Event Hosts
Central Oregon is filled with so many fun events, but let’s face it: all those events create a lot of waste.
Event organizers can reduce a lot of waste from the get-go with some extra planning and forethought, and we’re here to help you.
Ready for a low (or zero) waste event? Here's what you need to know:
Download our full Zero-Waste Event Guide!
We put together some best practices related to events, including: volunteer roles, composting, working with vendors, education and promotion, and more!
*Updated guide coming soon.
Make sure you have excellent signage
We have downloadable signage and bin labels available to help clarify what goes in and what stays out.
Check out our printable signage on our Signage page.
Borrow our Waste Station banner
We have FREE weatherproof signage and infrastructure to hang them over your collection carts good for indoor or outdoor occasions. Increase visibility and decrease contamination!
You may have seen our waste station at Earth Day, 4 Peaks, Rubbish Renewed, or Worthy Brewing’s 4th of July party, among others!
Contact Udara@envirocenter.org.
Switch to reusables instead of disposables
- Ask attendees to bring their own reusable containers, cups, and utensils.
- Consider borrowing or renting plates, cups, utensils, etc. The Environmental Center currently rents out reusable dishware kits for FREE!
- Bend Party Rentals is another great place to check out reusable dishware.
Learn to compost correctly
How do I compost food waste at my event?
- Cascade Disposal and Republic Services both have commercial composting options. Reach out to them for more information!
- If it’s a small event, consider your personal yard debris bin, which now accepts all wasted food.
Can't I just use compostable single-use dishware and utensils?
The topic of compostable cups, plates, and utensils is complicated. While it sounds like a great idea, the truth is that through lifecycle analysis, we find that compostable foodware has a much larger footprint than traditional plastics. Additionally, while plant-based, this material is ONLY compostable in a specific environment, which makes it confusing. Especially since a plastic cup and a compostable plastic cup are often virtually identical. Especially after a few beers.
We at The Environmental Center strongly encourage you to find a way to use reusable rather than to buy disposable.
For more information about compostables, check out this thorough report from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.