It’s hard to believe it all started in a backyard shed! Back in 1972, a few dedicated neighbors had a simple but bold idea: that we could do better for our environment and each other by rethinking our waste. What began with a handful of volunteers sorting newspapers has blossomed into a half-century of community partnership, social inclusion, and award-winning innovation. We invite you to take a stroll through our history, from the first “Blue Box” to our Repair Cafés, and see how, one recycled tin can at a time, the people of Maple Ridge have built a greener future together.
Our Founders
The story began with a small group of visionary neighbors who saw the potential for a greener future long before recycling was a household word. Led by the pioneering spirit of local residents like Bob Cordoni, Beryl Cunningham, Candace Gordon, and Julie & Dave Koehn, these founders turned a backyard shed project into a community-wide movement. We owe our foundation to their grit and foresight; they didn’t just start a service, they planted the seeds of environmental stewardship and social inclusion that continue to define Maple Ridge today.
2025
RMRS transitions curbside services to Recycle BC. Our operational efforts go full circle, after 50 years of evolution, we are back to the depot operations being our primary focus
2022
RMRS celebrates its 50th Anniversary, marking a half-century of environmental evolution.
2018
A big year for innovation: Textiles recycling, Flexible Plastic Packaging, and the first Maple Ridge Repair Café all launch.
2014
A major shift occurs as recycling responsibility for residential packaging products moves to Recycle BC.
2012
RMRS celebrates its 40th Anniversary and leads the Celebrate Earth Day festival.
2007
Electronics recycling (TVs and computers) are now collected at the Depot.
2002
The Society celebrates 30 years.
2001
RMRS adopts the “Toward Zero Waste” philosophy.
2000
Plastic containers are added to the Blue Box and Depot programs.
1999
Milti-family recycling collection begins through a formal partnership with the District.
1996
Commercial recycling and paint recycling programs are introduced.
1993
RMRS distributes 1,500 composters, sparking the community’s backyard composting movement.
1992
The Blue Box program officially launches for curbside pickup.
1990
The current Recycling Depot is built on 236th Street.
1987
The Society receives the first of many awards for its significant contributions to regional recycling.
1981
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is incorporated
1980
Multi-material curbside collection is launched.
1976
Growth takes off and the Society hires its first part-time employee.
1974
The first Depot opens at the Cottonwood Landfill to educate residents that “not everything is garbage.”
1972
Recycling officially begins. Volunteers collect glass, newspaper, and tin cans and store them in a Hammond backyard shed.
2025
RMRS transitions curbside services to Recycle BC. Our operational efforts go full circle, after 50 years of evolution, we are back to the depot operations being our primary focus
2022
RMRS celebrates its 50th Anniversary, marking a half-century of environmental evolution.
2018
A big year for innovation: Textiles recycling, Flexible Plastic Packaging, and the first Maple Ridge Repair Café all launch.
2014
A major shift occurs as recycling responsibility for residential packaging products moves to Recycle BC.
2012
RMRS celebrates its 40th Anniversary and leads the Celebrate Earth Day festival.
2007
Electronics recycling (TVs and computers) are now collected at the Depot.
2002
The Society celebrates 30 years.
2001
RMRS adopts the “Toward Zero Waste” philosophy.
2000
Plastic containers are added to the Blue Box and Depot programs.
1999
Milti-family recycling collection begins through a formal partnership with the District.
1996
Commercial recycling and paint recycling programs are introduced.
1993
RMRS distributes 1,500 composters, sparking the community’s backyard composting movement.
1992
The Blue Box program officially launches for curbside pickup.
1990
The current Recycling Depot is built on 236th Street.
1987
The Society receives the first of many awards for its significant contributions to regional recycling.
1981
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is incorporated
1980
Multi-material curbside collection is launched.
1976
Growth takes off and the Society hires its first part-time employee.
1974
The first Depot opens at the Cottonwood Landfill to educate residents that “not everything is garbage.”
1972
Recycling officially begins. Volunteers collect glass, newspaper, and tin cans and store them in a Hammond backyard shed.