Zero Waste Event
Zero Waste Event FAQs
What Is a Zero Waste Event?
Any event on campus where >90% of the waste generated is diverted away from the landfill. Diversion options include Recycling, Orange Bag Recycling and Compost. Typically ZWEs are focused on meetings with food involved, as compostable material is a high percentage of landfill waste, but other events with high waste generation are good targets too.
How do I host a ZWE?
Planning is key, Reducing is better than Reusing, which is better than Recycling. Please see the ZWE instructions which are also found in each ZWE kit. The LiveGreen Ambassadors can also help with planning, please contact us.
What is in a ZWE Kit?
Each kit contains everything event organizers need to achieve official “Zero Waste” Status.
Kit contains:
- Instructions
- Bags for compost; and Hefty orange bags for hard-to-recycle plastics
- Hand scales for weigh-out (ZWEs require 90% diversion from landfill, by weight)
- Gloves
- Waste stream signage
How Do I Get at ZWE Kit?
Zero Waste Kits are currently available to checkout from the Center for Healthy Living, and from the Durham Research Center. To inquire about current kit inventory and to check out a kit, go to the Center for Healthy Living website or inquire at the front desk. You can also self-check-out ZWE Kits at Durham Research Center. The kits are in the lower cabinet in the Micro-Market on the first floor.
When checking out from either location, scan the check-out QR code on the bucket, check for any missing inventory and fill out the form. When your ZWE has concluded, bring the bucket back to where you got it, scan the check-in QR code on the bucket, assess for missing inventory and fill out the form.