Recycling in Whistler

Residential Recycling - What goes in the bins?

Link to Recycle BC - What can I recycle?

Mixed containers (metal, plastic and paper packaging that contained liquids)

Remember: Empty and rinse, include caps and lids removed from containers, squeeze metal lids inside cans, take deposit beverage containers to Return-It depot for refund or place in donation bin. 

Not accepted:

• Straws, plastic and non-paper wraps
• Foiled-lined cardboard lids
• Foil bags, foil wrap with paper, stand-up pouches, liquid-absorbing pads, stretch wrap, blister packs, packaging labelled biodegradable, ceramic pots, lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture, garden hoses, string and rope
• Pails larger than 25 litres

Cardboard 

Remember: Remove plastic, labels and adhesive tapes. Accepted at depots.

Not accepted:

• Boxes with wax coatings
• Cardboard with food leftovers, e.g. pizza boxes can be included in compost

Printed paper and packaging

Remember: Remove plastic wrap. Accepted at depots. Tip: Contact Canada Post to request that unwanted unaddressed mail not be delivered to your mailbox. 

Not accepted:

• Books
• Non-paper gift wrap
• Musical greeting cards with batteries
• Padded envelopes
• Boxes with wax coatings
• Foiled-lined bags
• Paper towel, napkins and tissues (can be included in compost)

Glass bottles and jars 

Remember: Empty and rinse containers, remove lids, take deposit beverage containers to Return-It depot for refund or place in adjacent donation bin. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.

Not accepted:

• Drinking glasses
• Dishes
• Cookware
• Window glass or mirrors
• Ceramic products
• Metal lids (recylce with mixed containers)

Plastic bags and film

Remember: Empty bags, remove non-plastic items, stuff into one bag and tie closed. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.

Not accepted:

• Crinkly cellophane wrap
• Stretch wrap
• Zipper-lock bags
• Potato chip or snack bags
• Plastic shipping envelopes
• Bags labelled biodegradable or compostable
• Multi-layer or laminated plastic packaging
• Plastic bubble wrap 

Styrofoam packaging (separate white and coloured)

Remember: Rinse; remove labels, tape, paper and cardboard from Styrofoam cushion packaging; separate white and coloured foam. Accepted at DEPOTS ONLY.

Not accepted:

• Liquid-absorbing pads or stretch wrap
• Packing chips, peanuts or noodles
• Blue or pink foam board insulation

Other flexible packaging  (stand-up zipper bags, crinkly wrappers and bags, woven and net plastic bags)

Find out what's included in this category of crinkly, non-stretchy plastic packaging, and what's not included.

Not accepted:

• Plastic squeeze tubes
• 6-pack rings
• Paper lined plastic
• Plastic strapping

Prevent contamination of recycling

When the materials are deposited in the wrong recycling bins, the recycled materials become contaminated (e.g. plastic lids are thrown into a bin of glass bottles). Contaminated materials can't be recycled and are then sent to landfill.

You can prevent contamination of Whistler’s recycling:

• Rinse all containers. 
• Remove and discard lids.
• Flatten recyclables.
• Keep recyclables loose (do not stack; do not bag).
• Sort recyclables correctly into the labelled bins.
• Bag only clean plastic film into one bag or bundle only clean plastic film together.
• Tie individual plastic film bags into a knot.
• Deposit only certified compostable containers and bags into the compostable organics bin.