Why host a zero waste event?
Observation of campus events reveals opportunities for major and smaller events to be held under zero waste practices. Events are a great way to create lasting "Guest Impressions" when attendees interact with zero waste on campus and deepen their understanding of proper waste disposal as well as contribute to UT's zero waste goal. Use this document to learn more about gaining support for zero waste events.
Consultations & Recommendations
The Zero Waste Events intern team provides free personalized event consultation services to help faculty and staff event planners successfully reduce event waste, including composting. We provide guidance on:
- Working with vendors and purchasing event materials
- Setting up waste disposal locations
- Structuring events to make the disposal process run smoothly for attendees
- Tracking the impact of the event
To receive recommendations and guidance, please fill out our Zero Waste Events Consultation Form at least one month in advance of your event. You will be asked to provide information or current intentions for your event, especially food and beverage plans. We will follow up with a set of recommendations by email within 2 weeks of submission and can set up a virtual discussion if requested. Contact recoveryinterns@austin.utexas.edu with any further questions.
The Campus Environmental Center's Green Events team provides similar free event consultation services for student organizations. Visit Green Events for more information.
Composting at Events
Staff and faculty event planners who would like to compost at their event are required to attend a training beforehand. Trainings are held approximately once a month during the fall and spring terms, and twice during the summer term.
Share edible leftovers to hungry Longhorns through the UT Free Food channel!
Resources
- Why compost at your event? (PDF)
- Zero Waste Event Services flyer
- Event Checklist Digital Version (PDF) and Print Version (PDF)
- Zero Waste Event Food Vendor Conversation Guide
- Customizable Waste Bin Signage (pptx)
- Bin Monitor Training Toolkit (Box Folder)
- Promote Your Zero Waste Event (PDF)
- Diversion Rate Calculator (xlsx)
- Event Giveaways Hierarchy "SWAG"
ZWEco Supply Store
Resource Recovery’s student intern-supported ZWEco Supply Store offers a one-stop shop for staff and faculty event planners to purchase certified compostable serviceware and request compost bins or zero waste staffing for on-campus events.
- Download a list of current items and view our rates for hired support.
- Orders can be made through the online Event Planning Request Form two or more weeks in advance of your event. If you are looking to order compostable serviceware in quantities of 500 or more, please email our team directly.
- We encourage you to schedule a consultation if you have any questions or concerns about utilizing these materials!
UT Catering and Food Vendor Sustainability Database
The UT Catering and Food Vendor Sustainability Database provides UT-Austin meeting and event planners with information on the sustainability attributes of local food vendors. All information in the database was self-reported by the food vendors, and information will be updated annually. If you are a local food vendor and would like to be included in this database or if your business's information needs to be updated, please contact sustainability@austin.utexas.edu. This resource was developed through the collaborative effort of the Office of Sustainability, the Staff Council Sustainability Committee, and Resource Recovery.
Zero Waste Event Case Studies
Large Student Event Case Study: Gone to Engineering (2019)
Guests: School of Engineering students
Number of Guest Impressions: 1,700
Meal: BBQ sandwiches, fruit, chips, water
Logistics of Note:
- Event Planner (EP) consults with Resource Recovery to verify event elements.
- EP coordinates with caterer to streamline meal materials to compostable.
- EP provides bulk water refill stations.
- Only compost collection provided in dining area. Extra bins (recycle, landfill trash) are blocked off to reduce confusion. Bin monitors from student organizations are essential to provide guidance to guests.
- Landfill trash and recycling provided for catering disposal.
- Advance coordination with the caterer for the department to keep any food that wasn't put out for service.
Large Staff Event Case Study: Planning, Energy, and Facilities Services BBQ (2019)
Guests: Planning, Energy, and Facilities Services employees
Number of Guest Impressions: 900
Meal: BBQ buffet, vegetarian options
Logistics of Note:
- EP consults with Resource Recovery to verify event elements.
- EP coordinates with caterer to streamline meal materials to compostable, including individually-wrapped brownies.
- EP purchases compostable place settings.
- Only compost collection provided in dining area but bins are monitored by student interns for soda cans and other items guests carry in.
- Landfill Trash collection provided for caterer for disposal of food service packaging.
On-going Event Case Study: Orientation Lunch Diversion
Guests: Incoming UT Freshman
Number of Guest Impressions: 7,000
Meal: pre-ordered box lunch, special dietary options
Logistics of Note:
- This is a special project of Resource Recovery to introduce incoming freshman to zero waste, conducted each week of Freshman Orientation.
- EP includes Resource Recovery during meal planning to streamline box contents to diversion.
- Resource Recovery provides resources to each school or college to facilitate diversion during lunch disposal.
- Academic staff are essential to facilitating the rapid disposal process and collect clean streams.
- Resource Recovery services each school or college, redistributing unopened food and picking up compost.