Planning a Waste-Free Event
Party and event planners can do much to prevent waste at private and public events.

- Choose reusable plates, utensils, cups and packaging whenever possible.
- If it is not possible to use reusable items, choose recyclable or compostable containers or minimally packaged goods instead.
- Confirm what can and cannot be recycled or composted and communicate it with everybody involved in the event, including vendors and attendees.
- Create “sorting stations” with one recycling bin, one compost container and one trash can at each. This makes it easy for guests to sort their materials properly.
- Make sure the recycling and composting options are promoted and clearly marked during the event to encourage proper use of all the containers.
- Plan ahead, and if needed, hire pick-up services for proper collection and disposal of recycling, trash and compostables.
- Staff waste stations with trained volunteers.
Contact us at (802) 674-4474
If you have questions or would like to work with our Outreach and Education Coordinator.
We will:
Print signs for events
Lend free recycling containers, plus one bag per container for short-term events
Here’s What to Do:
- Call (802)-674-4474 to reserve containers. Requests are fulfilled on a first-come, first-reserved basis.
- Pick up the bins at GUVSWMD administrative offices (38 Ascutney Store Road, Ascutney 05030).
- Provide a clearly labeled recycling and composting bin (if you choose to sort food scraps)next to every trash can.
- Keep track of the number of bags of trash, recycling and compostables collected.
- Dispose of recyclables and compostables appropriately.
- Always empty recyclables out of plastic bags into Dumpsters or roll-offs. The ultimate destination for recyclables does not accept plastic bags or filmy plastic of any kind.
- Return containers to GUVSWMD and report event attendance and waste produced so we can track how much material this program keeps out of our landfills.