All commercial and strata properties in Whistler are required to collect and separate all recycling, compost and landfill waste.
Specifically, under the RMOW's Solid Waste Bylaw, commercial and strata properties need to:
- Collect and divert food waste.
- Have three stream waste collection: recycling, compost and landfill waste.
- Manage contamination of all three streams of waste.
Contaminated loads of recycling, compost or landfill waste will be classified as "mixed garbage" by waste haulers, resulting in costs of $425 per tonne for disposal – more than double the cost of any other waste stream.
Don't forget to be Bear Smart, too. Restaurants, construction sites and other commercial properties are also required to ensure all the waste collected is properly stored to keep bears safe.
- Learn more about bear safety for restaurants and bear safety for construction sites.
- View the RMOW's Solid Waste Wildlife Enclosure Guidelines, and contact the Building Department for specific questions.
Waste management toolkits
To make it easier for commercial and strata properties to manage collect and separate waste, the RMOW has developed toolkits.
Solutions Guide for Commercial Properties
For a comprehensive overview of how businesses can adapt their practices, download A Solutions Guide: Recycling and Reducing Food Waste in Commercial Properties.
This all-in-one guide takes businesses step by step through how to enhance their waste management practices, including:
- Evaluating existing waste management practices and identifying areas for improvement.
- Understanding options for waste segregation infrastructure.
- Training staff and ongoing monitoring.
- Reviewing purchasing to reduce waste and simplify segregation.
Solutions Guide for Multi-Family Accommodation Properties
For guidance on how multi-family accommodation properties can adapt, download A Waste Solutions Guide: Recycling and Reducing Food Waste in Multi-Family Accommodation Properties.
This guide is intended to support the implementation of new or updated waste management systems in multi-family accommodation properties of 12 or more units. This guide is intended for use by:
- Strata Management Company Staff
- Property Rental Company Staff
- Property Strata Councils
The guide also provides a support tool to those seeking to champion changes in properties where they reside or for strata properties with less then 12 units.
Companion tools
Tool 1: Reviewing Existing Waste Systems
A good starting point to understand business waste is to conduct a visual review to identify gaps in the waste management system. Use the checklist in this tool to observe the contents and flow of waste through any business.
Tool 2: Identifying Food Waste Sources
This tool can be used as a tracking sheet to record the primary sources of food waste generated in your business. We recommend tracking for at least three days to collect an accurate representation of the source and quantity of food waste being generated.
Flow Chart: Steps to Revise Waste Collection
Use this flow chart to identify the steps your business can take to revise your waste collection systems and comply with the RMOW's Solid Waste Bylaw.
Free downloadables
These posters, labels and signs can help businesses and staff better understand what goes in each waste stream.
Composting
- Composting Poster - This poster showcases what goes in and what stays out of the compost bin
- Composting Bin Label - This label goes on a composting bin to remind everyone what can be composted
- Identifying Compostable Plastics Infosheet - This infosheet helps identify what plastics have been certified as safe for soils.
All materials
These signs use standardized colour-coding and icons.
- Printable signs: Available in multiple formats
- SLRD Do-It-Yourself Signage Tool: Build custom signage
Want more resources? Visit AWARE's site for a more comprehensive collection of waste reduction tools for businesses. You can also attend one of AWARE's Zero Waste Events.