|
|
|
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:
RECYCLING GUIDELINES
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 recycling/garbage service provider for assistance in selecting appropriate recycling and trash containers for your event.
- If the facility cannot accommodate the additional materials generated at 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 where the recycling containers will be located and who will be using them (public or staff). There is a variety of equipment available: including carts, bins, and large boxes.
- Determine who will be emptying the recycling and trash containers at the event – be sure to communicate with them so you can address any concerns in the planning stages and not on the day of the event. Free recycling trainings for event staff are available – call the Napa County Dept. of Environmental Management at (707) 253-4471 for details.
|
 | - Always place recycling containers alongside 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, try to use clear for recycling and black for trash for easy identification. Never use dark bags for recyclables.
- 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 placed around the venue, live stage announcements, flags, messages in event programs) help reinforce the recycling message.
- Make sure ample recycling containers are placed near high volume areas: bars, kitchens, food bussing areas, food stalls, etc.
- Work with the cleanup staff – let them know about the program and listen to suggestions.
- Make sure trash cans are emptied regularly and don’t overflow – this can cause guests and staff to start using the available recycling containers for trash.
|
Zero waste success stories: The 2010 Earth Day Festival in downtown Napa recycled or composted 93% of the event waste and generated only 60 lbs. of garbage! At the 2009 Town and Country Fair, NRWS collected 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. And, the Think Green-World Music Festival came even closer to "zero" by recycling and composting one ton of sustainable discards.
-------------------------------------------------------------
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 products: check the directory here.
Sustainable special event products: check with your local distributer or look online. Online options include: www.greenhome.com, www.greenearthofficesupply.com, www.excellentpackaging.com, www.worldcentric.org
If your event included 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 recycling in the blue bins. Better yet...consider using real glassware instead of disposable cups.
Interested in a Zero Waste event? Try composting your food waste!
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 corn plastic products instead of plastic or Styrofoam – check out the event product links above.
Email us for more information on how to successfully implement composting collection at your event.
|
Did you know?
NRWS composted over 2000 lbs. of crab shells from 2010 Napa Crab Feeds!
 Special event food scraps are mixed with yardwaste and composted at our Napa facility.
|
|
|
|
