Recycling at Events

Festivals, parties, picnics and other social functions can be a ton of fun, but they can also create a ton of waste.  Learn more about how to green your event. 

Need help greening your event?
Anoka County can help event coordinators develop waste-reduction plans, educate vendors, train volunteers and find collection options.  For more information, contact Recycle@co.anoka.mn.us or call 763-324-3400. Read more below for resources and tips for greening your event.
Event Organics Recycling

Recycling Bin Loan Program


Anoka County has free portable recycling containers available for recycling and organics (food waste and non-recyclable paper) collection at events. The container loan program is available to cities, community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and others who wish to collect and recycle materials generated at events held in Anoka County.

About the containers
We have two styles of containers available to borrow for your event, quantities are subject to availability. 
Slim Style Containers Available:
Organics: 43 available
Recycling: 86 available
Dimensions: 30" x 11" x 20"
• Footprint: 20" x 11"
• Weight: 8.21 lbs 
ClearStream Containers Available (collapsible metal frame and removable lid)
Organics: 32 available
Recycling: 26 available
Dimensions: 40" x 25" x 18"
• Footprint: 25" x 18"
• Folded Dimensions: 40" x 25" x 3/4"
• Weight: 8 lbs
AC-Slim-Jim-3
Clearstreams

Reserve recycling containers


To reserve portable recycling containers contact us.  Please clean container lids before returning them to Anoka County.

Signage


Having well-labeled recycling, organics and trash containers is one key step to making recycling at your event a success.
Download and print these signs for your event.

Resources for planning green events

Download and customize these letters to inform vendors on recycling at your event.

  1. sample-vendor-letter-non-food
  2. sample-vendor-letter-presenters

Planning and tips for low waste events

  1. Help Reduce Waste at Your Event-Guide for Vendors
  2. Low Waste Event Planning Guide
  3. Tips for Planning a Successful Green Event ver. 2

Waste and Recycling Hauling Service


Check with your event venue first to see if they offer recycling and organics collection service.  If recycling and organics collection is not provided by the event site, coordinators can either hire a hauler or self-haul recyclables to a drop-off site.  Depending on what is being collected, it may be economical to do a combination of both.

When hiring a waste hauler, ask the following:


  •  What materials will the hauler collect?
  •  What will the services cost?
  •  Will the hauler donate any portion of the service?
  •  What is the hauler’s experience with event recycling?
  •  Can the hauler provide the collection containers?
  •  Will the hauler provide signage and container labeling?
  •  Where will the organics be taken for composting?
  •  Will recyclables be collected together or do they need to be separated?
  •  Is the hauler able to measure and report garbage and recycling data?

Collection services


Finding a hauler to take all of the materials generated at an event (garbage, recyclables and organics) is the most convenient method for waste removal.
  •  Contact companies offering recycling pick-up services to see if they offer recycling pick-up for events.
  •  Check with the city recycling coordinator or haulers who offer services in the city where your event is being held.
  •  Contact us for information on waste haulers who pick up organics for composting.

Drop-off locations


Self-hauling some materials to a drop-off site for processing can be an economical way to manage event waste.
   •  Anoka County recycling drop-off facilities accept recycling from residents for no charge.  
   •  See the full list of drop-off facilities for organics recycling and food to people options in the Twin Cities  
   •  See the full list of recycling drop-off centers in the Twin Cities