SWACO's Event Container Loan Program is designed to help Franklin County events effectively reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost! Our community is placing greater importance on waste diversion methods including recycling. In 2023, Franklin County's diversion rate rose to an all-time high of 54%.
Container Loan Overview
- Users may request up to 100 dual-stream, all-in-one recycling and landfill containers called a CeroBin. There are also 20 compost ClearStream containers available if food scraps will be collected at the event.
- The collapsible containers will fit in a car with the seats down and are easy to set up with signage attached to the lid.
- If approved, containers may be picked up at SWACO during normal work hours M-F. Delivery is available on a case-by-case basis for large festivals (Borrowing 75+ containers).
- CeroBins perform best with 56-gallon bags. A best practice is to use clear for recycling and black for landfilling.
- Containers are lent out on a first come, first served basis.
Container Loan Logistics
- All events open to the public and located in SWACO's jurisdiction (PDF map) are eligible to apply.
- Complete the online form by clicking the link below two weeks prior to the event.
- In order to measure the impact of this program, Event Organizers are required to share the amount of materials recycled, composted, and/ or landfilled with SWACO by submitting a Final Report.
Event Waste Reduction Resources
- Review the Event Waste Reduction Grant Program to see if your event is eligible for grant funding to reduce event-generated waste from the Franklin County Landfill.
- Download SWACO’s Best Practices Guide for Container Set Up (PDF).
- Download SWACO's Event Waste Reduction Best Practices Guide (PDF) for tips and tricks to host a more sustainable event.
- Download the City of Columbus Green Event Guide (PDF).
- Download the OEPA's Zero Waste Special Event Planning Guide (PDF).
- Watch short recorded SWACO webinars to learn what's recyclable at events and why, strategies for waste reduction, and more.
- Request recycling training for your event volunteers and staff by emailing [email protected].
Sorting Signs & Feather Sail
Create custom made signs specific to your event with the Recycle Right sign maker tool. Custom signage is available in 8.5 x 11 portrait and 11 x 17 landscape.
Previous Program Participants
Greek Festival
"Utilizing the container loan program from SWACO we were able to see a >25% reduction in the waste stream that would have ended up in the landfill in our first year! Expanding recycling in the coming years will see us able to reduce our costs in the number of trash dumpsters to rent and use as well as increasing the amount of waste that is recycled. We estimate that more than 75% of the waste that comes out of the kitchen during the Greek Festival can be recycled: shipping boxes, vegetable and sauce cans, plastic bottles, and salt boxes. We look forward to increasing our waste diversion from the landfill in future years!"
Columbus Book Festival
“SWACO containers are so helpful in reducing waste, preventing overflow of our indoor bins, and keeping the park clean throughout our annual Columbus Book Festival.”
Questions
For more information, e-mail SWACO.