Circular Innovation Council (CIC) is thrilled to celebrate its 5-year anniversary and celebrate the amazing milestones and events that have happened along the way. Previously the Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO), Circular Innovation Council made the monumental decision to rebrand and expand our mandate in 2020.
RCO had a rich history of advancing recycling and waste reduction for decades. In the 1980s, we hosted conferences and seminars on recycling issues, piloted Ontario’s first Blue Box program, and was recognized for environmental leadership during the UN’s 1989 Our World Summit on the Environment in Toronto. In the 1990s, RCO was appointed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to facilitate discussions between industry and municipalities, which led to Ontario’s first stewardship legislation, the Waste Diversion Act.
Throughout the 2000s, we continued as a leading organization across Ontario while also expanding our work across the country. From activating the annual Waste Reduction Week campaign and delivering school recycling education programs, to developing a procurement-based recycling program for fluorescent lights, and 3RCertified, Canada’s only waste certification program for the IC&I sector.
These past 5 years have been a pivotal time, and we have transformed to better address challenges and opportunities in the circular economy sector. To advance our mandate, our work is driven by three main pillars: policy & advocacy; resources, research & services; programs, pilots & partnerships. Through partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders we are able to showcase our innovation and commitment by putting circular economy concepts into action.
Take a look at how we have continued that mission, growing from recycling leadership to advancing the circular economy in communities across Canada and beyond. If you have been along for the journey – either as a member, sponsor, or program participant, thank you for helping make our vital work possible.
2020
2020 marked the year of our transition to the Circular Innovation Council, reflecting our broadened vision. Events from this year helped redefine our identity and positioned us to lead the advancement of Canada’s circular economy.
2021
In 2021, we turned vision into action by introducing new programs across diverse industries, from procurement to food waste diversion and even cultural industries, that laid the foundation for future expansion and national impact.
2022
In 2022, we solidified our presence, earning recognition at home and abroad while scaling programs such as the Share Reuse Repair Hub and Food Waste Diversion to new communities across Canada.
2023
Building on the efforts of 2022, we deepened and scaled the impact of our programs in 2023. From hosting the inaugural Canadian Circular Economy Summit to strengthening our Circular Economy Month and advancing collaboration with government partners, we established a stronger national presence and influence.
2024
2024 was defined by regional expansion and stronger partnerships. We scaled our programs into new communities, engaged with federal ministries, and continued to embed circular economy practices across public procurement and a new reuse initiative.
2025
In 2025, we broadened our reach and impact. With the launch of Canada’s first Circular Economy Magazine, the second CCES in Montréal, and collaborative research with the federal government, we are continuing to drive our mission forward.
CIC plans to continue expanding the impact of our programs and strengthen our role as a trusted resource organization. We aim to reach more regions across Canada, build new partnerships, and play a leading role in uniting stakeholders across the value chain. Through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to put circular economy concepts into action nationwide and advance circular models that help address the climate crisis with greater resource efficiency and environmental protection.
Let’s work together to continue driving change. Circular Innovation Council is a registered charity and non-profit delivering projects, programs, and policy advocacy. We rely on grants, sponsorships, membership, and donations from changemakers like you to support our mission to put circular economy concepts into action.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations and we humbly extend our respect to Indigenous individuals, communities and Elders, past and present, as the traditional custodians of this land.
Circular Innovation Council is a registered charity.
Charity Registration Number: 119112118 RR 0001
