Towards Zero Waste at Events
Towards Zero Waste refers to diverting as much waste from the landfill as possible to recycling and composting streams. Festivals and events are perfect opportunities to offer TZW because they are closed systems, hauling for recycling and composting can be just as easy, with a little planning, as garbage hauling, and event TZW provides excellent sustainability education for attendees.
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We at SNCW have received some grant funds to help support event Towards Zero Waste efforts. We can help with planning, volunteer training, TZW station equipment and more. Please contact us if your event is ready to go TZW!
Rails and Ales went Towards Zero Waste in 2025!
Sustainable NCW and Wenatchee Valley Rotary were proud to bring the zero-waste initiative to Rails & Ales 2025. With all participating food vendors using compostable utensils and containers, volunteers were able to easily guide attendees in sorting waste correctly—diverting about 400 lbs of compostable waste from the landfill. This effort was made possible by the Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce and reflects our community’s growing dedication to environmental sustainability.
The 2025 Apple Blossom Festival (April 24th to May 4th) promoted "Towards Zero Waste" or TZW once again! This is a giant volunteer coordination undertaking, and we are thankful for the many individuals who helped us divert 1 ton of compostable waste and 1 ton of recycling from landfill.
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SNCW is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort. Many people are behind the scenes making sure:​
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Food vendors utilize compostable serving ware and have access to composting buckets for their prep
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The TZW stations are prominent and well-laid out so festival goers can find them and easily sort their compostables, recyclables and trash
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The TZW stations are located in convenient locations near the food vendors
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The TZW stations are staffed with knowledgable volunteers
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Keeping recyclable and compostable waste out of landfills helps cool the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting pristine forests that draw carbon out of the atmosphere. You can contribute to a stable climate so we always have apple blossoms to celebrate.
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The first "Toward Zero Waste" effort was held during the 2023 Apple Blossom Festival. Read the blog here to find out more about the effort's success.
Have questions or suggestions for things to add to the Wizard? We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback to wastewizard@sustainablencw.org. If the Spanish translation does not work, try using a different internet browser.
The effort is coordinated by Wenatchee Valley Rotary Clubs, and Sustainable NCW. Composting service provided by Winton Mfg Compost Works and recycling provided by Waste Management. Thanks to Young Life volunteers for helping make this happen as well!
Thank you to Umpqua Bank, Icicle Brewing Company and München Haus for generously donating the compostable cups for the beer garden!
