Landfill waste (garbage)

Almost 90 per cent of what you discard can go into compost and recycling.

Before you throw an item into the garbage, consider if it can be recycled or composted. 

Use the Waste Wizard to learn where something goes.

View Waste Wizard

Where to dispose of landfill waste

Single family residents and residential complexes of less than 12 units can dispose of landfill waste at Whistler’s waste depots

Commercial and residential waste that cannot be accommodated at the waste depots must be delivered to the Waste Transfer Station. This includes:

  • Commercial waste
  • Construction waste
  • Drywall (see details below)
  • Large items, including furniture and mattresses
  • Large Appliances

Commercial businesses and residential strata’s with 12 or more units also must hire a private contractor to provide garbage and recycling collection services. 

Do not leave items outside the bins. Minimum fines of $2,000 are enforced for illegal dumping as per RMOW Bylaw 2139, 2017. Please report incidents of illegal dumping to the RMOW at 604-932-5535 or at engineers@whistler.ca

Curbside garbage pick-up is not provided in Whistler, because open garbage causes significant problems for wildlife in our community. Many residents are also only here on weekends, and curbside collection is significantly more expensive than the current depot system. 

Learn more about Whistler’s waste depots and the Waste Transfer Station

Secure your landfill waste

To limit human-bear conflict, Whistler has a Solid Waste Bylaw. This bylaw provides definitions for wildlife attractants and imposes fines for improper storage, disposal, or dumping of garbage. Landfill waste and recycling must be stored indoors or in an approved wildlife proof container or wildlife proof storage area at all times, unless approved by the RMOW.

Learn about Whistler’s waste bylaws and regulations

Drywall Waste

The Waste Transfer Station does not receive waste asbestos drywall. The Waste Transfer Station has different disposal requirements for contractors and residents. 

Waste asbestos drywall is gypsum board or drywall containing asbestos. It’s classified as hazardous waste, and must be handled and disposed of according to the provincial Hazardous Waste Regulation.

GFL will continue to accept newer (post-1990) drywall at the Waste Transfer Station with applicable tipping fees. To be accepted drywall must be:

  • Date stamped or accompanied by an analytical test indicating that “no trace” of asbestos was found; and
  • Clean of any texture coat or drywall joint compounds.

*Lab tests older than six months will not be accepted at the Waste Transfer Station.

What does this mean for contractors?

If you are renovating or demolishing a house in Whistler, as part of your RMOW Demolition Permit application, you are required to complete a Hazardous Materials Report.

Anyone dealing with waste asbestos drywall should review the regulations for assessing, handling and disposing of and transporting this hazardous material or contact an asbestos abatement company to remove and dispose of this hazardous material on their behalf.

What does this mean for residents?

A special program has been created for residents to dispose of used gypsum (also known as drywall, gyproc, wallboard or plasterboard). As of June 1, 2021, residents can deliver used drywall to the Squamish Landfill or the Whistler Transfer Station, as long as it is double bagged in a clear 6 mil polyethylene bag and sealed prior to arrival (see instructions below). These bags are available at local hardware stores. Up to 10 bags can be delivered per day, up to 4 times per year. Please note: We do not accept used asbestos from businesses or contractors as part of this program. 

Contact

Infrastructure Services
604-935-8190
zerowaste@whistler.ca