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Oregon Family Magazine

Reusable dishware program seeks to eliminate single-use waste at large events

07/01/2024 ● By Daniel Hiestand
Melissa Kruse is the kind of parent volunteer schools typically can only dream about: dedicated, consistent, energetic, and striving to improve.

Perhaps the best example of Kruse’s volunteer efforts is the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Celebration, which she helped organize in May 2023 and attracted more than 1,500 attendees for food, music, and performances.

She wanted the same for the 2024 event but with a greater focus on waste prevention and sustainability.

“Our celebration used the water refill stations last year and we had such great feedback on that,” Kruse said. “We knew we wanted the stations at our event this year, and when I learned about the reusable dishware program, I thought it would be a wonderful addition.”

The Sustainable Events Services (SES) Program—offered by Waste Wise Lane County (Lane County Waste Management), the city of Eugene, and Action Rent-All & Events—provides reusable dishware that diverts disposable plates, bowls, and utensils generated by large events from the landfill.

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 inventory is BPA-free, secure, and stackable.

The program delivers sanitized dishware, cleaning supplies, and dish return station signage to events. After the event, the program collects the dirty dishes for much less than the cost of purchasing disposable food service ware. In May, the AANHPI celebration utilized the service for $150 and diverted hundreds of pieces of dishware from the landfill.

“We loved it,” Kruse said. “I felt like it elevated our event, and people were so impressed by the quality of the dishware and how easy and organized it was to use the (dishware) and return it to the right place.”

David Wilkinson, owner of Kento’s, an Asian-fusion restaurant and one of four participating vendors at the AANHPI event, said he thought the service went well and was easy to implement.

“I think we all need to think about (preventing) waste,” he said. “I think it’s worth a try for everybody, and I think it could help.”

Kruse said she plans to utilize the service again in 2025.

“One person on our team told me she was so surprised by the small amount of trash in our trash cans (after the event),” Kruse said. “We definitely want to use it again.”

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

Is your event a good fit for reusable dishware?

If you are an event organizer considering the Sustainable Events Services program, ask yourself the following questions.

Q: Is my event contained?

The most successful events are typically in controlled environments where entrances, exits, and dish return stations are marked. Otherwise, dishware can be lost.

Q: Do I have enough volunteers?

While the program is simple in concept, people power is needed to make it run smoothly and efficiently. Typical duties include setting up event infrastructure (signage, dish return tables, providing dishware to food vendors), replenishing dishware for vendors, answering event attendees’ questions, rinsing dishes, breaking down infrastructure, and repacking the dish trailer. While it’s not complicated, it takes coordination and some elbow grease.

Q: Do you have a water source?

An adequate water source is important on two main fronts: you’ll need it for the water bottle refilling stations and also for rinsing the dishes.

While this may seem like a lot, the result is worth it. Your event will dramatically reduce waste, and you’ll be “walking the walk” of sustainability.