This winter, expect to see new sustainability initiatives inside the Bogus Creek and Pioneer lodges, as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce Bogus Basin’s overall waste output. This spring and summer, the Sustainability and Stewardship team collaborated with sustainability teams at other mountains, local organizations, and our vendors to improve our existing waste diversion program. Keep reading for more information on what changes you can expect to see in your favorite lodge!
Less in the Landfill
Last season, Bogus Basin introduced compostable spoons, forks, and knives across all food outlets—and we’re expanding that effort. This year, most grab-and-go items will come in fully compostable containers, replacing traditional plastic packaging. Together, these changes will cut down significantly on the waste we send to the landfill each season and support a more sustainable mountain experience for everyone.
Compostable products coming to the lodge this season include:
- Beer cups
- Wine cups
- Cocktail cups
- Fountain Drink cups
- Silverware
- Plates
- To go containers
- Ramekins
This switch significantly reduces the amount of plastic that we send to the landfill each season.
Behind the Bins – Waste Diversion Tray racks
Introduced last season, the marked Recycling, Compost, and Landfill bins helped divert waste, but were fequently contaminated. This year, the Sustainability and Stewardship team has strengthened the effort with new Waste Diversion Tray Racks.
“Last year, we saw about 60% contamination in our compost waste stream. With this new system, we expect that number to drop close to zero.”
– Nate Collins
After you finish your meal in the Pioneer or Bogus Creek Lodge, simply place your food tray on one of the designated racks located throughout the lodges. From there, Bogus Basin staff and volunteers carefully sort every item into the correct waste stream — recycling, compost, and landfill. It’s a behind-the-scenes effort that makes a major difference.
This upgrade means the majority of food scraps, cups, and containers now end up exactly where they belong — staying out of the landfill and becoming compost instead.
Cleaner, Greener, and Ready for Winter
These new sustainability practices provide a smoother guest experience in our lodges. Instead of puzzling over what goes where, visitors can relax, enjoy their meal, and know that Bogus Basin’s team is taking care of the sorting for them.
Altogether, these changes are projected to increase Bogus Basin’s waste diversion rate in the lodges from around 10% to as much as 70% – a major stride toward our goal of operating sustainably every season. It’s one more example of how Bogus Basin’s community-powered mission continues to evolve – keeping the mountain experience cleaner, and more sustainable for generations to come.
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
