Reusable dishware program seeks to divert thousands of pieces of dishware from trash during upcoming community events

Waste Wise Lane County is partnering with the City of Eugene and Action Rent-All & Events to provide reusable dishware for two upcoming large-scale community events in Springfield and Eugene to potentially divert thousands of plates, bowls, and utensils from the landfill.

The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration (May 17, 5-8 p.m., Guy Lee Elementary in Springfield) and the Wildflower & Music Festival (May 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Pisgah Arboretum) will use the new Sustainable Event Services (SES) program, which aims to offset the energy and resources typically consumed using disposable dishware at events serving more than 250 attendees.

The SES program allows producers to reserve up to 1,000 9-inch plates, 1,000 11-inch plates, 700 bowls, 1,500 cups, 2,450 forks, 1,275 spoons, 750 table knives, and eight water bottle refilling stations for single or multi-day events. All dishware in the inventory is:

• BPA-free
• NSF-certified
• Secure, sturdy, and stackable

The program will track how much disposable single-use service ware is displaced by reusable dishware and calculate the associated energy, water, and carbon savings generated during large-scale events. Event planners can reserve and use this durable service ware for a fee that, in many cases, is less than the cost of providing disposable service ware.

"In 2022, the City of Eugene piloted a durable dishware program for the Eugene Riverfront Festival during the World Athletics Championships, which displaced an estimated 10,000 units of single-use food service ware," said Lane County Waste Reduction Program Supervisor Angie Marzano. "Lane County and the City of Eugene want to make this program available to community events countywide for organizers seeking greater sustainability and waste prevention. This program allows event planners to reduce single-use service ware disposal and purchase expenses while marketing and promoting sustainability efforts to attendees, which we know our community desires."

To reserve dishware or for more information, email [email protected]or visit www.lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-events.

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County-a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division-offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources and live more sustainably. Learn more about Waste Wise at www.lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

About the City of Eugene's Waste Prevention Program

The City of Eugene Waste Prevention Program is dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management practices and fostering community partnerships to create a cleaner environment for residents. Through educational initiatives and community outreach efforts, the program strives to advance conservation as an essential community value. Learn more at www.eugenerecycles.org.

About Action Rent-All & Events

Action Rent-All & Events is a local, family-owned and operated party and event rental service provider. Action Rent-All has been the sole contractor delivering the City of Eugene's water bottle refill stations to public events since 2000. For more information, visit https://actionrent-all.com.

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