Special events provide a great opportunity to recycle. Efforts are appreciated by both your guests and staff.
Once you learn the basics, you’ll see how EASY it is to make it a ZERO WASTE event!

Click here for signs to use at your event:
 

PLAN AHEAD - Include recycling from the start of the event planning process.

Check with the facility to verify existing trash and recycling services.  If these services will not meet your needs, contact your service provider for assistance in selecting appropriate recycling and trash containers for your event.  Order extra service at least several weeks in advance. Advanced notification to vendors and/or caterers is important. A message with instructions about recycling at the event should be included in your written event communications. Think about the location of the containers and who will be using them (public or staff) so you can place them appropriately. There is a variety of equipment available: including carts, bins, and large boxes. Identify who will be emptying the recycling and trash containers at the event.  Communicate with them to determine what needs to be done from set-up to closing to achieve successful recycling.  This is part of planning for the event and should not be done on the day of the event.  NRWS/NCRWS offers free recycling trainings for event staff – call for details.

EVENT SETUP

Always pair recycling containers with trash containers - neither should EVER be alone, since a lone recycling container will just fill up with trash, and visa versa! Lidded containers with restricted openings work best for recycling since this discourages trash. Recycling and trash containers should be different colors (blue for recycling).  If bags are used, use clear for recycling and another color for trash for easy identification.  Never use dark bags for recyclables because recycling facilities consider anything in a dark bag trash. Proper signage on all containers is Key (print out sample signs above). It should be clear what items can be recycled - use graphics and provide bilingual information whenever possible.    Reminders (signs posted at the venue, live stage announcements, messages in event programs or promotional materials) help reinforce the recycling message. Make sure ample recycling containers are placed near high volume areas: bars, kitchens, food bussing areas, food stalls, etc. Remind staff and/or volunteers of duties – particularly the cleanup crew.  A day of great recycling efforts can be obliterated if the cleanup crew has not been trained.  If you are not able to recruit volunteers for cleanup, paying for assistance during this critical time is a worthwhile investment. Make sure trash cans are emptied regularly.  If trash cans overflow, guests and staff will start using the available recycling containers for trash.

Each event is different.  Use these tips as an outline to begin building a successful recycling program.

Zero waste success stories:  The 2011 Earth Day and Fourth of July Festivals in downtown Napa both recycled or composted over 90% of the event waste and generated only a few bags of garbage!  At the annual Napa Town and Country Fair each August, NRWS collects over 80 tons of recyclable and compostable materials - 4/5 of the total material generated at the event!  Many downtown Napa events, including Chef's Market, are now Zero Waste events.  

 
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REASONS TO RECYCLE

• Special events typically produce a lot of waste…which can lead to unexpectedly huge garbage bills.  Recycling can save you money - there is always a charge for trash collection, while recycling service is provided free of charge.
• State and County policies require recycling at large events.
• Your guests notice and appreciate it – recycling is good PR!
• By recycling, you save valuable resources, conserve energy and reduce pollution.
• Increasingly, corporations and agencies give preference to “green practices” when shopping for event locations and service providers.  

RESOURCES
www.bottlesandcans.com:  free information and supplies from CalRecycle
Purchase your own recycling containers:  Office supply stores carry a wide selection, or check www.crra.com/vserc/vendors.html for a list of container vendors.
Food donations:  Napa Valley Food Bank - (707) 253-6128 (the Good Samaritan Law protects you by limiting food donor liability).  Click here for more options.
Buy recycled-content products: check the directory here.
Buy compostable products:  check with you local restaurant supply distributer or look online.  Online options include:  www.greenhome.com, www.greenearthofficesupply.com, www.excellentpackaging.com, www.worldcentric.org, www.greenisgreeninc.com
 

                                                                               

Zero Waste Event Tip:  If your event includes food composting collection, you can use compostable cups – they look and perform just like plastic...but they're made of corn instead.  Buy them at local stores or one of the sites listed above.  For other events, use clear PET(#1) plastic cups, which can be recycled in the blue bins.  Better yet...consider using real glassware instead of disposable cups.

Interested in a Zero Waste event?  Try food composting! NRWS/NCRWS can provide collection services for food scraps, soiled paper, and compostable products…turn your event waste into compost instead of sending it to the landfill! Use compostable paper or bio-plastic products instead of Styrofoam or petroleum-based plastics – check out the event product links above.   Email us for more tips on how to successfully implement composting collection at your event.

Did you know?
NRWS composts over 2000 lbs. of crab shells from Napa Crab Feeds each winter!

Special event food scraps are mixed with yardwaste and composted at our Napa facility.