Zero Waste Event Volunteer Information
What is a Zero Waste event?
At a Zero Waste Event, all materials sold and distributed are reusable, recyclable or compostable. Zero Waste Stations are on-site to accept the compostable and recyclable materials. A Zero Waste Event is accomplished through careful planning and collaboration by staff and vendors ahead of the event date. Zero Waste Events are also educational opportunities where attendees can experience a microcosm of a Zero Waste world.
What are my duties as a volunteer?
Volunteers are key to the success of a Zero Waste event! Depending on the needs of the event planner, you can expect to:
- Help event participants properly dispose of their waste at Zero Waste Stations (i.e. educate them on how to sort compostables and commingled containers from trash)
- Aid vendors in determining what items are acceptable to distribute and helping them sort their materials during break-down
- Monitor Zero Waste Stations for contamination (see list of acceptable materials below)
- Swap bags at the Zero Waste Stations
- Explain the concept of Zero Waste to event participants
What types of materials are acceptable?
| Commingled Containers |
- Compostable Materials
|
| #1, #2 and #5 plastic cups and tubs |
All paper containers including plates, bowls, cups, 'boats,' etc. |
| Clean, balled-up aluminum foil |
Paper, potato starch or corn starch cups |
| Aluminum cans |
Wooden stir-sticks, chopsticks, toothpicks and skewers |
| Glass bottles of all colors |
Potato Starch or Corn Starch cutlery
(spoons, forks, knives)
|
| Plastic bottles (#s 1, 2 & 5 only); please trash the lids |
Potato or cornstarch lids and straws |
| Paper milk cartons and drink boxes |
Waxed paper products – you can scratch off the coating with your fingernail |
| Steel lids and caps |
Paper napkins and paper towels |
| |
All food waste, including meat, bone and dairy |
*
Cardboard can go in the compost, but it is a better use of resources to collect it separately.
**
#2 and #4 plastic bags can be collected separately if they are clean and dry. If you rip the plastic and it ruffles at the edges, it's OK. If it tears in a straight line, leave it out.
*** #1 cups and tubs are acceptable if 6 ounces or larger; no small cups for salsa, sauces, etc.
What types of materials are NOT acceptable?
-
- All other numbers of plastic, including #3, #4, #6 and #7
- Other plastic deli cups (even small ones for salsa, syrup, etc.), including #3, #4, #6 and #7
- Plastic cutlery, lids and straws
- Styrofoam
- Plastic coated paper products, where the coating won't scratch off
- Candy bar, energy bar or other plastic wrappers
- Coffee cups or other drink containers NOT distributed at the event (most have a plastic coating or Styrofoam lining)
- Fast-food and 'to-go' containers (most fry and drink containers have a plastic coating)
- Individual condiment packets
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