FOOD VENDOR RECYCLING TIPS
Let’s make the [Insert Event Name] a waste free event!
Events can generate huge amounts of trash. You can help reduce waste
at our event this year by reducing food waste, eliminating unnecessary
products and purchasing products that are easy for you and your
customers to recycle or compost.
Keeping waste from landfills can save money by reducing trash service
and conserving resources. It also sets a positive example for the rest of
the community. It’s easy and it’s the right thing to do.
Consider the following steps to help reduce food waste while also saving money, helping the
environment, and potentially making food available to those in need:
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Plan carefully for the event with a portion planner (readily available online). Recognize that
smaller amounts is okay. Running out of one or two popular items is preferable to lots of wasted
food at the end of an event.
Have a plan in place for leftovers. This may include clear food storage containers, freezer space,
sending food home with people, or donating uneaten food.
Consider food donation. The Thurston County Food Bank is able to use prepared food to create
individual meals for families in need. You are protected by the Good Samaritan Act. Call ahead to
learn the Food Bank’s requirements and procedures. They can be reached at 352-8597.
At [Insert Event Name], you will see recycling available for:
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ORGANICS - food scraps and food-soiled paper including napkins and towels, waxy
produce boxes, greasy pizza boxes, and uncoated, non-shiny paper plates and serving
boats.
MIXED RECYCLABLES - plastic bottles, metal cans, and mixed paper.
CLEAN, DRY, UNCOATED CARDBOARD
For help in choosing recyclable and compostable products, contact Katherine Straus at
Thurston County Solid Waste at 360-867-2282 or strausk@co.thurston.wa.us. Find
additional waste reduction information at www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org/organics.
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QUICK TIPS:
•Use uncoated, non-shiny paper plates and serving boats. Shiny paper products are coated
in wax or plastic and are not recyclable or compostable.
• Use bulk condiment dispensers. Individual condiment packets are not recyclable and create
unnecessary waste.
• Do not give out straws or lids, unless requested. Plastic straws and lids are garbage items.
• Use paper products instead of plastic or Styrofoam™. Replace plastic bags, foil, wraps
and foam trays with compostable paper products.
• Buy supplies with recycled content, like cups and napkins, or with low environmental
impacts, such as non-toxic cleaners.
• Offer a discount to customers who bring their own cups/mugs.
• Avoid non-recyclable containers. Sell drinks in recyclable bottles and cans rather than
disposable plastic cups or coated paper cups.
• Use edible garnishes or no garnishes.
What can I put in the ORGANICS bin?
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ALL FOOD WASTE
Meat, seafood, bones, dairy products, eggshells, fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, pasta,
coffee grounds, tea, baked goods, and spoiled foods.
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FOOD-SOILED PAPER
Paper towels & napkins, wet cardboard, waxed produce boxes parchment paper,
uncoated non-shiny paper plates and boats, paper bags, paper coffee filters, and tea
bags.
 NOT ACCEPTED IN ORGANICS
No PLASTIC of any kind, including bags, straws, shrink wrap, coffee cup lids, and
plastic utensils.
No polystyrene (Styrofoam™), foil, juice pouches, glass, metal, grease, oil or liquids.
Feminine hygiene products, toilet tissue, cigarettes, and animal waste are also not
accepted.
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What can I RECYCLE?
MIXED RECYCLABLES
Tin, steel, and aluminum cans, plastic bottles and
dairy containers, and mixed paper.
CLEAN, DRY, UNCOATED CARDBOARD
Put in separate cardboard-only recycling bins. Be sure to flatten
your cardboard boxes. Cardboard must be clean and uncoated.
Put waxed cardboard boxes like produce boxes, and wet, greasy,
or food-soiled cardboard in the ORGANICS bin.
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NOT ACCEPTED AS RECYCLING
No FOIL, plastic film including bags or shrink wrap, plastic cups including coffee cups or
lids, plastic utensils and straws, plastic take-out containers or bottle caps. No
polystyrene (Styrofoam™), or any food-soiled items.