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Sustainability
Student poses for photo at a Zero Waste Station on the quad.

Host a Zero Waste Event

Zero Waste, Big Impact

Make your next ISU event Zero Waste with our easy steps and resources.

Zero Waste

A Zero Waste Event means that 90% or more of the waste generated is diverted from landfills through reuse, recycling, or composting. That means only 10% or less of your event’s waste should be destined for the landfill.

Whether you're planning a small meeting or a large campus-wide celebration, hosting a Zero Waste event is easier than you think—with help from the Office of Sustainability and Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH). Here’s how to make it happen:

Plan Ahead

  • Choose reusable or compostable alternatives. Ditch single-use plastics. All tableware and serving items should be either compostable or reusable. Working with outside vendors? Ask them to omit any plasticware, napkins, or individually packaged items. If possible, inquire about providing your own reusable containers for them to serve or deliver the food in. Many vendors are open to sustainable partnerships—just ask!

    If you're working with EMDH, they are already committed to pursuing zero-waste practices at all catered events.

  • Choose aluminum over plastic. Serving soda? Go for aluminum cans—infinitely recyclable and way better for the planet.

  • Skip bottled water. Set out a water pitcher or dispenser with reusable or compostable cups.

  • Refuse wasteful extras. Skip Styrofoam, plastic stir sticks, and single-use creamers. Choose sustainable alternatives like wooden stir sticks and creamers in pitchers.

  • Choose Fair Trade. Support Illinois State University's Fair Trade Campus certification by requesting Fair Trade products like coffee, tea, sugar, and chocolate at your event. Learn more

  • Offer reusable or compostable take-home containers. This lets guests take leftovers, reduces food waste, and encourages sustainable habits long after the event ends.

  • Share your waste reduction efforts. Let your guests know how you're helping ensure your event practices sustainability in your invite. For certain events, you might encourage them to bring a reusable cup or mug.

A logo that reads 'Choose to Reuse' and features a red tablecloth.

FREE Reusable Red Tablecloths

Red tablecloths are available for loan to campus partners for both indoor and outdoor events to replace single-use, non-recyclable plastic table coverings. Tablecloths are rectangular in length and measure at 60" x 126". They generally fit a 6'-8' folding table. The Office of Sustainability launders all tablecloths after use!

Reserve Tablecloths

A large group of people dining at a long table with white tablecloths in a banquet room.
Display stand with 'Zero Waste Event' information on a red-covered table with red chairs in the background.
Two individuals at a compost station during a zero waste event, standing beside green bins labeled 'COMPOSTABLES.'
Three people stand near compost and recycling bins at an outdoor event, with a stadium and tent in the background.
Two clear water bottles with 'ISU ZERO WASTE' in red text being held at a stadium with a football field in the background.
Five people in a hallway with a green compost bin.

At the Event

  • Zero Waste Crew

    Our Zero Waste Crew is ready to support your next event. From three-stream waste stations (Recycle, Compost, and Landfill) to large Zero Waste Stations, our team can be on-site to help guests dispose of their waste correctly. The crew is also available to provide staff training in advance.

    Three people wearing red vests stand beside a Zero Waste Station.

  • Education

    It is important to have clear signage at food and waste stations explaining how and why this event is Zero Waste. Our team can provide this signage.

    A sign with red lettering that reads 'What is zero waste?'

  • Compost

    If you're hosting an event outside of the Bone Student Center, you'll need to set up a compost station for guests to discard their food waste and compostable items. Our team can provide compost bins, compostable bags, and support. When the event ends, compost can be deposited in a Compost Kiosk on campus—just make sure it’s free from contamination. Check what is compostable

    *All food waste at catered events using chinaware inside the Bone Student Center is composted behind the scenes by the Catering team—no action needed on your part!

    Compostable dinnerware and packaging.

  • Recycle

    Aluminum cans/ bottles, plastic bottles, and glass bottles are recyclable. Many items you may think are recyclable actually aren’t - double-check with our team to avoid contamination.

    A student stands by a recycling bin.

  • Landfill

    Sometimes creating some waste is unavoidable. Items like chip bags and cookie or candy wrappers are difficult to replace with sustainable alternatives and will need to go in the landfill.

    A person collects trash and recycling at a Zero Waste Event.

Get Started!

We're here to help! Contact us at Sustainability@IllinoisState.edu to get started.

Worried about cost? If you're using compostable tableware, apply for a “Green Your Event” grant through our Sustainability Fund. Email Sustainability@IllinoisState.edu for details.

Learn more about our campus wide waste reduction efforts