In an effort to reduce the massive amount of waste generated during large-scale, community events, Lane County Waste Wise has launched a re-usable dishware program.
The new Sustainable Event Services program provides real plates, bowls, cups and utensils to food vendors. When the customer is done eating and drinking, the dishware goes into clearly marked bins instead of trash cans.
Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Dan Hiestand said the program does more than benefit the environment.
“From a business standpoint, it really can lead to some cost savings so businesses that do utilize the service. They don’t have to go out and purchase those often expensive, disposable dishware that they normally do,” Hiestand said.
The durable dishware program was piloted in Eugene during the World Athletics Championships in 2022. Hiestand said an estimated 10,000 pieces of service ware were kept out of the landfill.
The reusable dishware program will be used during two upcoming Lane County events: the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration on May 17, at Guy Lee Elementary in Springfield and the Wildflower & Music Festival on May 19, at Mount Pisgah Arboretum.
According to a press release from Waste Wise Lane County, the program allows producers or vendors 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.
The Waste Wise website lists fees for the service starting at $25 per dishware type, per day.
