At Parkside Hotel & Spa in downtown Victoria, sustainability isn’t just a statement…it’s a system. The hotel has achieved 94% waste diversion from landfill, becoming a model for how the hospitality industry can align luxury with environmental responsibility. Their success story highlights the crucial role of certified compostable bags, composting infrastructure, and thoughtful guest engagement in achieving world-class sustainability certifications.
Why Certified Compostable Bags Matter
Unlike conventional plastic liners, EcoSafe compostable bags are designed for real-world performance in industrial composting facilities. They’re made from renewable materials such as PLA plant-based plastic and PBAT compostable polymer, allowing them to break down at the same rate as food scraps without leaving behind harmful residues or microplastics. This is a major advantage in the compostable vs biodegradable debate.
At Parkside, switching to visible countertop bins lined with certified compostable liners increased guest participation dramatically. The green colour served as a behavioural cue, making composting intuitive and contamination-free. Paired with a local commercial composting system that accepts EcoSafe certified compostable film products, the hotel ensured every food scrap and liner completed the cycle…from plate to soil!
In this video, Sammy chats with Trina, the General Manager of Parkside Hotel & Spa, to talk about their sustainability journey, their carbon neutralist, Biosphere, and Beyond Green certifications, and the systems that helped them reach 94% waste diversion.
Beyond Waste Diversion: Closing the Loop
Using compostable plastic alternatives isn’t just about waste reduction, it’s about designing circular packaging systems that support sustainable waste management. When hotels adopt EcoSafe compostable solutions, they not only protect their brand integrity but also comply with evolving EPR compostable packaging and composting policy and legislation across North America. These programs, guided by Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification and Compost Manufacturing Alliance standards, ensure products are tested, verified, and trusted by composters.
Want to See Behind the Scenes?
Ever wondered what a hotel’s zero-waste operation actually looks like?
👉 Want to see behind the scenes in Parkside’s waste room? Here’s a quick glimpse.
We’ll take you inside their sorting waste room, where clear signage keeps contamination low, and composting becomes second nature. Watch how thoughtful systems, colour-coded bins, and staff training come together to achieve 94% waste diversion in action.
Hot Hotel Tips for Cleaner Composting
If you’re a hotel looking to start or refine your composting program, here are a few tried-and-true strategies inspired by Parkside’s success:
🗑️ Keep the compost bin on the counter. Don’t hide it under the sink with garbage and recycling - visibility drives participation.
♻️ Stock custodial carts with the right supplies. Ensure every cart has a roll of 16x17 EcoSafe compostable bags for the kitchen bin.
💚 Face the green stripe forward. Place the EcoSafe green stripe on the front of the bin for easy identification and clear visual cues.
🧺 Set up a collection bin on custodial carts. This makes it easy for staff to bring food scraps and liners down to the waste room efficiently.
✂️ Repurpose materials. Parkside sews its custodial cart collection bags from re-used linen and old shower curtains, proving that nearly everything in a hotel can be given a second life.
Small details like these make a big difference. When composting systems are simple, visible, and consistent, participation soars and contamination drops.
Leading the Way with EcoSafe Zero Waste
Parkside’s achievement shows what’s possible when hotels align their operations with planet-positive systems. By choosing EcoSafe Zero Waste compostable bags, they demonstrated that a commitment to sustainability can coexist with high guest standards and even strengthen a hotel’s brand reputation.
EcoSafe is proud to partner with hospitality leaders pursuing the next generation of sustainable waste management. Together, we’re proving that composting isn’t just an environmental choice, it’s a business advantage
Ready to Start?
Hotels across North America are switching to EcoSafe compostable bags and liners. Contact your janitorial distributor today and get connected to EcoSafe’s expert advice, product demos, staff training, and access to the industry’s best certified compostable film products, everything you need to launch a clean, successful hotel composting program today.