Quick Guide: for hosting a zero waste event

​Take Control of Your Waste Stream
Recycling at events doesn’t have to be challenging, but it does require some planning. Follow these basic tips for starters:
  • Recyclables must be free of food residue, but rinsing containers is often not an option. 
  • Vendors: Consider requiring or incentivising vendors to reduce or eliminate disposable dishware and flat ware (serve on napkins or with tooth picks).
  • Provide a list of approved products that fit with recycling and composting guidelines to vendors.
  • Our recyclers do not accept plastic bags for recycling, so if you are collecting recyclables in plastic bags, remember to empty the bags into the roll-off provided by your hauler before you can send the materials for processing. Remember: DO NOT BAG RECYCLABLES.
  • Reduce Waste: Smaller events may choose reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, and packaging when possible. Consider renting plates and utensils, or purchasing them cheaply at thrift stores. Recruit a dish-washing team (Other suggestions: See Local Options for resources).
  • Plan ahead: If it is not possible to use reusable items, choose recyclable containers (Central Vermont does not yet currently accept compostable containers) - or minimally packaged goods instead. Assess what waste and how much your event will create.
  • Reduce confusion: Keep signage consistent and if possible use actual images of the containers to be recycled. Aim for consistency with the containers you provide (one type of cup, one type of plate, etc), as well as the bins you use (same 3 bins, same order, same signage).
  • Find a Hauler. Click Here for a list of Vermont Haulers
  • Create “sorting stations” with one recycling bin, one compost container and one trash can at each. This makes it easy for guests to sort their materials properly.  Use signage and color to create clear indicators as to which bins are used for each item. 
  • How Many Bins?? Have at least one sorting station for every 25 people.  Don’t forget to count staff, vendors, and volunteers. Don't have bins??? Borrow them from us!
  • Inform Your Team: Confirm what can and cannot be recycled or composted and communicate it with everybody involved in the event, including vendors and attendees.  Even better, have your own event staff and/or volunteers become trained as Waste Warriors!  Provide FAQ’s for volunteers if/and when asked about your events waste flows.
  • Follow Through: Assigning a volunteer to monitor stations to assist people in knowing which bins to use for what, and keep on top of emptying them as needed.  Monitoring helps increase awareness while also preventing contamination.     (contamination = more contamination).
  • Educate your attendees: Make sure the recycling and composting options are promoted and clearly marked during the event to encourage proper use of all the containers. Provide educational information for “Why Zero Waste?” (see *link* for some informational/marketing suggestions). Tell them before and during the event you are aiming for a Zero Waste event. Tell them afterwards how successful you were!
Need more info?? Check out our Full Zero Waste Guide, you can download a pdf version.