Driver’s Licence (mandatory)
-Forklift Licence
-WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Training
-First Aid Training *Note: The successful applicant will be required to undergo a criminal records check.
Knowledge/Experience/Other: -ability to work in a flexible, team environment
-good customer relation skills
-ability to follow direction and complete assigned tasks
-ability to problem solve in a constructive manner
-basic mechanical aptitude
-you will be working with co-workers with a variety of abilities
-open & flexible on daily work schedules based on day-to-day needs
Applications & resumes can be also submitted in person at the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society office, 10092 – 236th Street (at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot office).
2. Full-Time Truck Driver Position Available
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has a truck driver position available immediately.
The position is full time (40 hours/week plus overtime) and pays $27.25/hour. Union job with benefits starting after probation period, including extended health, paid days off, and self-directed RRSP. Overtime opportunities. Please send in your application ASAP.
Tasks & Responsibilities: -Responsible for timely pickup of recyclable commodities at curbside residences, apartments, townhouses, offices, & businesses (as assigned)
-Responsible for driving recycling truck & commodity pickup (“swamping”)
-Maintain Daily Inspection Report of truck & equipment
-Maintain accurate Tonnage & Milage Reports
-Complete all required reports & paperwork as assigned
-Clear Driving Abstract – to be supplied with application
-Ability to operate other job-related equipment (eg. bin tippers, pallet jacks)
-Public Relations & Customer Service – ability to answer questions & handle individual customer concerns
-Responsible for overseeing Swampers and ensuring their safety
-Processing recyclables at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot
-Other duties as assigned
Requirements: -Truck driving experience
-Able to perform physical labour such as lifting, bending & running
-Able to work in all weather conditions
-Understand and adhere to safety requirements
Qualifications:
-Air Brake Licence -First Aid (asset)
-Must be bondable
-Must have good communication skills (polite & professional)
*Note: The successful applicant will be required to undergo a criminal records check.
Send resume & cover letter via email to Kim Day, Executive Director, at kim@rmrecycling.org
Online application form below. Applications & resumes can be also submitted in person at the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society office, 10092 – 236th Street (at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot office)
3. Full-Time Swamper Position Available
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has a Swamper position available immediately.
The position is full time (40 hours/week) and pays $21.39/hour. Hours are Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 3pm with possible overtime. Union job with benefits starting after probation period, including extended health, paid days off, and self-directed RRSP. Overtime opportunities. Please send in your application ASAP.
Tasks & Responsibilities: -Ensure efficient pickup of commodities placed curbside
-Lift & empty all recycling bags & boxes into truck bins
-Sort all recyclable commodities into appropriate bins
-Return boxes to appropriate location
-Processing materials at the Recycling Depot (as required)
-Clean-up & maintenance as directed.
-Able to perform physical labour such as lifting, bending & running
-Able to work in all weather conditions
-Understand and adhere to safety requirements
*Note: Individuals will be required to do repetitive lifting and work outdoors in all weather conditions. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a criminal records check.
Send resume & cover letter to Kim Day, Executive Director, at kim@rmrecycling.org
Online application form below. Applications & resumes can be also submitted in person at the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society office, 10092 – 236th Street (at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot office).
If you are atruck driver and have your air brake endorsement, you can send your resume to gary@rmrecycling.org and we will keep it on file.
Thank you for your interest in working for Ridge Meadows Recycling Society!
Job Application
Interested applicants can apply for RMRS jobs through this form.
In partnership with the City of Maple Ridge, Ridge Meadows Recycling Society administers the Spring & Fall Brush Chipping Program for Maple Ridge residents.
The deadline for setting out branches for pickup for Maple Ridge residents WEST of 224th Street is Monday, March 25.
The set-out deadline for residents EAST of 224th Street is Tuesday, April 15.
All brush MUST be set out by the deadlines to be picked up.
Please do not set your branches out for the brush chipping program more than 3 weeks before the set-out deadline for your area.
Chipping in each area will take up to two weeks to complete. The number of days spent on each area depends on the amount of brush set out and the number of residents using the program.
The program includes pick up and disposal of tree & shrub branches up to a total volume of 3 cubic meters (1 meter x 1 meter x 3 meters, roughly 3 feet x 3 feet x 9 feet – chippers are instructed to spend no more than 20 minutes at each household).
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters & get all our recycling updates, news, and tips emailed straight to your inbox! You can unsubscribe at any time.
In this newsletter…
Save the Date! Maple Ridge’s annual Celebrate Earth Day festival will be on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Register to have a booth or activity, perform, or volunteer!
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? We need you at the Earth Day festival! Learn more & register online!
Last chance before the AGM! Want to stay or become a member of Ridge Meadows Recycling Society? We’d love to have you 🙂 Renew or sign up for membership before Thursday, March 7 to vote at the April 4 Annual General Meeting.
Have you checked out our Celebrate Earth Day EMERGE map yet? It’s great for exploring your community and has been viewed over 334,000 times! Let us know if we missed anything that should be on the map…
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters & get all our recycling updates, news, and tips emailed straight to your inbox! You can unsubscribe at any time.
In this newsletter…
Recycling Basics Review – Curbside & Apartment Recycling Guides, Depot Hours, and “A to Z” of things to bring to the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot
Thank you!! RMRS has been nominated for the inaugural “Environmental Leadership Award” at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards!
Year 7 of Maple Ridge Repair Cafes launches on Saturday, February 10 – bring us your broken stuff!
It’s Membership Renewal Time! Want to stay or become a member of Ridge Meadows Recycling Society? We’d love to have you 🙂 Renew or sign up for membership before Thursday, March 7 to vote at the April 4 Annual General Meeting.
Speaking of awards…Founding Member Candace Gordon recalls travelling to Victoria to accept the BC Minister of Environment award back in 1993
In case you missed it…
Have you checked out our Celebrate Earth Day EMERGE map yet? It’s great for exploring your community and has been viewed over 327,500 times! Let us know if we missed anything that should be on the map…
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters & get all our recycling updates, news, and tips emailed straight to your inbox! You can unsubscribe at any time.
In this newsletter…
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES!! Reminder of the Special Pickup for residents with MONDAY recycling pickup on Saturday, December 30, Depot closing early Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve…
Heads up the Depot will be BUSY from December 27 – January 7 – come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid lineups!
Take a look back with us on the year that was 2023…the FLOW of Earth Day, Summer Depot Tours, and more!
Looking for work? We’re looking for a Part-Time Depot Supervisor and Full-Time Truck Drivers!
“A Partnership That Works” – RMRS Executive Director Kim Day talks about how the Recycling Depot was built in 1990
That’s a wrap on Year 6 of Maple Ridge Repair Cafes! See you in 2024!
Photos from our November 18 Maple Ridge Repair Cafe at the Maple Ridge Library with special guests from Museum on the Move!
In case you missed it…
Have you checked out “The Map” of cool things to see & do in Maple Ridge yet? It’s great for exploring your community and has been viewed over 310,000 times! We are always adding new points of interest to it – let us know if we missed anything that should be on the map!
At the Cycle Recycle, the local HUB Cycling group collects secondhand bikes, fixes them up, and gives them away in a free bike draw at Earth Day at 1:00pm. Many of the bikes were destined for the scrap heap at the Recycling Depot and HUB helps get both the bikes and residents back on the road.
Learn more about why the future is electric. Members of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association are more than happy to tell you about the different kinds of electric vehicles and you may even be able to go for a ride in an electric car!! If you are thinking of buying an electric vehicle, come and ask them all your questions!
Got broken stuff? Bring it to the Maple Ridge Repair Cafe and learn how to fix it for FREE! Experienced Fixers will be on hand to assist with the repair or offer advice on all your sewing, electrical, carpentry, jewellery, or bike repair needs. Glue, tape, tools, sewing machines and more are available to use and TINKERbell Station will be set up for kids to get hands-on with tools, take stuff apart & learn how it works, build original creations, or just tinker! Want to just come check us out? No problem! Come have a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the magic of repair.
Apartment recycling collection in Maple Ridge will transition to direct services by Recycle BC, the organization responsible for paper & packaging recycling in British Columbia. Don’t worry! Ridge Meadows Recycling will still operate the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot and our Supported Work program is not going anywhere! While the changes to recycling collection won’t happen for a while, here’s a head start to learn more about the transition and 
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is looking for a Full Time Process Worker to work at the Maple Ridge Recycling Depot for a limited time (minimum 2 months).
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has a truck driver position available immediately.
