Zero Waste Pittsburgh recommends the following overall course of action for special event organizers who want to start or enhance a recycling/ waste reduction program:

# Step 1 – Review

Review your recycling goals and who will work on/manage the project. Your special event may already have volunteers willing to help, you may want to involve them in the program. Also, calculate your waste generation amount based on past experience.

# Step 2 – Evaluate

Evaluate your waste hauler’s recycling capabilities and costs. Contract your waste hauler to provide the recycling services you are interested in.

Evaluate what waste you are generating that is not needed. 

# Step 3 – Plan

Plan for implementation at your special event. Have the project manager and team devise a system for collection of recyclables and transportation to the container provided by your hauler.
 

# Step 4 – Educate

Educate your participants, vendors and staff on the new program and reinforce the recycling program at the event. Use webpage, posters, pledge cards, emails, contests, etc.

# Step 5 - Monitor and Evaluate

See how Zero Waste Pittsburgh can help you through this plan.