Zero Waste Kit Rental
Are you thinking about hosting an event soon? Zero Waste Pennsylvania’s Zero Waste Kit can provide you with all the necessities for greening your event!
When & Why Should I Rent a Zero Waste Kit?
Graduation celebrations, birthday parties, block parties, weddings, fundraisers and events of generally 250 guests or less are a perfect fit for the Zero Waste Kit. Events, even small backyard parties, can generate a significant amount of waste. Avoiding typical party supplies is easier with our options. By utilizing a Zero Waste Kit, you can prevent single-use servingware and packaging from adding to the landfill.
What is a Zero Waste Kit?
A Zero Waste Kit includes three bins, which separate materials into categories. The three bins are labeled “Landfill,” “Recycling,” and “Compost.” Educational signs are part of the package, so guests will know which bin to use.
How do I Plan to Reduce Waste?
Reducing waste at your event begins long before the event itself. Follow these steps to make the most of your Zero Waste Kit rental:
- Choose a venue that offers both recycling and trash disposal, and ask what your venue’s recycling hauler accepts. PRC’s Zero Waste Kit will provide you with compost disposal.
- Purchase the right amount of food for your party. Let your caterer know that your priorities include minimizing excess food.
- Arrange a food donation plan with a food pantry or organization like 412 Food Rescue. Make sure to follow donation guidelines; keep excess food temperature safe and sealed. If you are working with a caterer, share these guidelines for food donation.
- Choose to serve on durable plates, glassware, and utensils. Decorate with reusable, washable items. This will significantly reduce single-use disposable items at your event.
Where do I Purchase Compostable Service-Ware?
Where durable service-ware is not possible, our Zero Waste Kit can provide you with BPI-certified compostable service-ware. This serviceware is made from a combination of plant fibers such as sugar cane or paper, and natural waxes, resins and plant-based polymers used as a lining or an alternative to conventional plastic. See the insert below for PRC’s compostable serviceware inventory.
What Can I Compost?
Backyard compost is different from commercial composting. Your backyard compost is great for composting food scraps, yard waste, and paper products. However, much compostable service-ware, including “bio-plastics” made with PLA, will only compost in an industrial facility that reaches a higher heat. With your Zero Waste Kit, our organization will compost these as well as your food scraps, paper, and wet/dirty cardboard. Your compost will be properly processed by AgRecycle, the only industrial composting facility in the region.
How Do I Order a Zero Waste Kit?
Please use the form below to request a Zero Waste Kit. Please submit your request no later than two weeks prior to your event. Kits can be picked up and dropped off, along with compostable materials at PRC’s Office in Pittsburgh’s Northside (828 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233).
