Timeline for Implementing Recycling at Your Event

One Year Become familiar with aspects of event Waste characterization/generation study Research equipment to be purchased Research education/outreach opportunities Assess local recycling markets Create strategic diversion plan Appoint someone to be recycling coordinator Six Months Contact waste/recycling haulers and become familiar with services Research volunteer resources Meet with vendors to discuss recycling Select and order equipment and education/outreach items Assess local recycling markets Modify strategic diversion plan Design collection, sorting and transportation system Decide which materials will be source separated vs. co-mingled Research donation opportunities Organize recycling task force and plan for monthly meetingsv Select outreach element Plan for reusable/compostable items Two Months Order recycling/waste services Organize and educate volunteers Include recycling procedures in vendor packet Confirm equipment and education/outreach orders Review local recycling markets Organize education element Submit press releases Order reusable/compostable items Month Confirm waste/recycling services Create vendor recycling procedures Receive equipment and outreach/education orders Confirm donations Train staff on recycling procedures Confirm reusable/compostable order

Week Confirm donation pick-up All equipment and education/outreach items delivered to one location Confirm all requested items are received Begin recycling as soon as set-up activities start Confirm waste/recycling hauler is prepared to collect materials Day Before Walk-through training with cleaning staff or volunteers Pass out recycling procedures to vendors Strategically place bins Make sure all items are delivered to event Confirm staff is aware of recycling procedures Confirm bins are in correct place Event Monitor and change bins as needed Move bins if excessively contaminated Receive documentation of every trash and recycling load removed from event Monitor all aspects of recycling program Make notes where improvements can be made After Event Send thank you letters Submit follow up press release Recognize exceptional participants Apply for recycling awards Review program success/failures Develop diversion reports Evaluate economics of recycling Begin to plan for next year