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Recycling at Events

Recycling Container Loan Out Program
Hamilton County Environmental Services offers easy-to-use recycling containers for your next event. The containers area easily transportable, highly visible and best of all, they loan them out for free!  If you would like to get them for your next event, please contact Cherrie Mohring at (513) 946-7737. These are ideal for one-time events such as:

• Church festivals
  
• Community festivals
  
• Parades
  
• Runs/walks
  
• And more!

Green Events
Make your next event a "green" event! Holding a green event means planning from the very start to eliminate products that are not biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable. Then, it is up to you to make sure that each aforementioned resource is diverted to its proper place, and away from the landfill! Here are a few useful tips for your next event:

Prior to the Event

• Gain commitments from and involve all of the stakeholders, including event organizers, sponsors, the hosting facility, and service coordinators. Sponsors are often attracted to green events, and other stakeholders will often work with you if you engage them in the process from the beginning.
  
• Promote, promote, promote! Instead of promoting your event via mail or posters, try communicating via emails, e-newsletters, or your website instead. If you do use paper, make sure it contains post-consumer recycled content.
  
• Speaking of promoting your event, don't forget to mention that it will be "green" or "Zero Waste". The more you promote this prior to the event, the more likely that event goers will work with you by seeking out recycling containers and bringing their own reusable beverage containers! You can promote this to patrons and to local media, as well - be sure to include that it will be a "green" event in your press release!
  
• If you're selling food, seek out biodegradable serving products rather than Styrofoam. You can order everything from compostable cutlery to biodegradable plates at Eco-Products. You can also find products locally at Park + Vine.
  
• If you are contracting with vendors, be sure to let them know what is expected of them prior to the event. For instance, you can enforce that all vendors provide food in compostable or reusable containers. Or, you can buy in bulk and provide all of your vendors with the necessary supplies.
  
• Encourage patrons to bring their own reusable beverage containers.
  
• Develop a site waste management plan. Use a map of the area to assign where you will position recycling and compost containers - these are usually best placed near the vendors and where people will stop to eat food.
  
• Create ample signage designating where people should properly dispose of their waste.
  

During the Event

• Reserve a special giveaway for those that walk, ride a bike, or commute to your event.
  
• Provide appropriate containers for waste, compostables, and recyclables.
  
• If you are recycling or composting at your event, consider where the recyclables or compostables will end up. There are several recycling drop off locations located throughout the city. You may also consider contacting your waste provider to provide a designated roll-off dumpster for recyclables. This is usually very affordable (under $200) and guarantees that you can deposit your recyclables onsite rather than drive them to a drop off location. This option is especially good if your event will generate a lot of cardboard prior to the actual event.
  
• Don't forget to promote during your event as well! If you have a stage or a broadcasting system, be sure to mention the specifics of your event as often as you can. You might encourage patrons to use the recycling containers, or you might remind them not to litter.
  

After the Event

• Be sure to check that the vendors have left their areas clean. After all, the last thing you want to do after your green event is to contribute to the litter problem!
  
• You should have decided what to do with your waste, recyclables, and compostables prior to the event, so now is the time to take them to where they need to go!
  
• Collect data and feedback. For instance, you can measure the amount that you diverted from the waste stream during your event. You can also solicit feedback from patrons and vendors.
  
• Report your success. Include your diversion numbers in a press release. Give your sponsors information on how "green" your event was.
  
• Assess what worked and what didn't. Most events are held at least yearly, so you will put this information to good use during your next event.

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