A Zero Waste event is not accomplished by merely adding recycling and compost bins. The key to a Zero Waste event is careful planning so that all materials used and discarded are reusable, recyclable or compostable. By incorporating Zero Waste into the beginning stages of your event, it becomes quite easy to achieve this fundamental change in resource consumption. Zero Waste events are also educational opportunities where attendees can experience a microcosm of a Zero Waste world. For mid-size events (200-1,000 attendees), Eco-Cycle provides you with planning assistance, guidance, education and resources to coordinate a Zero Waste event on your own!
1. Make a financial commitment to rent the Zero Waste Stations. Please see the Pricing Guidelines to determine if your budget will cover the associated costs.
2. Ensure that all materials distributed at the event are compostable, recyclable or reusable. View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items. Food vendors are key to the success of your Zero Waste event because they are the main source of waste. To clearly communicate the Zero Waste requirements to food vendors, include a copy of the 100% Zero Waste Materials Agreement with the vendor application. All vendors must sign and return the 100% Zero Waste Materials Agreement to Eco-Cycle at least one week prior to the event. Once all the agreements are returned, the reservation will be secured.
3. Provide Zero Waste recognition for the event. Eco-Cycle will provide you with a copy of the Zero Waste Event logo and a link to Eco-Cycle's website. All promotional materials must include the Zero Waste Event logo. Please do not modify the event logo. A link to Eco-Cycle's website must be included on the event website.
4. Have access to a spacious vehicle for transportation of collection containers and contents. You will need to schedule a pick-up and drop-off time for rented collection containers prior to the event. The containers must be picked up from and returned to Eco-Cycle's Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following the event, compost must also be brought to the CHaRM facility. For larger events (upwards of 1,000 people), planners may want to consider renting a moving truck to transport the compostables and recyclables. You may take recyclables to any of the drop-off centers in Boulder or Broomfield Counties. Compostable materials must be returned to the CHaRM facility during its business hours.
5. Provide trash service for the event. Eco-Cycle does not provide trash service, so you will need to make arrangements for trash with another company or opt to self-haul your trash to the local transfer station or landfill.
6. Designate a Zero Waste coordinator for the event. This person will work with Eco-Cycle to ensure participation toward Zero Waste by all involved parties and educate other event workers and volunteers. Volunteers are essential for educating the public and preventing collection bin contamination, especially at larger events.
7. Commit to a collection sort at the end. When the materials are returned to CHaRM, you will need to participate in a brief waste sort with a staff member. The total number of compost, recycling and trash bags generated at the event must be reported.
Not sure if this service is right for your event? Eco-Cycle offers a variety of Zero Waste Event Services for everything from
backyard barbeques and workplace meetings to large street festivals. Check out our service offerings and find what works for you.
See a list of Zero Waste community events.
