Zero Action Plan focuses on practical strategies and actions to reduce waste generated by residents, visitors and business sectors

August 19, 2021: Whistler, B.C. – Whistler has a new plan to guide how the community can take action to reduce waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

At the regular council on Tuesday, August 17, Whistler Council endorsed the new Whistler Zero Waste Action Plan 2021-2016.

Zero waste is defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance as “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”

The updated plan was developed under the guidance of the Zero Waste Select Committee of Council and replaces the outdated 2013 Zero Waste Plan.  The guiding document includes new strategies and actions that apply to all waste generators in the community, in addition to establishing community targets:

• 80% reduction in landfill waste by volume and weight from 2019 levels by 2030;
• Per capita landfill waste generation rate consistently below 350kg per person per year by 2025;
• 95% reduction from 2007 levels in waste sector GHG emissions by 2030 (CECAP Big Move #6);
• Zero contamination of all waste streams by 2030; and
• 95% of organic waste diverted from landfill by 2030.

Despite waste reduction efforts waste diversion rates have been hovering around 40 per cent over the last five years, and compostables still accounted for over 40 per cent of the landfill waste.
“We have no choice but to do better.  Everyone single of us has an important role in reaching our community targets,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “I look forward to implementing the actions of the Zero Action Plan as both a policy maker and a citizen of Whistler. I challenge our community members to review the plan and commit to one Zero Waste action for the rest of 2021. Whether it’s choosing more sustainable building materials or composting food waste, it moves us towards our community targets.”

It is expected that the Whistler Zero Waste Action Plan will be reviewed and updated every five years to ensure it continues to align with community needs.

To learn more about the Zero Waste Strategy, visit whistler.ca/ZeroWastePlan.