Read all about it!

If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we would save about 25,000,000 trees a year. More Tips

What CAN you do?

We use over 80 billion aluminum pop cans every year; 36 billion of those cans end up in landfills. More Tips

It's a heavy situation.

In 1960 the average person threw away 2.5 lbs. of trash every day. Today Tucsonans throw away nearly 4 lbs. per person each day. More Tips

Event Recycling:

Simple Tips to Reduce Waste and Recycle at Your Special Event

Planning any special events? Don't leave overflowing garbage cans behind at the end of the day. Instead, reduce waste and recycle.

Plan for Waste Reduction and Recycling:

Plan for food menus and event decorations that leave less waste and allow recycling and composting of leftovers. Use live greens and plants for decorations. Consider renting washable/reusable plates, cups, service ware, and linen rather than throw-aways. Save paper by printing invitations or registration forms on both sides; better yet, e-mail them and also save postage. For reoccurring events, make banners and signs that can be used again.

Bulk Up:

Purchase supplies in bulk-sized containers to reduce packaging waste. Choose products with little or no packaging. Buy things in packaging that can be recycled. Rent, don't buy, equipment and tools.

Recycle:

Typical materials to recycle include beverage bottles, cans, and cardboard. Plan ahead to donate leftover unserved food, paper napkins, plates, condiments, and decorations to local food banks and charities. For best results, be sure to put a well-marked recycling collection can next to each trash can.

Educate Staff and Guests:

Tell guests about your "green event" and ask for their help in making it a success by recycling. Train event staff and volunteers on how to reduce waste and collect recyclables. Celebrate your success by announcing during the event, and in thank you notes later, how much waste was kept out of the landfill.