ZERO WASTE EVENTS

Through education and action we can achieve a zero waste future. Partner with Solana Center to support your Zero Waste initiatives. The goal of a zero waste event is to minimize the total amount of waste sent to the landfill. Our team of education experts offer sustainable solutions that inspire the community to participate in circular systems, reduce consumption, reuse, and recycle. 

Zero Waste Event Services

Solana Center's zero waste experts look forward to helping you "go green" at your next event! We offer waste station sorting, waste signage, planning, volunteer coordination, and final waste assessments at a range of involvement capacities.

Two women in aprons standing behind recycling and trash bins, smiling in a room with beige walls and a window.

Pre-Event Consulting

Consulting leading up to the event on best business practices for zero waste events. This can include communication with vendors, waste station signage, waste station map, and consulting on local regulations

Recycling station with three bins labeled landfill, recycle, and compost, each with illustrations of relevant waste

Site Assessment

Assessing the site to provide customized guidance on best waste station locations and efficacy for a zero waste event.

A girl in a school uniform receiving a certificate from a woman in a blue apron at a school event, with students seated at tables in the background.

Day Of Consulting

Assessing the site to provide customized guidance on best waste station locations and efficacy for a zero waste event.

A woman with a straw hat and apron teaches a group of children about recycling at an outdoor educational booth with informational posters and a large green sign that reads 'Good for the Green B'.

Volunteer Coordination

Allocate 4-6 of Solana Center’s committed volunteers for the event who will assist in managing waste stations and providing instruction to attendees on waste sorting

Three women sitting under a tent labeled 'Waste Sorting' with a sign that promotes rethinking waste and encourages reducing, reusing, recycling, and rotating waste. They are surrounded by buckets, containers, and other recycling materials, helping with waste sorting at an outdoor event.

Waste Audit & Reporting

Conducting a waste audit of the event’s waste streams and providing a report on recommendations for future event improvements.

Contact our partnerships department to learn more about cost, availability, and more.  Email Kayleigh.dearstyne@solanacenter.org, call (760) 436-7986 x716 or complete the form below and our team will be in touch as soon as possible!

Two women having a conversation at an outdoor event table with brochures and flyers in a park with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Education

Solana Center's event booths are designed to educate and inspire individuals to reduce and rethink waste and become change-makers in their communities. They are a staple at community events across the County, including the San Diego County Fair, Fiesta Del Sol, San Diego Earthfest, EcoFest, and more.

Themes for Solana Center's Zero Waste booths include:

  • Composting

  • Vermicomposting

  • Manure management

  • Recycling

  • Watershed stewardship

  • Textiles

Choose one or a few to incorporate into your environmental event! We can accommodate a variety of schedules, from an all-day info booth to numerous short 10-minute presentations. Booth fees vary.

Contact our education department via the form below, email at education@solanacenter.org

or call (760) 436-7986 x711 to learn more about cost, availability, and more. 

Zero Waste Case Studies

Large crowd gathered on a beach with tent booths, ocean waves, and residential homes on a hillside in the background.

Switchfoot Bro-Am
June 2023

Solana Center provided pre-event consultation, ran waste diversion day-of, and trained volunteers for this local fundraiser event that sees over 17,000 guests every year. Solana Center provided a waste diversion plan and signage prior to the event. Due to this work, Solana Center has been able to reduce contamination each year worked.

A group of people attending an environmental awareness event about recycling organic waste, with a large colorful banner promoting saving organics from landfill and stating that food is meant to be eaten, not wasted. There are informational posters and brochures on the table.

La Jolla Music Society
December 2023

Solana Center provided guidance on location of waste stations, a list of disposable materials, and connections to a food recovery partner. Solana Center also did a waste audit after the event to demonstrate effectiveness and provide recommendations on next steps.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a blue apron pulls a cart marked 'Food Waste' with two black buckets at an outdoor event. There are tents and people in the background, with signs and banners about food waste and home remodeling.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
June 2022

Solana Center set up event coordinators with best practices and guidance to increase waste diversion. Solana Center also distributed educational resources to vendors. Solana Center, finally, conducted a visual audit of landfill and organic bins to provide feedback for future years.

Oktoberfest event featuring a bratswurst stand with people in line, tents, and festive decorations under a clear blue sky.

Encinitas Oktoberfest
September 2022

Solana Center customized and delivered educational materials to
ensure compliance with five relevant product bans. Additionally, Solana Center provided inspections of food vendors for day-of compliance.

“Solana Center was an exceptional partner in helping us achieve an impressive 89.4% diversion rate at our annual Cornhole Classic — a major success for our first Zero Waste certification effort. Their enthusiastic volunteers, real-time adaptability, and clear reporting made the process seamless from start to finish.” – Celia Hoag, DPR Construction