Recycling at special events

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Planning a community event, conference, company picnic, wedding celebration, or any other type of gathering where food and beverages will be consumed? Remember to keep "the three Rs" (reduce, reuse, recycle) in mind when planning your event, and see  tips and resources below on recycling at events: 

Quick tips for recycling at events
  1. Place recycling/composting and trash receptacles together (touching)
  2. Recycling stations should be highly visible. (e.g., a flag on a tall pole, balloons, signs, etc.) and in convenient locations.
  3. Limit the number of recycling/waste stations to allow for ease of monitoring. Place larger stations in areas where high volumes of waste will be generated.
  4. Label recycling and garbage receptacles with clear, large and specific wording. Signage should be placed at eye level. If feasible, attach a physical sample of the acceptable material to its container.
  5. Use recycling bins that are visually different from other waste receptacles.
  6. Use clear plastic bags as liners for recycling bins for easy identification and removal of contaminants. Use opaque black bags in garbage bins.
  7. Staff all recycling stations at all times. If this is not possible, then assign a “floater” to check each area periodically.
  8. (adapted from Metro Portland’s Special Events Recycling Guide)

Special event tools & resources
The Atlanta Community ToolBank has partnered with Recycling Rules! to provide nonprofit organizations special event recycling containers. Click here for additional details.