British Columbia’s motion picture industry is renowned for its ability to build entire worlds from scratch, but what happens to all the sets, props, costumes, and construction materials when the cameras stop rolling? At the Keep It Green Recycling (KIGR) Material Reuse Lockup the answer is simple – they get a second act.  For nearly a decade, KIGR has been providing a waste diversion service and is one of the province’s strongest examples of a working circular economy.

The Material Reuse Lockup is a place for productions to source materials during prep and during filming when seeking everything from set decor and furniture to construction supplies and oddball props that give scenes their lived-in authenticity. It’s a practical solution for art departments hunting for character pieces, and a budget-friendly alternative to buying new.

One standout example of circularity in action is a bright blue piano that first arrived at the Lockup in 2023. Instead of being disassembled or tossed, it has since appeared in multiple film and television projects, sometimes for months at a time, before returning to the Lockup ready for its next gig. It’s now back for its fourth starring role, free for the next show that needs it.

The real impact comes when the shoot wraps as every department can plan to use their services to keep their environmental impact low and send a minimal amount of waste to landfill.  Lumber, flats, furniture, set dressing and costumes are all accepted, sorted, and recirculated back into the production ecosystem, supporting future shoots and keeping valuable resources in use.

Productions pay for drop-offs, but all pickups remain completely free. When questioning whether or not you have room in your budget for a drop-off, it is important to consider that everything that goes to landfill comes at a cost, both financially and for the environment.

KIGR’s system demonstrates core circularity principles by keeping materials in use for as long as possible, maximizing their value, and reducing environmental impact. 

Put the Material Reuse Lockup on Your Next Call Sheet

If you’re prepping, building, or wrapping, here’s how to integrate the Lockup into your workflow:

• Art Directors + Set Dec: Check the Lockup before buying new.
• Construction: Pull lumber, flats, and hardware to cut material costs.
• Props + Costumes: Source unique items with history and character.
• PMs + UPMs: Add Lockup drop-offs into your wrap plan and budgets.
• Studios + Producers: Use Lockup metrics to strengthen sustainability reporting.

To find out more about Keep It Green Recycling and the Material Reuse Lockup check out their Vendor Spotlight profile.

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