Waste Management and Reduction for Businesses

Whistler has a goal to achieve "zero waste". As a community with strong sustainability goals, organizations across the community have been working together to improve the ways in which waste material is managed. Updates to the Solid Waste Bylaw by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) now require all industrial, commercial and institutional properties to separate all recyclable and organic material from garbage to landfill.

The RMOW and its partner organizations have developed tools to support businesses to transition to waste management systems that divert organics and recyclables from the landfill. 

Commercial sector workshops are being offered to managers, supervisors and those who provide staff training in:

• Restaurant, Retail and Commercial business operations
• Hotel and Mixed-Use Rental Properties (with both commercial and accommodation units)
• Commercial Property Maintenance and Cleaning Teams

Key Policies

• Whistler's Zero Waste Strategy.
• Resort Municipality of Whistler updated Solid Waste Bylaw no. 2139 2017
• SLRD Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan 2016

Tools for Reducing Commercial Waste

• A Solutions Guide: Reducing Food Waste in Commercial Properties
• Tool 1- Reviewing Existing Waste Systems
• Tool 2- Identifying Food Waste Sources
• Composting Poster - This poster showcases what goes in and what stays out of the food
  scraps and organics bin
• Small Organics Bin Label
• Identifying Compostable Plastics
• AWARE Waste Reduction Tools

Free Downloadable Signage

Throughout the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Metro Vancouver signage colour-coding and icons have been standardized to ensure consistency.

• Free Printable signs in multiple formats for in the property
• Build custom signage with the SLRD Do-It-Yourself Signage Tool

Building and Retrofitting Garbage Rooms

• Use this Flow Chart to identify the next steps required in your business to comply with the updated Solid Waste Bylaw
• RMOW Solid Waste Wildlife Enclosure Guidelines(link is external)
• Contact the RMOW Building Department 

More Information

• Frequently asked questions about Whistler's proposed composting bylaw
• Proper disposal of garbage 
• Bear attractants and restaurants
• Bear attractants and construction sites
• BC Recycles: BC Recycling Handbook
• Industry Food Donation Guidelines
• Zero Waste event planning (AWARE)
• Carney's
• Sea to Sky Soils
• Regional Recycling
• Zero Waste Strategy