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Resource Center
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Starting a recycling program from scratch is hard work—that’s why Recycle on the Go has laid the foundation for you. Use these resources to jump-start your recycling program and find inspiration from others.
Recycle on the Go Materials and Resources
General Resources
- Waste Reduction
- Waste Prevention
- Recycling
- Purchasing
- Composting and Food Donation
- Measurement
- Laws, Policies, and Ordinances
- Local Information
- Concessionaires and Vendors
- Custodial/Janitorial Services
- Waste Haulers
Venue-Specific Resources
- Convention Centers
- Parks
- Shopping Centers
- Special Events
- Sports and Recreation Facilities
- Transportation Hubs
Recycle on the Go Resources
Outreach Materials
- Recycle on the Go at Special Events: Finding Recycling Help in All the Right Places (PDF) (19 pp, 1.2MB)
- Greening Your Gig: Finding Help in All the Right Places (PDF) (7 pp, 3.4MB)
Provides special events tips for recycling success, and how to tap into community resources to find free technical assistance, volunteers, containers, and more. Janice Johnson, US EPA, in International Festival and Events Magazine, June 2008. - Venue Recycling in the USA
identifies seven venue and event categories and estimates the potential volume of recyclable containers generated within each of these categories, and cumulatively. The report provides six guiding principles shared by all successful recycling models, as well as common on-site recycling opportunities. It provides programmatic detail in the form of successful recycling “models” for each of the identified venue and event categories and two active program examples for each category.
General Resources
Waste Reduction Resources
Online Resources
- EPA’s WasteWise: EPA’s free, voluntary program that helps organizations identify, implement, and evaluate waste reduction activities
- Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste (PDF) (82 pp, 49.6MB): Step-by-step instructions for establishing a waste reduction program
- Recycling and Solid Waste Management Educational Series: Monthly educational series to learn directly from experts working throughout the country about the issues, projects, and practices for creating successful waste management programs
- Tool Kit for Solid Waste Management (PDF) (83 pp, 1.2MB): Learn how to build or improve a solid waste management program
- EPA’s Regional Home Pages and Solid and Hazardous Waste Programs: Learn about EPA’s 10 Regional Offices and their associated recycling initiatives
- New York City 2007 Report on Public Space Recycling Pilot : Investigates potential for public space recycling, challenges to managing a public space recycling program, and keys for success
- Recycle More Wisconsin : Aims to bring together communities across Wisconsin to prevent valuable recyclables from going to waste in our landfills. To achieve this goal we are providing education on the benefits of recycling and the opportunities to recycle at home, work, school, and all public places
Waste Prevention Resources
Online Resources
- Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange : Browse web-based guides to peer-reviewed pollution prevention information and expertise on different subjects, including schools, transportation, and hospitality and tourism
- Reusable Transport Containers : Browse this directory to find available reusable transport packaging
Recycling Resources
Online Resources
- Ralphie’s Green Stampede : Named after their buffalo mascot, this is the University of Colorado’s ambitious effort to reuse, recycle, or compost valuable materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of home games. A combination of CU’s internal commitment, strong vendor involvement, and effective outreach and external relations are setting a new standard in “sustainable stadiums.” Waste reduction measures will continue to shrink total materials use while packaging chosen for recyclability and compostability will dramatically increase diversion.
- Earth 911 : Find local recycling information, including recycling materials markets and recycling facilities and drop-off centers
- Office Recycling Containers and Waste Receptacles: Learn how these can be made from recovered paper, plastic, or steel
- Recycling Program Evaluation Table (PDF) (1 pg, 36K): Chart to help assess your recycling program
- Volume-to-Weight Conversion Chart (PDF) (2 pp, 16K) : Volume-to-Weight Conversion Chart approved for use in the RecycleMania competition
- EPA’s Municipal Solid Waste Common Wastes and Materials page: Information on recycling activities associated with a variety on materials recovered for recycling in the United States
Case Studies
- New York City Public Space 2007 Recycling Pilot Program : The final report looks at the potential for public space recycling to increase the City’s waste diversion rate.
- University of Colorado at Boulder's Recycling web page : Facts and resources from one of the oldest campus recycling programs in the country
- Green Parks Environmental Toolkit : Sign up to receive pollution prevention and sustainability resources geared toward public land managers
- Boise City Downtown Recycling | PDF Version (2 pp, 181K): Pedestrian recycling program
Purchasing Resources
Online Resources
- EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Supplier Database: Search the database for recycling and trash bins made with recycled content
- Recycled-Content Bags: Learn about plastic trash bags with recovered material content
- Purchasing Strategies to Prevent Waste and Save Money : Information and examples of how the procurement process can be used to prevent waste, save money and improve your organization's efficiency
Composting and Food Donation Resources
Online Resources
- EPA’s Composting website: Learn how to start your own compost bin
- EPA's Food Waste website: Find more environmentally friendly ways to manage leftover food
- Putting Surplus Food to Good Use: A How-To Guide for Food Service Providers (PDF) (2 pp, 208K)
- Waste Not, Want Not: Feeding the Hungry and Reducing Solid Waste Through Food Recovery (PDF) (59 pp, 1.4MB): Learn how to reduce your solid waste and help others
- Rock and Wrap It Up : Encourages the collection and local donation of leftover food from rock concerts, sporting events, political rallies, and college and school cafeterias
Case Studies
- Food Scrap Reduction Case Studies : Pilot food scrap diversion programs from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
Measurement
Online Resources
- EPA’s WAste Reduction Model (WARM) Calculator: Tool to help organizations track and report greenhouse gas emissions reductions
- Volume-to-Weight Conversion Chart (PDF) (2 pp, 16K) : Volume-to-Weight Conversion Chart approved for use in the RecycleMania competition
Laws, Policies, and Ordinances
Online Resources
- City of Pittsburgh Ordinance for Recycling in Public Places (PDF) (4 pp, 540K)
- San Francisco Uses Ordinance to Promote Recycling in Public Places (PDF) (6 pp, 586K)
- Wisconsin Uses Ordinances and Permits to Promote Recycling in Public Places (PDF) (7pp, 516K)
- Focus on Recycling at Washington Events (PDF) (4 pp, 177K): Washington State’s law requiring recycling at special events
- State and municipal mandates, ordinances, and policies : Policies and ordinances affecting large venues and large events in California
Local Information
More and more environmental resources are available in our communities. The resources below offer community-based solid waste information and can help you learn about recycling programs in your state.
Concessionaires and Vendors
Online Resources
- Sample letter you can send concessionaires and vendors: Template letter to fill in and send to vendors and concessionaires
Custodial/Janitorial Services
Online Resources
- Working with janitorial service companies (PDF) (4 pp, 48K) : Tips on how to engage janitorial services in recycling program
Waste Haulers
Case Studies
- West Des Moines Community School Districts bid (Microsoft Word) (20 pp, 184K) : RFP for resource management services
Venue Specific Resources
Convention Centers
Resources
- EPA’s Green Meetings: Choose your role in the meeting planning process to discover helpful resources
- Green Conventions Website: Learn how to make large events more environmentally beneficial while reducing costs and wastes
- Convention Industry Council’s Green Meetings : Read about best practices for event suppliers and organizers
- Tips on venue waste reduction from California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) : Find suggestions that will help you reduce your waste at large events
- Beyond Bins: Venue and Event Recycling (PPT) (33 pp, 5.1MB, PowerPoint) : An overview of the waste challenges presented by large events and how to address them
- Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events : Tools to assist all involved, from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
- Recycling at Events: A Guide to Reducing Waste at Any Event (PDF) (15 pp, 5.4MB) : A green guide from pre-event planning to post-event evaluation
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program: Tools both for venues with a permanent recycling infrastructure and special events that require temporary recycling activities
- Special Events Recycling Guide (PDF) (2 pp, 1.7MB) : An overview of special events recycling, including tips for staff training, bin placement, and contracting with a hauler
- Green Conference Sample Contract Language: A database with sample contract language
Sample Programs
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: David L. Lawrence Convention Center
: The Center can handle all materials entering the building from recycling plastics and glass to composting food waster and wooden pallets
- San Francisco, California: The Moscone Center : The Center started its recycling program in 1998 with diversion of high volume materials from the exhibit floor and lobby areas; the program today targets materials from all areas and sources
- Greening Brownfields 2008: Practices and Lessons Learned (PDF) (108 pp, 5.8MB): EPA partnered with ICMA (International City/County Management Association) to green EPA’s Brownfields 2008 conference held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. EPA prepared a case study of its greening efforts, which includes a case study of the venue recycling efforts. Contact Briana Bill (bill.briana@epa.gov) for more information.
Parks
Resources
- A Green Guide for Waste Management and Recycling During Special Events at National Capital Regional Parks (PDF) (8 pp, 580K): Guide to help private event organizers and park managers successfully plan waste reduction and recycling programs for special events held at national parks
- The Tool Kit for Solid Waste Management (PDF) (83 pp, 1.2MB): Find the tools and information needed to build a solid waste management program
- Green Parks Environmental Toolkit : Networking resources for public land managers
Sample Programs
- Yellowstone National Park (PDF) (2 pp, 96K): By collaborating with surrounding communities, the Yellowstone National Park recycling program collects more recyclables and makes its hauling fees more affordable
Shopping Centers
Resources
- EPA’s America’s Marketplace Recycles!: Learn how to increase reuse and recycling efforts and possibly cut costs
- Tips on venue waste reduction from California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) : Find suggestions that will help you reduce your waste at large events
- Beyond Bins: Venue and Event Recycling (PPT) (33 pp, 5.1MB, PowerPoint) : An overview of the waste challenges presented by large events and how to address them
- Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events : Tools to assist all involved, from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program: Tools both for venues with a permanent recycling infrastructure and special events that require temporary recycling activities
Sample Programs
- Four Case Studies from AMR! (PDF) (9 pp, 352K): Read about how malls across the country are cutting down their waste streams and increasing recycling
Special Events
Online Toolkits
- Recycling Events Toolkit, Victoria, Australia (PDF) (67 pp, 1.1MB) : This guide contains many helpful tips on getting the initial buy-in through the evaluation process
- EPA’s Recycle on the Go website: Information on implementing recycling programs at both urban and rural special events, success stories, and fact sheets on how to include volunteers and involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program.
- California’s Venues and Events website : Tools such as sample ordinances and policies, cost calculation spreadsheets, case studies, a solid waste reduction guide, and links to government and industry resources such as recycled-content product suppliers. The site also features other downloadable information useful for cities, counties, and regional agencies with venues and facilities for hosting special events or that issue event and park permits.
How-To Guides
- Beyond Bins: Venue and Event Recycling (PPT) (33pp, 5.1MB, PowerPoint) : An overview of the waste challenges presented by large events and how to address them
- Recycling at Special Events: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction : A guide detailing programs and policies to help city and county planners encourage recycling at special events in their jurisdictions
- Recycling at Events: A Guide to Reducing Waste at Any Event (PDF) (15 pp, 5.4MB) : A green guide from pre-event planning to post-event evaluation
- Best Management Practices Guidebook for Special Event-Generated Waste in Rural Communities (PDF) (38 pp, 1.4MB) : Learn how to dramatically reduce your waste, based on six special events in rural communities
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program: Tools both for venues with a permanent recycling infrastructure and special events that require temporary recycling activities
- WasteWise Events : A guide full of useful steps to follow, tips and suggestions on who to involve, and helpful checklists
- Special Events Recycling Guide (PDF) (2 pp, 1.7MB) : An overview of special events recycling, including tips for staff training, bin placement, and contracting with a hauler
- Developing Trash-Free Special Events : Learn how to get started, involve the community and vendors, and design effective recycling stations
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve volunteers in your recycling program: Learn how to include volunteers in your recycling efforts
- Special Event Best Practices Guide (PDF) (16 pp, 2.1MB) : Tips for event planners on various aspects of the event planning process
Tip Sheets
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program: Tools both for venues with a permanent recycling infrastructure and special events that require temporary recycling activities
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve volunteers in your recycling program: Learn how to include volunteers in your recycling efforts
- Tips on rural special event waste management (PDF) (38 pp, 1.4MB, about PDF) from the Northeast Recycling Council
Containers, Signs, and Equipment
- The Recycling Bin Grant Program sponsored by the National Recycling Coalition and the Coca-Cola Company offers free recycling bins to government, civic, school, and nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies. Interested parties complete an online application describing their proposals, justifying the needs, and specifying the bin types they are interested in. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis in the spring and fall
- Chittenden, Vermont, Solid Waste District offers free, on-site technical assistance, containers, and signs. Contact: Marge Keough (mkeough@cswd.net), Outreach Coordinator, 802/872-8100 x234.
- Georgia’s Away From Home Recycling Program awards special event recycling kits to local governments and/or solid waste authorities. Contact: Jennifer Szabo (jszabo@dca.state.ga.us), Program Coordinator, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Office of Environmental Management, 404/679-0567
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Special Event Recycling Program loans event organizers recycling containers and small trailers to store recyclables. Contact: City of Pittsburgh’s Public Works Recycling Division, 412/255-2631
- Seattle, Washington, Recycling Program offers free recycling bins, bag liners, gloves for volunteers, and garbage pickers for sorting non-recyclables from recyclables at. Contact: Seattle Public Utilities, 206/615-1700
- St. Louis Earth Day , a Missouri-based nonprofit, provides bins for use at events in St. Louis County. Contact: Terri Reilly (tfr@stlouisearthday.org), Executive Director, St. Louis Earth Day, 314/961-5838
- Waukesha County, Wisconsin , offers a free recycling bin loaner program
Case Studies
- Bath, Maine: Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan for Bath Heritage Days (PDF) (8 pp, 364K) : The Bath Heritage Days Waste Diversion and Recycling Plan is one component of the USDA-funded Special Events Recycling Project being conducted by the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.
- Boise City Events Recycling | PDF Version (3 pp, 128K): This introduction to Boise City’s events recycling program highlights program logistics, accomplishments, and difficulties encountered
- Delaware State Fair Recycling Initiative (PDF) (4 pp, 360K): During the state fair's 2006 pilot program, 252 pounds of plastic, 135 pounds of aluminum, and 7,080 pounds of cardboard were collected
- Lowell, Massachusetts: Lowell Folk Festival Success Story (PDF) (4 pp, 172K): The Folk Festival integrated a recycling program in various stages to ensure success
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: City of Pittsburgh Ordinance for Recycling in Public Places (PDF) (4 pp, 540K): The City of Pittsburgh has made recycling at special events a key component of its overall recycling program, using a combination carrot-and-stick approach to ensure success
- Tunbridge, Vermont: Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan for Tunbridge’s World Fair (PDF) (8 pp, 256K) : The purpose of this project is to improve special event waste reduction and recycling efforts, particularly in rural communities with populations of fewer than 10,000
- Washington, DC: Cherry Blossom Peepers Recycle On the Go: EPA and the National Park Service have joined up to collect recyclables at the National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Washington, DC: National Cherry Blossom Festival (PDF) (2 pp, 108K): For the first time ever, EPA and the National Park Service implemented a pilot recycling program at the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Wisconsin Uses Ordinances and Permits to Promote Recycling in Public Places (PDF) (7 pp, 520K): Wisconsin’s Solid Waste Reduction, Recovery, and Recycling Law requires everyone in the state to recycle, whether at home, at work, or at away-from-home settings like fairs, festivals, sports events, conferences, and meetings
- Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Strikes a Chord with Recycling Success Story (PDF) (4pp, 551K): The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival uses volunteers to collect and sort recyclables.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
- Stadium Recycling Guide: Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a recycling program for your stadium
- Tips on venue waste reduction from California’s
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery : Find suggestions that will help you reduce your waste at large events
- Beyond Bins: Venue and Event Recycling (PPT) (33pp, 5.1MB, PowerPoint) : An overview of the waste challenges presented by large events and how to address them
- Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events : Tools to assist all involved, from the California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling
- Recycling at Events: A Guide to Reducing Waste at Any Event (PDF) (15 pp, 5.4 MB) : A green guide from pre-event planning to post-event evaluation
- Fact sheet explaining how to involve concessionaires and vendors in your recycling program: Tools both for venues with a permanent recycling infrastructure and special events that require temporary recycling activities
- Sports Illustrated Cover Story "Going, Going Green" : Read about the effect of global warming on the sports world
Sample Programs
- Indian Wells, California: Indian Wells Tennis Center : Video of Indian Wells Tennis Center recycling program
- Knoxville, Tennessee: University of Tennessee, Neyland Stadium’s Recycling Program (PDF) (6 pp, 584K): Neyland Stadium’s recycling program encourages Big Orange fans to toss their empty plastic cups and bottles into designated recycling bins located in the concourses and tailgating areas
- San Diego, California: Qualcomm Stadium (PDF) (6 pp, 464K): Qualcomm Stadium’s program currently involves recycling in the following locations: the “bowl” (the seating area within the stadium); concourse; apron/entrance gates; vending areas; bars, restaurants, and luxury suites; parking lots; and administrative offices
- San Jose, California: HP Pavilion at San Jose/Shark Tank: HP Pavilion at San Jose, together with Waste Management, created an effective recycling program that also includes an impressive composting component
- Seattle, Washington: Seattle Mariners/Safeco Field: The BIRV, a special program of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, works with Seattle Public Utilities and Mariners team officials to plan a comprehensive recycling program and identify practical waste reduction strategies to minimize the generation of waste at the new facility
- State College, Pennsylvania: Beaver Stadium (PDF) (5 pp, 360K): With a 13-year-old recycling program, The Pennsylvania State University’s (Penn State) Beaver Stadium in the past diverted nearly 30 tons of recyclables per year from local landfills. A new initiative to promote recycling in the stadium’s tailgating area has helped Penn State more than triple its old recycling record, collecting 112 tons in 2008. Proceeds from the sale of the recycled materials are donated to the local United Way—more than $54,000 to date.
Transportation Hubs
Airports
Resources
- Developing and Implementing an Airport Recycling Program (PDF) (42 pp, 1.4MB, about PDF): This guide focuses on how to establish an airport recycling program, provides examples of activities that promote source reduction, and the importance of purchasing environmentally friendly products, and includes examples of innovative airport waste reduction programs
- Discover the ins and outs of setting up an airport recycling program: A guide to setting up a recycling program at your airport
- Airport Waste Assessment Questionnaire (PDF) (1 pg, 52K): Questions to ask yourself about your recycling program
- Typical Recyclables Generated at Airports by Source (PDF) (1 pg, 48K): A chart illustrating what recyclables are generated in different parts of the airport
- How to Start a Recycling Program at Your Airport: A guide for key decision-makers involved in planning and managing airport operations
Sample Programs
- Baltimore, Maryland: Recycling at BWI: Details of the recycling program at BWI, including products recycled and collection methods
- Salt Lake City, Utah: The Salt Lake City Department of Airports: Read about the Salt Lake City Department of Airports' in-house and public recycling programs
- Seattle, Washington: Sea-Tac Airport (PDF) (2 pp, 92K): Details of the recycling program at Sea-Tac airport that offers recycling in airport offices, terminals and concession areas
Highway Rest Stops
Resources
- Green Highways Partnership (GHP) : Learn how to incorporate environmental streamlining and stewardship into all aspects of the highway lifecycle
Sample Programs
- Wisconsin Brought Recycling to the State’s Highway Rest Areas (PDF) (2 pp, 104K): Travelers can recycling aluminum, plastic, glass and newspaper at Wisconsin's 32 rest areas
Public Mass Transit
Resources
- Virginia Clean Marinas : For anyone interested in the link between clean marinas and clean water
Sample Programs
- Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Transit Authority has newspaper recycling bins at 113 of its rail stations : As a member of the EPA's WasteWise program, CTA is involved in a number of recycling initiatives
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recycling program : MBTA has installed recycling barrels throughout the subway and commuter rail system to provide customers a more convenient and direct access to a recycling receptacle
