Toward Zero Waste: Event Planning Guide
Planning a Zero Waste Event
Step 1: Venue
Does your venue have a kitchen to set-up the event and wash dishes?
YES: You can order reusable supplies from RE Sources or rent supplies from event supply businesses. See Green Event Supplies listing
NO: You will want to use compostable supplies. See Green Event Supplies listing
Does the venue have food waste and recycling already set-up?
YES: Make sure to provide signs for your event. See Resources listing
NO: Contact Sanitary Service Company to order container and food waste recycling. Call 360-398-2025 or go to their website.
Step 2: Food
Using a caterer? See caterers listing
YES: Make sure they use minimal packaging and produce minimal waste through their services.
NO: Choose food with minimal packaging (i.e. sandwich platters, bowls of salad and veggies, pitchers for water and beverages).
Avoid bottled water, prepackaged sandwiches and anything in styrofoam.
Step 3: Utensils See Green Event Supplies listing
Reusable plates and utensils are a great option. Make sure you have a place to wash dishware.
Cloth napkins help reduce waste.
Compostable utensils, dishes, and napkins can make your event waste free. Purchase post consumer paper products when available.
Step 4: Setting up the Event
- Take all garbage bins out of the facility or area of the event.
- Set up the 60 gallon FoodPlus! toter and container recycling in easily accessible areas.
- Make sure the recycling bins are the easiest to access and if the garbage (landfill) bins need to be inside make it a bit more difficult to get to, this will encourage recycling and discourage lazy garbage use.
- Post signs on or above the recycle area so people know where to go.
- Tape common waste items on the proper bin to give people a quick visual example.
- Monitor the bins (volunteers can be very useful).
During the Event
When you are announcing housekeeping details for the event, make sure to announce that the event is Zero Waste, what that means and what is expected of participants.
Vendors
Before the event discuss the details of a Zero Waste event with your vendors. Make sure they are bringing reusable, recyclable or compostable materials. If not, you can encourage them to purchase comporatble items from local vendors or choose to go with a vendor who will truly stick to the Zero Waste event structure.
Example Event
To see a large event at a convention center go Toward Zero Waste, watch this short video clip.
To see Bellingham Civic Field go Toward Zero Waste, watch this short video clip http://cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/environment/towards-zero-waste.aspx.
