HSR Zero Waste has been featured in Canada National Observer in an article examining the operational and financial value of zero waste strategies for Canadian organizations. The feature traces HSR's evolution from a family-run recycling company founded in 1989 to a national leader that now combines on-the-ground operational services with strategic, data-driven consulting.
Today, HSR operates through two complementary divisions. HSR Services provides waste collection, labor, and on-site sorting programs across Metro Vancouver. HSR Zero Waste offers national services including zero waste audits, system redesign, diversion reporting, and support for sustainability certifications. The company's work demonstrates that thoughtful waste system design can reduce costs, improve operational performance, and support long-term sustainability goals for a diverse range of clients.
The article profiles a significant project with the Vancouver Convention Centre, where HSR Zero Waste conducted a comprehensive waste audit and system redesign. This intervention increased the venue's diversion rate from approximately 50% to more than 80%. In 2024 alone, over one million kilograms of material were diverted from landfill, while collection frequency was reduced and overall efficiency improved. This project has become a replicable model for large-scale venues and events and was recognized with a Clean50 Top Project award, underscoring the tangible impact practical zero waste strategies can deliver.
Across Canada, HSR Zero Waste works with airports, shopping centres, universities, hospitals, manufacturers, and local governments. As recycling systems and regulations grow more complex, the company's integrated approach provides a critical service. Their methodology shows that environmental responsibility can align with business efficiency, offering a blueprint for other organizations seeking to enhance their sustainability credentials while managing bottom-line concerns. The full feature detailing this approach and its results can be found at https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/09/news/real-value-zero-waste.
This national recognition matters because it validates a scalable, business-friendly model for waste reduction. For industries and municipalities facing increasing regulatory pressure and public demand for sustainability, HSR's documented success provides a proven pathway. The financial and operational benefits demonstrated, particularly in high-volume settings like the Vancouver Convention Centre, offer a compelling case for investment in zero waste infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual organizations, contributing to broader national and global waste reduction targets and showcasing Canadian innovation in the environmental services sector.
