Zero Waste Canada - Trash Talk
Alastair MacCallum 27 episodes Oct 20, 2026
Trash Talk is the official podcast of Zero Waste Canada, exploring zero waste practices and the circular economy. Each episode features change-makers working toward a more sustainable world. Listeners get practical waste-reduction tips alongside the latest industry innovations. The show is aimed at both sustainability professionals and people just starting their zero waste journey, offering real-world strategies for living lighter on the planet.
Episodes
#27 - Waste in Real Estate: Rubbish to Revenue
Eric Gray, Senior Director of the Waste Centre of Excellence at JLL, joined us to talk about his 20+ year career in sustainable operations and waste management, and how he is helping to increase collaboration and knowledge sharing to help deliver impactful waste initiatives to their clients. Eric also speaks to the mentorship component of his role, and provides some great career guidance for young
#26 - The Circular Economist(s)
In this episode we were joined by Vojtech Vosecky, one of the most influential circular economy voices in the world! We talked about his vast experience helping hundreds or organizations on their circular journey, and how he is now building a "Fight Club" of circular economists around the world. Only the first rule here is to talk about it! There's also a special announcement of what
#25 - Waste Containers: In or Above Ground?
Those who work in the waste industry often admit that the state of the bins are one of the first things they notice about a property. We discussed the changing face of waste containers with David Fortier from Molok, who shared some great insights on the benefits in-ground containers compared to the more traditional container types. Having been client-facing in many of of his waste roles, David als
#24 - Waste Administration + Tracking Software (WATS)
We were joined by the co-founders of Waste Administration + Tracking Software (WATS), Laura Rosenshine and Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, to talk about their journeys in the waste industry and what led to their focus on waste date. After hearing of common challenges with waste data at organizations, WATS helps them to measure their waste programs more accurately, and drive improvements in waste reduc
#23 - Recycle Track Systems
This episode features Ishrat Tajani from Recycle Track Systems (RTS), who spoke about her inspiration for getting into the waste industry and how she is driven to make a positive impact. By combining her time being in the field and also in front of clients, Ishrat shares some great insights into what trends she is seeing in waste composition, and also what is motivating businesses to implement Zer
#22 - HSR Zero Waste
We welcomed Jamie Kaminski back to the podcast, and he was also joined by Paolo Muir. They spoke about the history of HSR Zero Waste, as well as some recent recognition they received from a Clean50 award. We also discuss the benefits of Zero Waste certification for businesses, as well as the creation of online courses to help individuals start their Zero Waste journey.
#21 - Taking the Waste out of Garbage
There are many layers to waste reduction in the multi-residential sector, and thankfully there are experts like Gerald Grant out there to help us understand them. Gerald tells us where his waste journey began and what led him to founding Innovate. We also discuss how infrastructure limitations are impacting resident behaviour, and how regulation may - or may not - help to increase waste diversion
#20 - Decluttering and Minimalism
Deanna Rae was a corporate sustainability champion for years, and now having left the corporate world she is embracing decluttering and a minimalistic mindset. In this episode she talks about some sustainability wins from her career, and offers some great advice on how to make impactful lifestyle changes.
#19 - Zero Waste in British Columbia
Sue Maxwell from Zero Waste BC runs through the current status of Zero Waste policy in the Metro Vancouver region. Key issues include the Burnaby incinerator, and Zero Waste goals in the upcoming solid waste management plan. Some good news was also discussed, with the recent court victory of the federal government's designation of plastics as toxic.
#18 - Circular Workplaces
There are many layers to circularity within buildings. Helene Carpentier talks about key areas of opportunity she has identified from her global experience in real estate sustainability, and the positive impact she is having after founding Circular Workplaces.
#17 - Trash Tech
Waste technology is known for being behind other utilities in terms of measuring, metering or accurately quantifying. Here, Brian Dolan from DSQ Technology talks about his journey from waste broker to designing software to improve day-to-day waste operations. He also shares some thoughts on waste technology trends, and the potential impact of AI.
#16 - Waste in Real Estate: Trends and Strategy
In this episode, podcast host Alastair MacCallum details his journey to Canada and subsequent experience in the waste industry. Having worked on sustainability teams in real estate since the start of 2022, he also speaks about some waste trends he's seeing, and wraps up by outlining a strategic pathway to help achieve a successful waste program.
#15 - Scrapp
In this episode, Evan Gwynne Davies tells us what inspired him to found Scrapp, a Zero Waste software platform that started as a barcode-scanning app to help students recycle correctly. Evan also shares some insights into a recent study on consumer waste, where "Team Recycle" took on "Team Reuse". Enjoy!
#14 - Global Zero Waste Forum: Recap
In this episode, Jamie Kaminski tells us about what sparked his Zero Waste journey, as well has his highlights from a recent trip to Istanbul to take part in the Global Zero Waste Forum. He also shares his thoughts on why it's important for Canada to be involved in global discussions, and what resources are available for people to get more involved in the Zero Waste community.
#13 - Zero Waste Stores
As we approach another holiday season it's a great time to speak about Zero Waste shopping. In this episode, we spoke with Shivani Gupta about her Zero Waste journey and what ultimately led her to leave her corporate job behind and open a Zero Waste store in Brampton. Enjoy!
#12 - Circular Fashion
The "fast fashion" industry is a huge contributor to textile waste, so how can fashion be more circular? On this episode, we spoke with Christa Clay, Business Development Manager at Debrand, about the positive impact of their brand partnerships and what the industry could do to meet demand, be affordable and increase circularity at the same time.
#11 - The Binners' Project
On this episode we spoke with Sean Miles, Director of Binners' Project, about the importance of retaining people-centred solutions in a waste industry that's seeing some rapid advancements through integration on new technologies. Binners’ Project is a group of waste-pickers aided by support staff dedicated to improving their economic opportunities, and reducing the stigma they face as informal rec
#10 - Austin FC: Kicking Sustainability Goals into Action
In September 2024, Austin FC's Q2 Stadium became the first soccer-specific stadium to earn Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Gold certification. We spoke to Nick Otte, VP of Stadium Operations, about what started the journey, what changes were implemented, and why sustainability and sport are so interconnected. Enjoy!
#9 - Waste Solutions: Waste Managed Better
Waste management can be a confusing process, with different regulations, item acceptability etc depending on what country, province or city you're in. In this episode, we speak with Raeane Bernard from Waste Solutions, who are helping to take the pain points away from waste. We speak about how their clients are leveraging advanced data insights and technology to divert more waste from landfill, as
#8 - Biodegradable Linens
In this episode I am joined by Bing Jiang and William Anifowose, co-founders of Luxinn Supply Corp. We discuss their respective career journey's, what led them to creating Canada's first biodegradable linens, and what impact this is having on sustainability within the hospitality sector.
#7 - Waste-to-Energy: The Burning Question
Any form of burning or incinerating waste, even to create energy, is at the bottom of the Zero Waste hierarchy, yet many cities that promote "Zero Waste pathways" or "Circular Economy Action Plans" are advancing waste-to-energy policies. These policies are particularly prevalent in Ontario, and in this episode I am joined by Karen Wirsig, Senior Program Manager at Environmental
#6 - The Future of Waste Collection
The Trash Talk podcast returns! In this episode we are joined by Jeff Wint, Senior Account Manager at Recycling Alternative. Jeff has held several roles within the waste industry, and shares his insights on what innovative changes are happening in the realm of waste collection. Recycling Alternative is at the forefront of waste innovation, and is implementing some exciting initiatives such as EV c
#5 - Scaling Reusability
We're bringing you another February episode, as we spoke to Kayli Smith, Co-Founder and CEO at Friendlier, about how European influence sparked the idea to start a reuse platform, and what reuse looks like at scale. Canadians are seeing single-use plastic regulations at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, and reuse programs like Friendlier are helping to lead the transition to a more cir
#4 - Sustainability at Concerts
To kick off 2025, we spoke to Iman Atabani, Sustainability Manager at Live Nation Canada, about what is happening behind the scenes to make concerts more eco-friendly. Iman shares how waste sorting and transitioning to compostable foodware is helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, and also how both artists and fans are helping to drive sustainability initiatives.
#3 - Responsible Manufacturing
On this month's episode we talk to Sabrina Kon, Director of Sustainability at ChopValue. Starting in Vancouver, BC, ChopValue are setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing, recycling chopsticks from businesses by turning them into minimalistic products at their microfactories. Sabrina shares how microfactories are having a positive impact on a global scale, and how the model is being ap
#2 - The Science Behind Reusable Containers
On this month's episode we talk to to Cody Irwin from ShareWares, a reusable container platform based in Vancouver, BC. We talk about how the concept started, the science behind the containers, and what industries are benefitting from eliminating single-use items. There's even a surprise appearance from Taylor Swift...
#1 - Tech and the Circular Economy
On our first episode we talk to Dave Bailie, Customer Success Manager at Intuitive AI, about his journey in the waste world, what success means for his customers, and the role of tech in the circular economy.
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