Whistler does not provide curbside pick-up for garbage, compost or recycling, due to bears and other wildlife.
Instead, residents can sort and drop off waste at the residential waste depots free of charge. Businesses and multi-family properties must arrange for waste pick-up and disposal. Some large items and commercial items must be dropped off at the Waste Transfer Station.
Waste management and COVID-19
Please exercise social distancing when using Whistler’s waste facilities and visit these facilities only when absolutely necessary. Several temporary changes to the use of these facilities have been implemented. Your patience is appreciated.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, compactor access doors will be left open so people do not need to touch the handles directly. At Nesters Depot, traffic cones have also been set up in every other parking stall to keep people from parking next to each other. Please wait in your car upon arrival until a parking space becomes available.
Using waste facilities during off-peak hours is recommended. Suggested times include early in the morning or later in the day. The depots are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the Whistler Transfer Station is open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.
Tips on using waste facilities wisely:
- Sort recycling before going to the depot to shorten your visit and minimize exposure.
- Reduce the amount of waste you generate each day. For example, meal planning is a great way to reduce food waste.
- Be patient. Take turns using the compactors and remain two meters away from others at all times.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching surfaces and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. At the Nesters Depot, there are two public washrooms and a sink inside Regional Recycling that can be used for handwashing.
- Stay home if you are sick.
Reminder: Residents leaving town still have to dispose of their waste responsibly. If you cannot make it to a waste depot or the Whistler Transfer Station, please call an independent waste hauling company to remove your waste. Not disposing of waste properly can lead to conflicts with bears and other wildlife and will result in a fine to the property owner. Illegal dumping is a crime under municipal bylaws at all times and the Wildlife Act if the waste attracts wildlife.
Solid Waste Depots
The Solid Waste Depots, which are maintained by a contractor on behalf of the municipality, are for single-family residents and residential complexes of less than 12 units that pay the annual Operation Fee.
Residents can drop off recycling, kitchen scraps, landfill waste at two residential waste depots free of charge:
- Function Junction Depot - 1001 Lynham Road
- A sanitation dump is also available at Function Junction Depot for RV users to properly dispose of their liquid waste. No fees apply.
- Nesters Depot - 8010 Nesters Road
Due to the COVID-19 safety and spacing protocols at the Nesters Depot, organic yard waste debris is currently only collected at the Function Junction Depot. This will reduce congestion at the Nesters Depot, and divert yard waste traffic to Function Junction where there is more space for the collection bins. We thank you for your understanding at this time.
Hours of operation
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Commercial operators are required to bring waste to the Whistler Waste Transfer Station and pay applicable tipping fees.
No wheels? No worries. As part of a Whistler Transit pilot project, you can bring your garbage, recycling or organics on the bus to drop them off at the waste depot. Just follow a few simple rules.
Whistler Waste Transfer Station
The RMOW’s Waste Transfer Station is located in the Callaghan Valley and operated on a contractual basis by Green for Life (GFL), formerly Carney’s Waste Systems.
Take a virtual tour of Whistler Waste Transfer Station by watching the video posted below.
Commercial and residential waste that cannot be accommodated at the Nesters and Function Junction residential waste depots, must be delivered to the Whistler Waste Transfer station. Tipping fees apply.
Items that must delivered to the Waste Transfer Station:
- commercial garbage, organics and recyclable materials
- commercial landscaping and wood waste
- commercial construction waste
- large household items (such as mattresses, tires and large appliances)
Location
- 100 Brandywine Forest Service Road in the Callaghan Valley (approximately 15 km south of Whistler off Highway 99)
Hours of operation
In response to the COVID-19 situation, operating hours for the Waste Transfer Station have temporarily been changed to 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.
Contact
Carney's Waste Systems
604-213-6606
Regional Recycling Facility
Whistler's Regional Recycling facility is located at the new Nesters site and offers:
- full deposits for all beverage containers,
- free scrap metal recycling,
- free electronics recycling,
- free paint, pestcides and fuel recycling, and more.
Hours of operation
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Statutory holidays: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open 364 days a year; closed Christmas Day
Whistler Compost Facility
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) composting facility in the Callaghan Valley composts biosolids from the wastewater treatment plants throughout the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, as well as yard waste, wood waste and some food waste. The bulk of residential and commercial food scraps are brought to Sea To Sky Soils in Pemberton, BC for composting.
Have you ever wondered about what happens after you flush your toilet? Take a look at video below to discover one piece of that answer for Whistler and our surrounding communities
Since opening in 2008 as an extension to the Whistler Waste Water Treatment Facility, this facility has contributed over 100,000 yards of compost into the Sea to Sky Corridor and offers a sustainable approach to dealing with our most basic waste stream.
The fully enclosed composter:
- diverts waste from the landfill,
- effectively treats Whistler's biosolids,
- provides an opportunity for businesses and residents to compost food waste, and
- produces a number of high quality soil amendments for sale at the Waste Transfer Station and at the Squamish Landfill.