Zero Waste Events
Learn more about zero waste events in Central Oregon.
Living in Central Oregon, we take our fun pretty seriously! With the myriad of events, festivals, races, and fundraisers, it's enough to keep one busy year round. Events can generate large amounts of garbage - envision the trash cans piling up with paper plates, disposable cups, cans and bottles. That's why reducing waste at events can have a pretty significant impact on our environment. Fortunately there is a way to minimize what goes to the landfill at events.
Local garbage collectors in Bend and Redmond are now offering great services to reduce waste at local events. Events can collect recycling and composting. The composting is then taken to Deschutes Recycling where it is mixed in with yard debris and composted.
Check out our Zero Waste Events Planning Guide.
Tips for Planning a Zero Waste Event
All of the waste at your event can be classified into three categories:
- Recycling. This includes the things like plastic bottles, cans, and most types of paper.
- Composting. You can compost all food and drink and compostable food ware. Compostable food ware is the stuff made from plant based substances such as corn and potato starch.
- Garbage. Generally, it's whatever is left over, such as food, non-recyclable plastic, and other items.
Some keys to a successful Zero Waste Event include:
- 100% participation from vendors. For the compostable food ware, it is imperative that your vendors purchase appropriate supplies and have all compostable food ware.
- Biodegradable vs. Compostable. Biodegradable means
that a product will eventually break down, but not within a
specified amount of time. Compostable means that a product can be
composted in a large scale composting facility. Be sure all products
are labeled "compostable".
- Early Communication. Communicating with your garbage collection service early on to let them know what receptacles you will need for service.
- Waste Stations. Setting up your "waste stations" in good locations and removing or covering all stand alone trash cans helps identify where people are to take their waste.
- Committed "Waste Station" Attendants. Having enthusiastic staff or volunteers at the waste stations is critical! This helps event goers learn about zero waste and ensures that the right things are going in the right receptacles.
Contact us at 541-385-6908 x14 if you need help with planning a Zero Waste Event!
