Compost At Events

Consider composting at your event and help us divert waste from the landfill! Follow these simple steps to make your event low-waste.

Step 1:

Determine if your event will generate any compostable waste, such as food, napkins, or serviceware (see what can be composted). If you expect your event to generate compostable waste, move on to Step 2. If not, focus on recycling instead.

Step 2:

Download the University of Iowa Zero Waste Event Guide to help you begin planning your event to be waste-free.

Step 3:

Determine how you will collect compostable materials at your event. Does the venue already have compost bins you can use or will you need to bring in your own bins? If you need to bring your own bins, consider borrowing Cleartainers from the Office of Sustainability. To request Cleartainers for your event, simply fill out this form.

Step 4:

Determine where your compostable materials will go after the event. Below are options to choose from. These may not represent all of the options available. The University does not endorse any of these options, but is simply providing a listing of known options available.

Compost Ninja	Waste Management	Iowa City Compost Facility
Pick-up available at many Iowa City venues UI approved vendor for small volumes Event coordinator must contact Compost Ninja directly Cost varies depending on size and scope of service	Pick-up available at many Iowa City venues UI approved vendor for large volumes Event coordinator must contact Waste Management directly Cost varies depending on size and scope of service	Drop-off compost at the Iowa City landfill Available for any size event Event coordinator must arrange delivery to the landfill during their regular business hours Cost varies depending on quantity

Step 5:

During your event, set up your compost collection containers and ensure they are well labeled and staffed for the entire duration of the event. The Iowa City compost facility does not accept bags of compost if they have become too contaminated. All bags must have less than 1% contamination, which is why it is important to ensure that the compost stations are monitored by staff or volunteers at all times.

Step 6:

After the event, ensure the bags are free from any contamination. Then, dispose of the bags using the option chosen in Step 4.