Are you planning an event or activity?

Plan a zero waste event – one where waste is reduced to the greatest extent possible. Put sustainability in place by looking for ways to reduce waste. Food and other waste take up our ever-shrinking landfill space. Simple steps such as recycling and using compostable products can significantly reduce your impact.

Download our printer-friendly Event Planning Guide and Planning Worksheet.

Getting started-

Good planning is essential to creating a successful zero waste event. Identify areas where you can reduce or eliminate waste, then set goals for yourself.

Event advertising-

• Use electronic media (email, post online) for publicizing the event
• Offer electronic registration
• Use flyers sparsely and post in areas where people tend to congregate
• Design signs that you can use at your next event – or use recyclable materials

Handouts & giveaways-

• Avoid mass distribution of printed materials. Consider making your materials or presentation available electronically
• If you must print handouts, print them double-sided
• Avoid lamination, unless you can reuse the material
• Provide and later collect reusable name badges
• Consider the environmental impact of freebies and their packaging
• Give resource or energy efficient products
• Give items that are usable, such as cloth bags & potted plants
• Give products with recycled content

• Use RSVP’s or registration to assist in forecasting a head count. Forecasting will help avoid food waste
• Use finger foods and serve food buffet-style
• Use washable or compostable tableware, cups, utensils, and linens.
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and cost.
• Provide incentives for attendees to bring reusable items (mugs, utensils, etc.)
• Seek caterers that can maximize the use of local, seasonal, and organic food and use recyclable packaging and as little packaging as possible.

Collecting recyclables, compostables & trash-

• Develop a plan for what and how materials will be collected
• Create (and staff, if possible) a disposal station (with trash, recycling, food recycling containers)
• Place small reusable signs on each table
• Clearly mark all containers with large, reusable signs
• Donate leftover food to a local food bank (if possible) or recycle it in the food scraps container

Celebrate & share your success-

• Bring a scale so you can weigh your recyclables and garbage to help tell your story
• Take photos of the event that will help demonstrate results
• Document your success
• Share results with event participants
• Share results at your next zero waste event!

Got questions? Need signs or more information?
Contact the Recycling Hotline at (425) 587-3812 or recycle@kirklandwa.gov.