Recycling Council of BC - www.rcbc.ca 604-732-9253 or toll-free 1-800-667-4321

Bridge Brewing CompanyGoing Zero WasteBy Isaac Yuen

Starting out as Vancouver’s first nano brewery in 2012, Bridge Brewing committed itself to making small batches of high-quality craft beers. Demand has recently prompted them to expand into a larger facility, but they continue to strive towards their original goal of becoming a zero-waste brewery.

Introducing The GrowlerBridge Brewing was one of the first breweries in Vancouver to popularize the use of growlers - refillable, reusable jugs that can be filled directly at the brewery. While these containers have been in use in areas like Victoria and Portland for years, growlers are still relatively new in the Lower Mainland.

The advantage of growlers is that no disposable packaging is generated - customers can simply bring in their containers and lids, fill up and go. No fuss, no waste.

“We proudly claim to be 99% waste-free.”

Bridge Brewing’s commitment to zero waste extends to other areas of its operation. The brewery has no on-site garbage receptacles, only recycling stations for soft plastic, hard plastic, metal, grass and grain bags set up just outside the brewery.

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RCBC ZERO WASTE PROFILE

Recycling Council of BC - www.rcbc.ca 604-732-9253 or toll-free 1-800-667-4321

RCBC ZERO WASTE PROFILE

“My biggest piece of advice is to remove garbage bins or catch alls from areas,” Director of Consumption Leigh Stratton says. “Once people no longer have the option to just toss an item, they will take the time to recycle.”

On the purchasing front, the company avoids single-use items. Instead of bringing disposable cups to tasting events – standard practice for most breweries – they bring along glasses. “Not only is it better for the environment,” Stratton notes, “but it also represents our brand better.”

Challenges in Zero WasteOne of the main challenges for Bridge Brewing is communicating their zero waste practices to visitors. Even though recycling stations are accessible and marked with clear signage, many outsiders are still conditioned to the idea of garbage, tossing recyclables into the wrong bins. Continued awareness education and focused branding could help bring more compliance and interest to these core values.

“We do it for the environment, not solely to gain recognition.”

Another big issue is collection costs. Currently, Bridge Brewing’s recycling costs are higher than standard waste management practices. Stratton sees opportunities for synergy and economies of scale, noting that if other businesses in the area adopts similiar recycling practices, collection efficiencies can bring costs down, making it a win-win situation for all.

Bridge Brewing’s zero waste practices have been positively received. With sustainability gaining mainstream attention, Stratton notes that “[customers] are more inclined to purchase from a business who has the same values as they do.”

For more information, please visit www.bridgebrewing.com