Jamie Kaminski, President of HSR Zero Waste and Director of Zero Waste Canada, brings international organics and circular economy insights back to Canadian sustainability strategy.
Zero waste is both a global priority and a practical local opportunity
VANCOUVER, BC, Canada — As Canadian organizations look for practical ways to reduce waste, improve organics management, and strengthen sustainability performance, a Canadian zero waste leader is bringing new international insight home from Istanbul.
Jamie Kaminski, President of HSR Zero Waste and Director of Zero Waste Canada, recently returned from the Global Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Kaminski attended the Forum on behalf of Zero Waste Canada and moderated an international session focused on insects, black soldier fly larvae, and organic waste.
The Global Zero Waste Forum 2026 took place from June 5 to 7 under the theme “Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action.” The Forum brought together governments, municipalities, international organizations, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, researchers, civil society, technical experts, and sustainability leaders to explore how zero waste can support climate action, circular economy development, and more resource efficient communities.
For Kaminski, one of the most practical discussions focused on how suitable organic discards can be transformed into higher value outputs, including protein, oils or fats, and soil improvement materials. The discussion also addressed the real world conditions needed for organics systems to work, including education, appropriate feedstocks, infrastructure, safety, local regulations, operational planning, and end use markets.
“Zero waste is both a global priority and a practical local opportunity,” said Jamie Kaminski, President of HSR Zero Waste and Director of Zero Waste Canada. “The Forum reinforced that real progress depends on strong strategy, clear systems, and solutions that are designed for the communities and organizations using them.”
Organic waste remains one of the most important opportunities for organizations seeking to reduce disposal and improve environmental performance. When organics are not managed properly, they can contribute to odour, contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and lost value. When handled through well designed systems, they can support circular economy goals and better resource use.
For HSR Zero Waste, the value of the Forum is not in claiming formal representation at the event. Kaminski attended on behalf of Zero Waste Canada. The value for HSR Zero Waste is in the practical learning he brings back to his work as President of the company.
HSR Zero Waste supports organizations with waste audits, zero waste strategy, implementation support, staff training, waste program improvement, and sustainability reporting. The company works with businesses, facilities, events, institutions, and organizations seeking credible and measurable waste reduction solutions.
“The strongest zero waste plans are not one size fits all,” Kaminski added. “They need to reflect real site conditions, available infrastructure, local regulations, staff behaviour, material flows, and long term operational goals. Global conversations help expand our understanding of what is possible, while our work with clients focuses on turning that understanding into action.”
As Canadian organizations continue looking for meaningful sustainability actions, HSR Zero Waste says practical implementation will be key. The lessons brought back from Istanbul reinforce the need for waste strategies that are measurable, site specific, and connected to daily operations.
About HSR Zero Waste
HSR Zero Waste is the consulting division of Happy Stan Recycling, helping organizations develop practical strategies to reduce waste, improve diversion, and strengthen sustainability performance. Services include waste audits, zero waste strategy, implementation support, staff training, waste program improvement, and sustainability reporting. HSR Zero Waste works with businesses, facilities, events, institutions, and organizations seeking credible, practical, and measurable waste reduction solutions.
