Sustainable Filming Practices

One of the main reasons why Squamish is so popular for filming is because of its beautiful natural environment.  We work hard to protect our environment and look to each production that visits our community to do the same.

All productions must comply with District bylaws and policies including waste diversion and wildlife attractants, and ensure they follow Reel Green best practices as developed by Creative BC.

Waste Diversion


The District of Squamish is committed to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our landfill and consequently requires that film productions make all reasonable efforts to ensure crews Reduce, Reuse, and/or Recycle waste when in Squamish. 

  • REDUCE waste by not generating in the first place, e.g. use reusable cutlery, plates and cups rather than disposable items
  • REUSE materials, e.g. plan to reuse them on future productions. Take unwanted lumber to a local recycling centre such as the Squamish ReBuild Society.
  • RECYCLE, to use a material to make a product of some value. Donate materials to the Squamish Arts Council for artisans to recover and re-purpose as local art projects. 

Wildlife Attractants

Squamish is a Bear Smart certified community and has a Wildlife Attractant Bylaw that provides oversight for the management of waste in an effort to protect our wildlife and our residents.

We appreciate your crew's efforts in keeping wildlife and our community safe. Please remember the following :

  • All refuse containers must be bear resistant. You have the option of leasing a bear resistant dumpster or a bear resistant tote or storing refuse within a wildlife resistant enclosure. The bear resistant totes are mobile and can be moved to locations that best catch the waste stream. Dumpsters are for larger volumes of refuse. All refuse containers must be locked at all times.
  • Refuse containers that are not bear resistant are NOT allowed within the District of Squamish and are in contravention of the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw (visit www.squamish.ca/bylaws).
  • Any compost must be contained within a bear resistant container.
  • Any cooking grease must be contained with a bear resistant container.

Creative BC Reel Green 

Creative BC Reel Green Logo3

Developed by Creative BC, Reel Green provides tools and information for film companies and individuals wishing to become more environmentally responsible in carrying out the business of motion picture production.

Already known as a ‘green’ industry sector, BC’s motion picture production community understands that a light footprint on our environment means a longer life for our natural resources and a longer welcome in BC communities. The District of Squamish believes there is more that can be done to make filming activities green and Reel Green captures a grassroots movement within the industry to do just that. 

When Filming In Squamish

There are many basic things that everyone can do, regardless of which department they work. Location Managers are responsible for ensuring the following when filming in Squamish:

  • Ensure the set is equipped with recycling facilities
  • Ensure all crew members are aware of environmental standards for the production
  • Where possible minimize the use of disposable items
  • Buy environmentally friendly products with recycled content
  • Use environmentally responsible cleaning products on location
  • If composting is available, provide food waste bins for use on set
  • Provide facilities for the disposal of chewing gum and provide butt buckets or personal/pocket ashtrays for cast and crew
  • Familiarize staff regarding the Code of Conduct for Filming in BC
  • Identify any unique guidelines or regulations associated with the location including local, provincial and First Nations protocols
  • Identify potential environmental impacts when assessing film locations for health and safety risks
  • Include environmental protection control measures in call sheets to raise awareness among cast and crew
  • Use spill kits and storm water drain covers as part of the standard equipment for working on location

This Be Reel Green video highlights Reel Green's mission and community building resources and presents the top ten tips for reducing a film production's environmental footprint. 

Catering & Craft Service:

  • Encourage the use of reusable cutlery, plates and cups rather than using disposable items
  • Buy organic and locally grown food to help offset greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with the transportation of food
  • Apply fair trade principles when selecting imported food products e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas
  • Ensure that recycling facilities are available on location, for plastic, glass, cans and metals
  • Use lunch locations as places to post and inform cast and crew of good environmental practices
  • Encourage the use of personal travel mugs to discourage the consumption of disposable waxed paper cups
  • Dispose of liquid wastes at approved disposal sites; DO NOT use storm drains

For more information on best practices and a list of environmentally responsible service and supply companies, visit Creative BC's website.

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