Zero Waste Heroes
Social Enterprise / Event Waste Prevention & Management Service
Since 1989, AWARE has led sustainability in Whistler, starting with outfitting the municipality’s recycling program, and today we continue to drive waste reduction and environmental stewardship through our Zero Waste Heroes program, helping events achieve their zero waste goals.
The Challenge
Events bring people together, but they can also generate significant waste and environmental impacts. Every product and service has a footprint, from production to disposal. As attendees increasingly value sustainability, effective waste management helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and create more environmentally responsible events.
Leading the Way to Zero Waste events
We approach waste management by focusing on every level of the waste hierarchy, prioritizing waste prevention and reduction first, then diversion, and finally disposal as a last resort. AWARE is committed to creating a sustainable, climate-resilient community, and our Zero Waste Heroes service is designed to help your organization minimze your environmental. Our tailored services can include:
- Planning to identify waste reduction opportunities and guide your team on sustainable material choices
- Execution with on-site waste stations with trained staff to ensure proper sorting of recycling, composting, and landfill waste
- Evalution of waste diversion and impact
By integrating this program into your event, you have the opportunity to:
- Minimize waste and reduce your environmental impact
- Save money by using our expert pre-event waste reduction planning
- Partner with our environmental charity, aligning your brand with a cause that reflects your commitment to sustainability
- Educate attendees, driving positive behavioural change within the community
- Support AWARE’s ongoing sustainability efforts—all funds raised contribute directly to local environmental protection.
Why Choose Zero Waste Heroes
Social Enterprise
As a social enterprise, 100% of profits from ZWH services are reinvested in environmental initiatives that strengthen and support our local community.
Sector Leaders
With over 12 years of experience, ZWH achieves an average waste diversion rate of 83%, backed by rigorous quality control that minimizes contamination.
Subject Matter Experts
Our trained ZWH team engages attendees in meaningful waste conversations. In 2025 alone, we connected with 3,000+ people and served over 23,000.
Tailored Service
Every event has unique needs and goals. We work closely with you to create a tailored service that aligns with your aspirations, values, priorities and budget.
Zero Waste Heroes Impact
In 2025 Zero Waste Heroes had a 83% average waste diversion
In 2025 Zero Waste Heroes donated 1,416 lbs of refundables to Whistler Community Social Services
In 2025 Zero Waste Heroes kept 10,478 lbs of waste out of landfills
In 2025 we had 929 tracked conversations educating the public on waste management
FAQ
What kind of waste can this service collect?
AWARE can collect a variety of waste streams in line with Recycle BC guidelines, partnering with local waste haulers to ensure compliance with regional standards. Commonly collected materials include:
- Food Scraps & Organics
- Containers
- Bottles & Cans
- Flexible Plastics
- Paper
- Landfill Waste (as a last resort)
We tailor the waste streams to your event’s needs, ensuring we capture the highest diversion rates possible.
What support do you provide during and after the event?
We work with event organisers to tailor our pre- and post-event support to your needs. The earlier we are involved, the greater the impact we can have on your event’s waste diversion rate.
Before your event, we can:
- Work with vendors to reduce and control the materials brought into the event space.
- Support the development and submission of permitting plans to meet solid waste bylaws.
- Provide communications and guidance for attendees on how they can help make the event more sustainable.
After your event, we provide:
- Detailed waste data and analysis to help you understand your event’s waste footprint.
- Insights to identify opportunities for improvement and increase diversion year on year.
- Transparent reporting to help you demonstrate your sustainability efforts to stakeholders and tell your event’s sustainability story.
Do you provide bins and signage for waste stations?
Yes, we provide all necessary waste bins and signage for your event’s waste stations across the event grounds. Our team will ensure the stations are clearly marked, making it easy for guests to sort their waste correctly. However, while we can collect and manage the waste during the event, final waste disposal may require additional bins rented from a local waste hauler, depending on the size and needs of your event.
Is there a minimum or maximum event size for your service?
We aim to support events of all sizes, from small ongoing community-based events to large-scale festivals that draw the international community. Our team tailors the service to meet your specific needs and provides the right level of support based on the size and complexity of your event. Please reach out to discuss your event’s details, and we’ll work with you to determine how we can best assist.
Can you help if my event is outside the Whistler area?
While our primary service area is Whistler, we’re excited to announce that, thanks to the addition of an electric van (made possible by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation), we can now support events across the Sea-to-Sky corridor and beyond.
Why should I choose Zero Waste Heroes for my event?
Zero Waste Heroes is a social enterprise and any profits generated go directly to supporting AWARE’s work on Climate Action, Circular Economy and Conservation within the Sea-to-Sky region. We provide a professional, high-quality service helping you to minimize the waste footprint of your event.
Impact & Success Stories
We’ve partnered up with a lot of large scale events and supported them in minimizing their environmental impact. We track the data with the hopes of bettering all of our efforts each and every time.
Zero Waste Heroes x Inside Scoop 2026
How trade show events can achieve exceptional waste diversion scores when businesses work together.
Zero Waste Heroes x Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Clean Up
Recently, our Zero Waste Heroes supported Whistler Blackcomb with something a little different. While the Zero Waste Heroes program typically provides waste management and education at events, this time we were on the mountain for…
Zero Waste Heroes at John Summit Experts Only Weekend
The Zero Waste Heroes partnered with the MRG Group for the John Summit Experts Only Weekend, the biggest music festival to be hosted in Whistler. Over 13,000 people enjoyed the events and AWARE was there…