Special Events:
There is a lot party planners can do to prevent waste at private and public events.
Planning a waste-free event
Choose reusable plates, utensils, cups and packaging whenever possible.
- If it is not possible to use reusable items, choose recyclable or compostable containers or minimally packaged goods instead.
- Confirm what can and cannot be recycled or composted and communicate it with everybody involved in the event, including vendors and attendees.
- 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.
- Make sure the recycling and composting options are promoted and clearly marked during the event to encourage proper use of all the containers.
- Plan ahead, and if needed, hire pick-up services for proper collection and disposal of recycling, trash, and food scraps.
- Staff waste stations with trained volunteers.
Contact us at 674-4474 if you have questions or would like to work with our Outreach and Education Coordinator.
Print 8 1/2″ x 11″ COMPOST sign for events.
Print 8 1/2″ x 11″ RECYCLE sign for events.
Print 8 1/2″ x 11″ TRASH sign for events.
Borrow containers for events:
SWWCSWMD will lend free recycling containers plus one bag per container, to make your next local event near zero-waste. (For short-term events only. If you need containers for extended use, please consider purchasing them.)
What to do:
- Call 674-9235 to reserve containers. Requests are fulfilled on a first-come, first-reserved basis.
- Pick up the bins at SWWCSWMD administrative offices (38 Ascutney Park Road, Ascutney).
- Provide a clearly labeled recycling and composting bin (if used) next to every trash can.
- Keep track of the number of bags of trash, recycling and compostables collected.
- Dispose of recyclables and compostables appropriately.
- Return containers to SWWCSWMD and report event attendance and waste produced so we can track how much material this program keeps out of our landfills.
Available containers:
ClearStream recycling system for bottles and cans.
The after-party – disposal:
Options for disposing of your event recycling, food scraps, and trash:
- Hire a private hauler,
- Check the Yellow Pages, or,
- Go to the Trash and Recycling Haulers page.
*** Always empty recyclables out of plastic bags into Dumpsters or roll-offs.
The ultimate destination for recyclables does not accept plastic bags or filmy plastic of any kind.
Recycling and Composting Signs:
Click here for recycling, composting, trash, and food donation signs that can be downloaded for use on containers at special events (or anytime).
For a helpful flyer about running a (nearly) zero-waste event, be it a wedding, festival, or farmers market, click here.
To print a COMPOST sign for events, click here.
To print a RECYCLE sign for events, click here.
To print a TRASH sign for events, click here.