Organic Waste Solutions for Businesses
In BC alone, food retailers and service businesses lose about $1.3 billion worth of food each year. In Whistler, 12.5% of food discarded by businesses is still edible—food that could have been consumed, donated, or discounted– and 27% of commercial waste could have been composted instead of landfilled.
When food goes to landfill, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Instead, it can be converted into nutrient-rich soil via composting, and used as a fertilizer in local gardening, landscaping and agriculture.
Our goal is to reduce organic waste to landfill in Whistler by 5% by the end of the year, by engaging with local businesses to reduce food waste and ensure all unavoidable food waste is separated correctly for collection.
Plus, Whistler’s Solid Waste Bylaw requires food businesses to separate organic waste for composting. We can help you ensure your business is compliant.
Reducing food waste not only helps the environment, but it also improves your bottom line—putting your business ahead in the long run.
Support for Food Businesses
AWARE offers free, hands-on support to help Whistler’s food businesses track and reduce food waste and improve organic waste separation.
- Resources and Toolkits: Practical guides tailored to hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores on food waste prevention and composting best practices.
- Tailored Support: On-site consultations, audits, and action plans to meet bylaw requirements and improve waste systems.
- Workshops and Training: Engaging training sessions and materials to educate and empower staff to maximize waste diversion.
Why Get Involved?
- Cost savings: Reducing food waste and separating correctly can improve inventory and kitchen efficiency, and lower waste disposal fees.
- Bylaw compliance: We provide the tools and guidance to meet Whistler’s organic waste separation requirements.
- Enhanced reputation: Sustainability is a growing priority for visitors and locals alike. Businesses that demonstrate leadership in actively reduce waste and promoting sustainable practices can build stronger customer loyalty and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
- Free promotion for businesses involved in the campaign as they are featured in AWARE’s case studies, and promotional materials.
- It’s simple and scalable. You don’t need a huge team to make a big impact.
Let’s Collaborate
Stay Informed
- Join Our Email Community | Each month, get food waste tips, stories, and highlights.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | Get campaign updates as they unfold.
- Resources | Dig deeper into reducing food waste. Plan meals, store food right, and get creative with leftovers.
- Learn more about the campaign here.