Whistler recycles almost everything.
The RMOW and its partners are working to make it easy for residents and businesses to recycle or donate most items.
From glass to paper, plastic containers to electronics, Styrofoam to plastic film, almost all household waste can be recycled and kept out of the landfill. The rest can be composted.
Of course, the most key aspect in keeping waste out of the landfill is reducing and reusing. Learn tips on how to reduce waste at home.
Can I recycle it?
Use the Waste Wizard to learn if something can be recycled and how to recycle it properly.
Learn about Whistler’s waste depots and Waste Transfer Station.
Recycling hazardous and difficult-to-recycle items:
There are many hazardous materials that are banned from landfill and must not be placed down the drain or in the natural environment. If disposed of incorrectly, these materials can cause landfill fires, harm aquatic life, destroy sensitive ecosystems, and pollute recreational sites and drinking water supplies.
The following items cannot be placed in your regular household garbage or recycling but can be brought to the following locations:
- Household hazardous wastes such as paint thinner, fuel and flammable liquids to Regional Recycling at Nesters.
- Broken electronics, batteries and wires to Regional Recycling at Nesters. The Re-Use-It Centre at Nesters also takes unwanted electronics in good condition.
- Used motor oil and antifreeze to local automotive shops that participate in the BCUOMA (BC Used Oil Management Association) program. Please check the BCUOMA website to see which shops are currently participating.
- Unused paint (non-commercial only) to Regional Recycling at Nesters. The Re-Build-It Centre takes cans that are a minimum of 3/4 full and less than one year old with a label.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at the Waste Transfer Station and Whistler Fire Rescue Service at 4315 Blackcomb Way in Whistler.
- Propane tanks including small green, Coleman tanks can be brought to the Whistler Waste Transfer Station.
- Cylinders containing compressed gas (such as fire extinguishers or bear spray) can be recycled as scrap metal if the containers are empty.
- Pool chemicals cannot be recycled in Whistler. Containers that once contained pool chemicals can be recycled in mixed containers however the containers must be rinsed out before disposal. Please contact your local pool store to determine how to deal with any leftover products.
Where does Whistler’s plastic recycling go?
Plastic recycling collected at Whistler’s waste depots is almost entirely recycled within British Columbia.
Whistler’s waste depots are managed by Recycle BC, which sends plastic accepted recycling to Merlin’s Plastics.
Recycle BC tracks the end market destination of collected materials carefully through traceable and accountable documentation. In 2019, 90 per cent of the material they collected was managed by recycling.
Learn more about where your accepted recycling goes at recyclebc.ca
Prevent recycling contamination
When materials are put in the wrong bins, all recycled material in that bin becomes contaminated. An example is when plastic lids are thrown into the glass bottle bin. Contaminated materials cannot be recycled and are sent to the landfill.
Prevent contamination:
- Sort recycling correctly into the labelled bins.
- Remove and discarding lids.
- Rinse all containers. Plastic recycling is a chemical process and food can interfere with the bonding and affect the end product.
- Flatten recycling
- Keep recycling loose. Do not stack or bag.
- Bag only clean plastic film into one bag or bundle only clean plastic film together.
- Tie individual plastic film bags into a knot.
Contact
Infrastructure Services
604-935-8190
zerowaste@whistler.ca
