University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

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. Zero Waste Events 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 Zero Waste Event? 

Planning is key, Reducing is better than Reusing, which is better than Recycling. Please see the Zero Waste Event instructions which are also found in each Zero Waste Event kit. The LiveGreen Ambassadors can also help with planning, please contact us.

What is in a Zero Waste Event 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 Zero Waste Event 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 Zero Waste Event Kits at Durham Research Center. The kits are in the lower cabinet in the Micro-Market on the first floor.

If you are using Sodexo Catering, you can order compostable serving ware and a Zero Waste Event kit at the end of the order you place through CaterTrax.  If you are not using Sodexo Catering, you can still separately purchase compostable serving ware and/or reserve a Zero Waste Event kit. Call 402-559-4029 or email catering for more information, pricing or to reserve a kit. 
 
Compostable serving options include:
Pick up Zero Waste Event kits and serving ware at the catering pick-up office behind the cafeteria on 3rd floor of University Tower 2.

When checking out, scan the check-out QR code on the bucket, check for any missing inventory and fill out the form. When your Zero Waste Event 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.

Download the Zero Waste Event instruction form