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Recycling Programs For Ski Resorts: 6 Sustainable Tips For The Slopes

Dylan • Jul 06, 2022

1. Needing A Solid Base

A waste audit is a critical tool for any business, but it is especially important for ski resorts. Not only do these businesses generate a large amount of waste, but they also rely heavily on natural resources. As a result, it is essential for ski resorts to have a thorough understanding of their waste management practices and to identify any opportunities for improvement. The first step in conducting a waste audit is to collect data. This data can be gathered through a variety of methods, including observations, surveys, and even trash pickups. Once the data has been collected, it should be analyzed to identify any trends or patterns. From there, recommendations can be made to improve the efficiency of the resort's waste management practices. Conducting a waste audit is a time-consuming process, but it is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring the financial stability of the business.


It is important to regularly audit your resort to ensure that you are properly recycling and disposing of waste. Begin by observing the waste collected in different areas, such as lift lines, public washrooms, and chalets. This will help you to understand the types of trash being generated at your resort. Once you have a clear understanding of the waste, you can identify the different recycling streams that your program should include. By properly recycling and disposing of waste, you will be able to reduce your environmental impact and create a more sustainable resort.

Ski Resort Slope

2. Visibility Is Key

Good visibility is important for recycling bins just like it is for an ideal ski run. This means that the bins and waste streams should be easy to spot and accessible. Consider placing recycling bins in areas of high foot traffic such as parking lots, the bottom and top of lift lines, and other areas where there are often large crowds of skiers and snowboarders. By making the recycling bins visible and accessible, it will be easier for people to recycle their waste and help to keep the environment clean.


The outdoor bins should be located at areas along the lift line that everyone can see and will pass on there way to and off the lift. By locating the recycle stations next to or close to Kleenex stations, skiers can grab a tissue, wipe their noses, and immediately toss it in the correct stream. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that is produced on the mountain and make it easier for skiers to participate in recycling. Additionally, this will create a more sustainable environment for future generations of skiers.

Ski Resort Chalet Waste Program

3. Checking Your Equipment

Any skier will tell you they’re only as good as their equipment and the same goes for effective recycling programs. The design and durability of recycling bins are very important for ski resorts where a majority of the units need to withstand the harsh, winter elements and altitude. Bin accessories like anchor kits are an ideal solution to guarantee your containers remain safe and grounded. Ski resorts need recycling bins that are heavy-duty and can handle being outdoors in all types of weather conditions. They also need to be big enough to handle the number of recyclables generated by the resort, but not so big that they’re cumbersome to move around. If a bin is too small, it will overflow quickly and become a nuisance. If it’s too big, it will be difficult to empty and transport. In addition to the right size, recycle bins also need to have lids to keep out wildlife and protect the contents from the elements. And finally, they need to be clearly labeled so guests know what can be recycled. With the right recycling bins in place, ski resorts can ensure their recycling programs are effective and efficient.


Sorting your waste correctly is crucial to the success of any recycling program. Unfortunately, when there is no recycling or compost bin conveniently located next to the garbage bin, people are more likely to just toss their waste into whatever bin is closest. This can lead to contamination of the recycling stream, as recyclable materials become mixed with garbage. This in turn decreases the overall quality of the recycled materials and makes it more difficult (and expensive) to process them properly. In some cases, contaminated materials may even end up in landfill instead of being recycled. To avoid these problems, it is important to ensure that there is a clearly designated recycling and compost bin next to every garbage bin. By making it easy for people to sort their waste properly, we can help increase the overall success of recycling programs.

Base Camp of Ski Resort

4. Don't Forget Après Ski

Recycling can be a bit of a tricky business. There are different rules for different materials, and it can be hard to keep track of everything. That's why it's important to have a consistent system in place. When everyone is on the same page, it makes it much easier to recycle correctly. 


One way to keep things consistent is to use the same colors for your recycling stream throughout the Chalet. This way, people will quickly learn which materials go in which bin. Another thing to keep in mind is the size and shape of the openings on the bins. Make sure they're big enough to accommodate the items you're collecting. For example, in the cafeteria, you may need to collect compostable plates, cutlery, and clam shells. So the openings need to be large enough to accommodate these items. By following these simple tips, you can help make recycling easier for everyone involved.

Waste management is important at restaurants at the base camp.

5. Communicating The Plan

As a resort owner, you are always looking for ways to improve your establishment and make it more sustainable. A great way to do this is to start a recycling program! By working with your staff and vendors, you can make sure that everyone is on board with the program and understands the importance of recycling. You can also work with your supply chain to reduce the amount of waste being brought into the resort. And, of course, don't forget to communicate your goals to your guests! By educating them about your sustainability initiatives, you'll not only be doing your part to help the environment, but you'll also be making your resort more attractive to eco-conscious travelers.


When it comes to running a successful resort, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important is ensuring that the businesses on-site, such as cafeterias, shops, and restaurants, are well-stocked with the supplies they need. This includes finding the right suppliers, establishing efficient processes, and choosing products that will meet the needs of guests.


When it comes to food containers and plastic bags, switching to biodegradable or organic options can be a great way to reduce your environmental impact. These products will break down more quickly and won't pollute the ground or water supply. Plus, guests will appreciate your efforts to be more eco-friendly. Making this switch can be a win-win for your resort.

6. Snowball Your Program

Ski resorts generate a lot of waste, much of it paper products like tickets and trail maps. You can help reduce the amount of paper waste at ski resorts by opting for mobile tickets instead of printed tickets. Many ski resorts now offer mobile tickets that can be stored on your phone or another mobile device. This helps to reduce paper waste and makes it more convenient for you to keep track of your tickets. You can also help reduce paper waste by using air dryers in all the washrooms or switching to compostable paper towels. If the ski resort has disposable cups, dishes, and cutlery in the cafeteria, ask them to switch to reusable dishes that can be washed and reused. You can also speak to a representative from Waste Cost Solutions about food service bins that can be designed to include a tray holder or shelving for reusable plates and dirty dishes. Finally, start a trail map take-back program so that trail maps for the slopes can be recycled and reused at the end of the day. By taking these steps, you can help reduce paper waste at ski resorts and make a positive impact on the environment.

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