What is a Zero Waste event?

A Zero Waste event is not accomplished by merely adding recycling and compost bins. The key to a Zero Waste event is careful planning so that all materials used and discarded are reusable, recyclable, and compostable. By incorporating Zero Waste into the beginning stages of your event, it becomes quite easy to achieve this fundamental change in resource consumption. Since no trash is distributed at the event, trash cans can be removed and replaced with Zero Waste stations, which consist of a recycling and a compost container. Zero Waste events are also educational opportunities where attendees can experience a microcosm of a world without waste. 

What is required to become a Zero Waste event? 

>> Purchasing Guidelines

>> Is it compostable? Guide

>> Compostable Product Menu from eTundra

It is imperative to commit to making an event Zero Waste early in the planning process. All vendors and event participants distributing materials must participate in Zero Waste. Eco-Cycle will provide a sample contract that must be included in all event application materials and returned by all vendors. This advance planning ensures that only recyclable and compostable materials will be distributed at your event. Eco-Cycle staff is available to consult with event planners for ease in Zero Waste event planning. 

Becoming a Zero Waste event requires a financial commitment as well. The average cost for full Eco-Cycle Zero Waste Event Services ranges from $800 - $1,200 for a one-day, large-scale festival. 

On event day, Eco-Cycle will provide Zero Waste stations throughout the event for public use, as well as private Zero Waste stations for vendor use. We generally provide collection of recyclables and compostable materials. Event organizers typically provide service for any trash generated during the event. These details are negotiable.

After the event, Eco-Cycle will provide event planners with a diversion rate--the percentage of materials that were recycled or composted instead of landfilled. Boulder County events have diverted as much as 98% of event discards. We will also provide a template letter to the editor you can use to help draw attention to the commitment and success of your Zero Waste event.

If you are an event planner interested in Zero Waste, please complete our Zero Waste Event interest form. You will hear back from Eco-Cycle within three business days.

Why are we discontinuing this product?

We started selling our Zero Waste Party Kit, which is part of our larger Zero Waste Event services, back in 2005, when certified compostable products were hard to come by. Today, there can be many options for purchasing compostable products, depending on where you live. 

Other Places to Buy Certified Compostable Products: 

• McGuckins Hardware, Boulder
  (smaller quantities)

• eTundra Restaurant Supply
  (larger quantities)

• some local health food stores
  (smaller quantities)

Which products are safe for composting?

Be sure to purchase products that are CERTIFIED compostable. Products that are not certified by BPI World (Biodegradable Products Institute) may contain petroleum-based plastic, which can contribute to soil pollution.

Avoid confusion -- click here for Eco-Cycle's “Is it Compostable?” guide!

Reuse Beats Composting

We also want to encourage using reusable dishware whenever possible; energy and resources are used to make and transport disposable products, even compostable ones.

Some ideas:

• Find inexpensive reusable dishes at local thrift stores, or purchase glass jars to use as cups that could be repurposed as vases or food and drink containers after the event. 
• Check out our friends at BrightHeart Productions, a local business that provides party decoration rentals.

Thank you for making your parties green and supporting our efforts to build a Zero Waste Community!