| Recycling Resources
A big part of the challenge in event
recycling is giving vendors the encouragement, support and information
they need to use recyclable and biodegradable materials. To help vendors, we have compiled this
list of resources and tips. We strongly encourage anyone
offering services to Madison area events and festivals to do their
part to cut down waste and use earth-friendly products.
Recycling Resources for Your
Event
 General
Info: Visit the Madison Streets/Recycling page:
www.cityofmadison.com/streets/index.cfm
Download our
Guide: Get a quick tutorial with our "Guide
For Recycling away From Home"
Recycling
Bins: Clear Stream recycling collectors make it easy to
recycle plastic & glass bottles, cans, and other recyclable containers
at events. Simply place these easy to set-up, free standing units next
to your regular trash container(s). Clear Stream units are available
at no charge from the City of Madison Recycling Office if you reserve
then in advance and plan to pick them up. Contact George
Dreckmann, City Of Madison Recycling Coordinator, at
GDreckmann@cityofmadison.com
or 608-267-2626 to reserve
collectors and learn more about their use for your neighborhood block
party, street or park.
Festival Vendor Tips for
Waste Reduction
Smart Vendor
Checklist
This organization
and web site are fantastic resources for all things recycling.
The
Wisconsin Be SMART Coalition is a partnership of local
communities, state agencies, non-profit and environmental
organizations, and businesses dedicated to reducing waste and
fostering sustainability in Wisconsin. This list is excerpted
from their web site.
- Store napkins behind the counter:
Give only one per customer
- Limit use of disposables
(plasticware, napkins, etc)
- Use "pump" condiment dispensers
(refillable) instead of small packets
- Rethink food containers (i.e. is
paper lining in addition to cardboard baskets necessary)
- Offer a reusable drink container and
discounted refills
- Do not dispense straws or lids
- Use reusable containers to transport
food to the festival site
- Use washable cloth towels or sponges
to clean up behind the counter
- Use recycled products made from the
highest post-consumer waste percentage possible
- When disposable items are necessary,
buy recycled and unbleached paper
- Save food waste for animal
consumption or composting
- Donate leftovers to area shelters
- Offer smaller portions to reduce
food waste by consumers with "eyes bigger than their stomachs"
- Use non-toxic cleaners and buy
cleaners in bulk, or use concentrates
- Ask your suppliers to transport
products without corrugated boxes, or in reusable boxes
- Share little used items with
neighboring vendors
- Avoid bringing more than you have to
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