Zero Waste Events
Let us help your next event keep waste out of the landfill
Proudly Helping Kauaʻi Events Go Zero Waste Since 2010
Zero Waste Kauaʻi has been partnering with event organizers across the island for over 15 years to dramatically reduce event waste. Our goal is simple: help as much material as possible stay out of the landfill through smart planning, compostable service ware, recycling, and composting.
Events we’ve supported have achieved diversion rates of 80–92%, including the Taste of Hawaiʻi, the Mayor’s Fundraiser, the KCC Culinary Arts Festival, the Mayorathon, and many more.
How We Can Help
We offer flexible levels of support depending on your event’s size, budget, and needs:
Level 1:
Free Pre-Planning Consultation
Just looking for advice? We’re happy to help at no charge. We’ll review your event scope, help you complete a pre-planning checklist, walk through our Event Manual, develop initial recommendations, and help you build a product list for compostable service ware.
Level 2:
Volunteer Training
We’ll train your volunteers on how to manage Zero Waste stations, sort materials correctly, and guide attendees. You handle the logistics and volunteer coordination; we make sure everyone knows what to do. We provide PA announcement scripts and signage guidance.
Level 3: Full Event Coordination
We manage the entire waste diversion operation, including:
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Overseeing vendor compliance with compostable food service ware requirements
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Providing and setting up Zero Waste stations (compost, recycling, and trash bins)
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Recruiting, coordinating, and managing volunteers and station monitors
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On-site coordination throughout the event
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Hauling compostables after the event
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Post-event evaluation and diversion rate calculation
What Makes a Zero Waste Event?
A Zero Waste event isn’t about perfection-it’s about being on the path to zero
Waste Prevention Comes First
The most impactful step is preventing waste before it’s created. Use reusable or washable plates instead of disposable boxes. Buy in bulk instead of individual servings. Request that donors minimize packaging and bring items in reusable containers.
Use Compostable Food Service Ware
When reusable isn’t practical, compostable is the next best thing. Use plates, cups, and utensils made from bagasse, corn starch, or potato starch. That way all food, plates, napkins, and scraps go into a single compost bin.
Set Up Zero Waste Stations
Each station has three clearly labeled bins:
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Compost (green bins / green bags):
Food waste, compostable service ware, paper napkins and towels -
Recycling (blue bins / clear bags):
HI-5 containers, aluminum foil and trays, cardboard, plastics #1 & #2 -
Landfill/Trash (black bins / black bags):
Whatever’s left
Volunteers & Monitors
For larger events, trained monitors at each station help attendees sort correctly and keep contamination low. For smaller or repeat groups, clear signs and PA announcements are often enough.
Work with Vendors & Food Service Providers
Vendors are often the largest source of waste at events. Make sure all food sellers and providers understand your Zero Waste goals. Include requirements in vendor contracts. Restrict non-compostable items like styrofoam, aluminum foil, and single-use water bottles. Verify vendor purchases before the event. Common problem items include straws, coffee lids, condiment packets, and Dixie cups.
Track Your Results
After the event, count bags or weigh materials and calculate your diversion rate:
% Diverted = Amount diverted ÷ (Amount diverted + Amount disposed)
Example: 10 bags compost + 3 bags recyclables + 3 bags trash = 13 ÷ 16 = 81% diversion
Compostable Food Service Products
Switch to compostable service ware so food and plates can all go in one compost bin.
On-Island Vendors
Jimmy’s Sales
1874 Haleukana St, Līhuʻe (808) 246-0444
Bargreen Ellingson
083 Aukele St, Līhuʻe (808) 246-4953
Maui Chem & Paper
Haleukana St, Puhi (800) 244-7311 · 1794
Ventures Associates
Oihana St, Līhuʻe (808) 246-4886 · 3097
Costco
4300 Nuhou St, Līhuʻe (808) 241-4000
Tip: Contact on-island vendors a few weeks in advance in case they need to order special items. Some products may only be available in case quantities.
Online Vendors
Download Our Event Planning Resources
We’ve put together comprehensive guides including planning worksheets, vendor instructions, sample contracts, volunteer guides, PA announcements, and signage templates.
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Zero Waste Event Planning Manual
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Zero Waste Event Training Presentation