Organics Diversion FAQs

The Solid Waste Bylaw was adopted by Council in September 2017.

How will the Bylaw be enforced?

Enforcement will be directed at businesses and strata properties that generate waste. They will be responsible for ensuring that waste is separated into three streams (recycling, organics and garbage to landfill) and that it isn’t a wildlife attractant. They will also be responsible for monitoring their own bins for contamination.

The RMOW in turn will work with waste haulers to help determine who is not complying with the bylaw. 

What is Whistler doing to help businesses and strata corporations comply with the new composting bylaw?

We recognize this is a significant change for some businesses and have engaged and consulted on the disposal ban details, created a 12 month grace period where businesses will be informed of infractions and not fined, and phased in the ban enforcement.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler or RMOW is responsible for managing the waste delivered to its facilities, including meeting the goals set in the SLRD Solid Waste Management Plan and in Whistler’s own Solid Waste Management Strategy, which were derived from public input.

• Compostable food and kitchen waste and compostable paper makes more than 50 per cent of garbage going to landfill. 
• Removing organics from our landfill, and recovering nutrients is a priority to help Whistler reach a goal of zero waste.

Will odour from food scraps attract insects, rodents and wildlife?

Pests and odour can be kept to a minimum with regular emptying and cleaning of food waste containers.

Businesses need to manage their organics collection bins in order to reduce nuisances such as pests, odour and attracting wildlife. Talk to your waste hauler about options such as:

• Switching in clean bins after collection.
• Using a pre-approved bin liner when available.
• Having bins cleaned at time of collection.
• More frequent collection during hot weather.
• Reducing liquids in your organics collection.

My business uses disposable packaging. Can I compost any of it?

A lot of food-soiled papers such as pizza boxes and paper napkins are compostable. Let your waste hauler know you intend to compost, and recycle, everything you can. Examples of compostable materials include some varieties of

• pizza boxes
• paper towels/napkins
• paper egg cartons
• food-soiled newspaper
• waxed cardboard
• paper bags and paper liner bags used for collecting scraps
• uncoated paper plates/cups
• uncoated take-away food packaging

What materials are accepted in the organics and composting program?

Materials accepted include:

• plate scrapings
• meat, fish and poultry
• bones
• dairy products
• soiled paper products such as takeout food containers and cups, paper towels and tissues. Ensure it is certified compostable plastic
• View our free printable signs

Can I use bags in my food scraps container? 

The choice of using a liner bag will be up to you. If you use food waste container liner bags you will have to ensure the bag used has the certified "Compostable" logo. Plastic, biodegradable or oxy-degradable are not accepted. Here's how to identify certified compostable plastic.

Compostable bags are created from plant starches and are specifically designed to break down during the composting process. To be certified as compostable, they must biodegrade in compost at a similar rate as paper products, must disintegrate so that no particles are visible within the compost and must not create any toxic residues while they biodegrade. Do not use plastic or biodegradable bags, as they are not designed to disintegrate adequately at the composting facility and may leave toxic residues within the finished compost.

If you choose not to use a liner bag, you can place food waste directly into your kitchen container and rinse or wash as needed. Other options include wrapping food waste in newspaper, using paper food bags, cereal boxes or a paper milk carton to collect food scraps. This, along with frequent rinsing, will help keep containers clean.

How can I prevent odours and attracting fruit flies?

Some materials in the green bin or kitchen catcher may cause odours just as they would if placed in your garbage can. Here are some tips that can help prevent odours:

• Empty your kitchen catcher frequently by transferring contents to your green bin.
• Don't leave food waste exposed and keep your green bin and kitchen catcher lids tightly closed.
• Wash your kitchen catcher and green bin with hot water and bio-degradable detergent.
• To absorb moisture, line the bottom of your green bin and kitchen catcher with newspaper, a paper bag or paper towel.
• Freeze meat, fish, poultry or bones and put these materials in your green bin on your collection day.
• Prevent odours by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda, garden lime or vinegar in your containers.
• Store your green bin in a secure, cool, ventilated location.

What happens to food waste after it is collected?

Food waste and other acceptable household compostable waste will go to a composting facility within the SLRD. These materials are mixed and composted using an aerobic process that generates sufficient heat to kill pathogens. The finished products include compost, fertilizers, and soil amendments, all of which meet the BC Organic Matter Recycling Regulation.

What is compost? How is it used?

Compost is a dark, earthy material that looks, feels, and smells like rich soil. It is an effective soil conditioner that improves soil structure, retains moisture and returns nutrients. Compost is a renewable resource that adds value to what was waste by returning composted kitchen waste to the soil in landscaping and agricultural applications.