What is ZeroWaste ? Zero Waste creates jobs and is good for the economy. For example, U.S. recycling and reuse establishments The goal of Zero Waste is to create a employ 1.1 million people and gross 236 closed loop where products are made to billion annual revenues. be reused, repaired and recycled. It is a practice that minimizes and ultimately eliminates waste. Zero Waste saves natural resources by reducing consumption and making new items from recycled materials.
Why Choose to do a Components of a Zero Waste Event : Zero Waste Event? Whether it’s a summer picnic outdoors Zero Waste or a holiday gathering at a reception According to a 2005 report from (or Darn Close) Iowa DNR, almost 43 percent of hall, think about what can be reused, the waste going to our landfill could composted or recycled. Event Planner have either been composted or re- Reusable: Plates, cups, and cutlery cycled . Compostable : food scraps, napkins, Zero Waste practices also help re- paper towels, paper plates and cups (if duce greenhouse gas emissions and used). conserve energy and natural re- sources. Recyclable : pop bottles, cans, glass bot- tles (beer, wine, hard liquor) water bot- tles, juice bottles City of Dubuque Food Scrap Recycling Acceptable Items: Baked goods Dairy products Tea bags Eggshells Fruits & vegetables Flour Sauces & dressings Grains Meat & bones Pasta Plate scrapings & leftovers Cut flowers Houseplants (soil ok but no pots) Greasy pizza boxes For more information call 563-588-7933 Solid Waste Education Office Microwave popcorn bags or visit our web site at www.dmaswa.org Paper napkins, plates, & cups 563-588-7933 Take-out trays & cartons Coffee filters & grounds How to plan a Zero Waste Event? 1. Find out what types of discarded 7. Make posters and flyers for the event so Programs offered in the Dubuque materials this event could produce that everyone knows you are trying to and Delaware County Area: (food, cans, bottles, paper products, make it a Zero Waste event. etc). Food Scrap Collection 8. If people are bringing items to the event, in the City of Dubuque ask them to bring them in reusable contain- 2. Explore local recycling programs to This program allows resi- ers (metal serving platter, glass pan, etc). see what items can be recycled or dents and facility managers
composted from this event. to compost food scraps and 9. Clearly mark all other compostable items. discard recepta- 3. When picking a site for your event For a full list of compostable cles (food, plas- find out what recycling is currently items, please visit the City tic, glass, cans, available. of Dubuque website at trash, etc). This www.cityofdubuque.org or will reduce 4. If sites do not offer recycling call (563) 589-4250. confusion and programs, be a leader and offer to contamination set one up for your event. Compost —you may compost in your during the event. backyard or take to DMASWA Facility
5. Talk to site managers or facility located at the Dubuque Landfill. 10. Place recycling and trash receptacles next managers about what can be done to each other. This will help to eliminate with your event to make it Zero Event Recycling confusion and contamination and maximize Waste. Contact your local solid Units —Available on a your results. waste agency for ideas for zero loan program from the
waste events (Event Recycling Con- DMASWA ,to help re- 11. Talk to volunteers about what it means to tainers, Food Scrap Program, Etc). cover recyclable materials have a Zero Waste event. They are your at events. For reservation eyes and ears during the event. Have them 6. While planning an event, pick and other information check receptacles for contamination and products that are eco-friendly contact Chuck Goddard (reusable, recyclable, or being over-filled. Take care of this quickly! at (563) 589-4250. compostable). For example, use washable plates rather than dispos- 12. Thank everyone for taking part and remind participants that this was a Zero Waste Keep these programs in mind when able plates. event and to tell others. planning an event.
For more information, contact the 13. Thank all volunteers and people who Solid Waste Education office at helped with the event with a thank you (563) 588-7933. email or note.