Zero Waste Events
The Zero Waste Events Program is a partnership between the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management, and you! The goal of this program is to minimize waste that is generated at Berea College events with composting and recycling systems, while educating participants about waste diversion practices and sustainable catering options. This initiative aims to reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainable event planning across our campus.
Zero Waste Ambassador Training
A Zero Waste Event Ambassador is an individual (student, staff, or faculty) who has successfully completed our training program, equipping them with the knowledge to plan for and manage waste diversion stations at their events.
Are you interested in becoming a Zero Waste Ambassador? The process is quick and easy! To get started, simply fill in the form here. Our team will contact you and provide you with the training materials as a next step. Thank you for making your events more eco-conscious for a greener future.
Event Planning
When ordering from BC Catering and Facilities, the following “greening” practices are followed automatically:
PART 1: Food + Materials
- Indoor events can use permanent ware or compostable disposables.
- For indoor events, permanent ware can be used for an extra charge.
- For outdoor events, BC Catering uses the approved compostable disposables.
- Organic and locally source products are always available.
PART 2: Training
- Recycling, composting, and trash bins are available for your event.
- Prior to hosting an event, personnel (faculty, labor students, and/or staff) from your department or organization are required to complete our training program to become certified Zero Waste Ambassadors. Who should complete this training? Anyone working on event planning as well as other members of your department or organization who will be staffing the Waste Diversion Station for your event.
- Fill in form above to request training for you and/or your team.
- Request training 4 weeks in advance of hosting your first Zero Waste Event.
PART 3: Waste Diversion Stations
- For events held inside the following buildings, bins are located here:
- Alumni Building: The Campus Life Office has the keys to the storage area to the bins. Please return the bins to the Campus Life Office once you are finished.
- Draper Building: Bins are located under the stairs in the stairwell on the first floor. Please pick up the bins form this area and return to the area once you are finished.
- MAC Building: The Building Manager’s team will drop off bins at your event space. Please set them up, staff them, and fold them down after your event. The Building Manager’s team will transport the bins back to storage after your event.
- Seabury Center: The Building Manager’s team will drop off bins at your event space. Please set them up, staff them, and fold them down after your event. The Building Manager’s team will transport the bins back to storage after your event.
- Stephenson Hall: Bins are located in the 211 Suite in the open office space outside Appalachian Review offices. One week before your event, email Heather Dent (denth@berea.edu) to coordinate when you will pick them up. Please pick up the bins from outside the Appalachian Review offices and return to the area once you are finished.
- Woods-Penniman: Bins are located in the closet in Woods-Penn Commons nearest to the kitchen. Please pick up the bins form this area and return to the area once you are finished.
- For events held in the buildings listed above, a Zero Waste Form to request the bins is not required.
- Submit a Zero Waste Form at least 2 weeks in advance to request recycling, composting, and trash bins if your event is:
- An event with 100+ estimated attendees in any space on campus
- An event that will be held outdoors
- Or an event held inside any building on campus not listed above
- Kevin Long, Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator with Facilities Management, will contact you about setting bins up for your event.
- For events with 100+ estimated attendees, additional Zero Waste Ambassadors may be able to be provided to assist your department/organization’s certified Zero Waste Ambassadors, with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice.