Special Events Recycling
ClearStream Recycler Loaner Program
Westmoreland Cleanways operates a free ClearStream Recyclers Loaner Program for use at public events in Westmoreland County. ClearStream Recyclers have been used at such events as the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, the Latrobe Relay for Life, Scottdale Fall Festival, Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival, and the Latrobe-Derry Teener League.
Participants may borrow as many containers and bags as needed for use at the event. Recyclers are loaned on a first come-first served basis. Click here for a ClearStream Borrower’s Agreement.
Participants agree to:
1. Reserve containers by completing and faxing the attached Borrower’s Agreement, or call or email Natalie to reserve the bins.
2. Pick up and return Recyclers from Westmoreland Cleanways office, 226 Donohoe Road, Suite 101, Greensburg, PA 15601.
3. Report the number of bags of recyclables collected at the event.
4. Recycle the material: 1) hire a private hauler to collect the recycling; or, 2) self-haul recyclables to a drop-off or processing center. Westmoreland Cleanways can offer assistance but cannot guarantee arrangements.
5. Reimburse Westmoreland Cleanways for the replacement cost of the Recycler should container be damaged or not returned.
Special Events Recycling Planning
Special Events Recycling is planning for and implementing a system to collect recyclable material at special events and other public venues. It sounds easy, but a truly successful program takes some thought and consideration for those unforeseen “what ifs”.
Recyclables typically include beverage containers, plastic, glass, or aluminum cans. But, special events recycling can be so much more. Vendors potentially generate lots of corrugated cardboard; food vendors generate cans and bottles from condiments; conference attendees may generate a lot of paper.
A poorly planned effort that does not result in a significant amount of recyclables being diverted from the waste stream can be discouraging and result in an “I tried it once but it didn’t work” attitude. A well-thought out plan that makes expectations clear to all can result in a significant portion of waste being recycled and everyone feeling like they were a part of the success of the program.
Click here to download the EPA brochure: "It's Easy Being Green! A Guide to Planning and Conducting Environmentally Aware Meetings and Events"
Some Thoughts on Planning a Special Events Recycling Program
Whether you’re planning a festival or concert or ballgame, these are just a few issues that must be considered.
Pre-Event Planning: Designate an event coordinator or team; discuss what materials can be recycled locally; barriers to recycling; opportunities for waste reduction.
Food: What will you do with left-over food? Is composting of food scraps a possibility?
(Food for Thought: Some people think that compostable utensils and plates make sense. But unless you have a way to get them to a commercial compost facility, they’re going to end up in the trash anyway ….)
Workers: Vendor, Volunteers or Employees? Special Event Recycling can be very labor-intensive unless everyone has a role and buys into it. Make sure everyone knows what is expected.
Logistics: What will be collected? What kind of containers will be use? Who will place the containers and empty them? Where will the recyclables be stored? Who will take them to the recycling center or drop-off?
Westmoreland Cleanways can help work out a plan for whatever event you’re planning.
