Garbage, Composting and Recycling
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Zero Waste: Choose Reusable instead of Disposable
Whistler2020 is our community’s comprehensive sustainability plan. It contains Descriptions of Success (DOS) created by the citizens of Whistler based on the values our community holds dear. One of these is aimed at “embracing the concept of a ‘zero waste’ society,” which means minimizing the amount of waste we create and ensuring our waste ends up in the proper stream (recycling or composting).
We can all do our part to help move our community towards its goal of zero waste. Some of the best and easiest ways of doing so are:
- Drinking our Whistler water right out of the tap rather than purchasing bottled water. Whistler’s water is clean, delicious and free.
- Using a reusable mug for hot beverages instead of a throw-away cup. Most coffee shops give you a discount on your purchase when you bring your own mug and reusable mugs keep your beverage hot without burning your hand.
- Using a reusable bag while shopping instead of accepting plastic bags. Reusable bags tend to be bigger, stronger and of course can be used again and again.
Whenever you choose a reusable option over a disposable one you are doing so much right! Less waste saves our community money, results in fewer GHG emissions and it helps to protect our natural environment, while keeping our local bears and other wildlife safe.
If you do find yourself with a disposable cup, bottle or plastic bag, ensure it ends up in the appropriate waste stream:
- Coffee cups, with the lids removed, can be composted
- Water bottles can be recycled
- Clean plastic bags can be bundled together and recycled
Thanks for doing your part in helping Whistler achieve its goal of Zero Waste.
Questions? Contact the Environmental Coordinator at 604-935-8198.
Depots:
Residents are able to drop off separated organic waste at the garbage, recycling, and composting depots:
- Function Junction (south end of Whistler)
- 8001 Nester's Road (north end of Whistler)
The depots are managed by Carney's waste on behalf of the municipality.
Spring Yard Waste Clean Up (May 18 to 21)
The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) annual Yard Waste Drop-off Program runs May 18 to 21, 2013 at the Nester’s Depot, providing you with the opportunity to clean out your yard and contribute organic yard waste to compost and benefit the whole community.
Celebrate this spring by participating in the RMOW’s Yard Waste Drop off Program and learn about the benefits of community composting. Your yard waste will be turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, which will return precious organic resources to the Whistler’s soil. This saves the community money by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. By participating in this program, you reduce Whistler’s dependence on limited landfill space, which ultimately reduces methane production and helps to keep Whistler’s air clean.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler no longer issues Yard Waste Burn permits. Twice a year, Spring and Fall, Carney's staff and volunteers will be on site to assist and monitor yard waste and invasive species drop-offs. You can drop off yard waste as follows:
- Grass, leaves, small twigs, hedge trimmings, branches, trunks, lumber
- Yard waste should have minimal dirt and sand, and no rocks
- Now accepting cedar
- No wood with paint, nails, screws, glue, stain, or chemical treatment
- No plastic bags, garbage or household waste
For more information on invasive plant species click here.
6 Good Reasons to Compost Your Yard Waste…
- Whistler no longer issues Yard Waste burn permits
- Compared to burning, composting helps to protect the quality of the air that you breathe
- Keeps landfills free of valuable organic materials
- Organic yard waste is turned into a variety of useful soil products
- Keeping your yards free of excess wood debris is part of our FireSmart approach in Whistler
- Low cost and high impact!
Invasive Species Program
A separate bin will also be available for deposal of any yard waste contaminated by invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, scotch broom, knapweed and toadflax. Invasive species aggressively squeeze out native species, reducing biodiversity and damaging local ecosystems.
For more information on invasive plant species click here.
Please direct questions about yard waste to the Environmental Coordinator at 604-935-8198.
Whistler Banners to Bags:
Whistler Banners to Bags: This program turns retired banners into reusable bags, breathing new life into banner that used to hang beautifully in our resort community. Click here for more information.
