The Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission encourages waste reduction from the cities and counties within the landfill’s service area to reduce the amount of materials entering the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill. This includes waste generated through large and small scale public or private events. Many helpful resources are available to assist you in planning a cleaner and greener event!
Helpful Resources for Event Waste Reduction
Whether you are expecting 20 people (or 20,000 people!) to attend your event, there are steps you can take during the planning process to help reduce the amount of waste generated by your participants. The following resources can make this task easier:
Plan With the End in Mind!
The Iowa Green Meetings and Events Guide is designed for planning environmentally friendly events and meetings of all sizes and includes best practice information, checklists, resources, and sample policies.
Green Your Summer Gathering and make your summer party, family reunion, or wedding more Earth friendly with these helpful ideas!
Cut Down on Wasted Food!
Consider working with a local company to collect food waste, napkins, and other paper products during your event and send these items to a composting facility or biodigester. A variety of companies also sell compostable and biodegradable tableware that can be collected by these companies.
Get Some Help!
Waste Reduction Grants can be applied for through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP). Financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling and education.
Recycle During Your Event!
To promote the recycling of plastic bottles, cans, and paper during public and private gatherings, the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission has a portable event recycling equipment loan program.
- How the Program Works – download the application and more
- Who Can Borrow the Equipment
- Equipment Available
- The Refundable Damage Deposit
