Event recycling brochure

Zero-waste event
planning
Rent or borrow service items
Recycling isn’t the only way to make your event
environmentally friendly.
Prevent waste in the first
place by using durable
items. Renting durable
plates, linens, and other
items for your event
will help prevent waste.
Find a list of party rental
stores on our event
planning web page (see
below).
Plan food portions
It can be tricky to prepare enough food but not
too much. Get it right by using a food planning
calculator.
Visit the website below to find the best food
planner for your event.
Purchase green
Print invitations, brochures, and flyers on paper
with post-consumer recycled content.
Select caterers and other venders who use local
supplies.
Choose decorations that can be used again,
such as potted plants.
Learn more
Visit www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org and
click “Event Planning.”
Contact Katherine Straus at 867-2282 or
strausk@co.thurston.wa.us.
THURSTON COUNTY
SOLID WASTE
Resources
Reserve FREE recycle bins from these sites:
Celebrations, The Party Store (Lacey)
754-7368
www.CelebrationsStore.com
City of Lacey*
438-2687
waterresources@ci.lacey.wa.us
City of Olympia*
570-5837
kjohnson@ci.olympia.wa.us
City of Tumwater
754-4160
sklein@tumwater.wa.us
City of Rainier
446-2636
rainierpw@ywave.com
City of Tenino
264-2368
daved@ci.tenino.wa.us
Thurston County Solid Waste*
867-2284
strausk@co.thurston.wa.us
City of Yelm*
458-8406
ryanj@ci.yelm.wa.us
*These locations have both recycle and compost bins
Thurston County Solid Waste
9605 Tilley Road S
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 867-2491
www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org
Printed 7/2015 on at least 30% post-consumer recycled content paper
Recycle at your
next event
Borrow FREE recycle, compost, and trash bins
Make your next event green with these
simple steps
S
ave money and conserve natural resources by recycling at your next event. Not only is
it the green thing to do, your guests expect it. Use these five steps as a guide to get
you started. If you have questions, we’re here to help!
Plan your event
Reserve collection bins
Planning ahead will ensure that
recycling at your event goes smoothly.
Here are a couple things to consider:
Borrow FREE bins to collect recycling,
compost, and trash. The bins are
easy to transport, set up, and use.
• What kind of waste will you be
generating? Avoid StyrofoamTM and
non-recyclable plastic cups, containers, plates
and cutlery.
• Consider substituting non-recyclable service
ware with durables, or work with vendors to
ensure that all the food service materials are
either reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• Serve condiments in large jars or bulk
dispensers, rather than individual packets.
• Figure out how many waste stations you will
need and map them out ahead of time.
• Figure out how will you recycle, compost, or
dispose of what you collect.
Compost food waste
Take the extra step and make your
event zero-waste with composting.
Composting not only sends less
waste to the landfill, cutting down
on harmful methane emissions, it also returns
valuable nutrients to the soil, and may help you
save money through reduced hauling costs.
Each bin comes with an easy-to-read
sign to show your guests what to
put in.
Borrow recycle bins from eight convenient
locations in Thurston County. Select locations
also loan compost and trash bins (see the back
panel).
Make sure to reserve your bins in advance.
Set up for success
Your guests will recycle if you
make it easy and convenient.
• Put the bins in areas that are visible and near the action.
• Attach sign stands to all collection bins. For
large areas, put up signs to direct guests to
waste stations.
• Each waste station should include one of
each bin in order to avoid contamination.
Make sure there are no lone trash bins in
order to avoid people throwing out compost
or recycling.
• Wipe the lids if they are getting soiled and
clean up spills. People appreciate a pleasant
recycling experience.
• Explain recycling procedures when your
guests arrive, or include the information in
the invitation.
• For larger events, staff stations with
volunteers.
Clean up
You are responsible for disposal of
all materials. Trash and recycling can
go in curbside carts or be taken to
an acceptable drop-off site. Do not
self-haul food waste—we recommend placing
it in your curbside bin or calling your hauler for
other options.
Residents can recycle at the Waste and Recovery
Center free. There is a fee to dispose of trash.
If you have a large amount of waste, it may be
easier to arrange a one-time pickup. Call the City
of Olympia at 753-8368 or LeMay Inc. at
486-8603.