Event Recycling and Waste Management
Whether hosting a public or private event, managing waste is an important step on the planning to-do list! Use this page as a guide to reduce stress and confusion while reducing waste and contributing to a greener Saint Paul.
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City of Saint Paul Container Lending Program
Planning a low-waste event? You can reserve free recycling and organics recycling containers, signs, and bags to help reduce waste. Make sure the bins are conveniently located next to trash containers, near food and eating areas, entrances and exit points, and other high pedestrian traffic areas.
Request containers at least two weeks in advance to be sure we can fulfill your request!
Saint Paul District Council Container Lending Programs
The following District Councils have recycling and organics (food scraps) containers available to borrow for events.
Not sure which district you live in? View the District Council map.
D1 Community Council 2105 ½ Old Hudson Rd 651-578-7600 Greater East Side St. Paul 1365 Prosperity Ave. 651-774-2220 Payne Phalen D5 Planning Council 506 Kenny Rd. 651-774-5234 District 6 Planning Council 171 Front Ave. 651-488-4485 West 7th / Fort Road Federation 882 W 7th St. - Ste. 6 651-298-5599 D10 Como Community Council 1224 Lexington Pkwy N 651-644-3889 Union Park District Council 161 N Snelling Ave. 651-645-6887 Saint Anthony Park Community Council 2395 University Ave W 651- 649-5992 Hamline Midway Coalition 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. 651-494-7682 Macalester-Groveland Community Council 320 S. Griggs St. 651-695-4000 Highland District Council 1978 Ford Parkway 651- 695-4005 Ramsey County Container Lending Program
Ramsey County Environmental Health also has recycling and organics (food scraps) containers available to borrow for events. If City doesn't have containers available, consider reaching out to Ramsey County instead.
Ramsey County Recycling Event Assistance
Ramsey County Public Health, Environmental Health Office
Third Floor, Reception Area
2785 White Bear Avenue #350, Maplewood, MN 55109 -
Event organizers are responsible for proper disposal of trash, recycling, and organics (food scraps) generated at their events.
Recycling
- Beverage containers (aluminum cans, plastic and/or glass bottles)
- Paper (flyers, signs, posters, pizza delivery boxes)
- Cardboard
- Metal (steel food cans, clean tinfoil/trays)
- Plastic (cups, containers)
These items can all be recycled for free by taking them to Saint Paul's free drop-off site at 309 Como Avenue.
Organics (food scraps)
- Food scraps (vegetable scraps, bones, dairy products, etc.)
- Non-recyclable paper (paper towels, napkins, paper egg cartons, etc.)
- BPI-certified compostable dishware (BPI website)
These items can be composted for free by taking them to one of the drop-off sites below.
All Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites
District 10 Como Park site Macalester-Groveland Drop-off Site Highland Park Drop-off Site
Trash
- Non-recyclable containers (styrofoam, plastics bags, black plastic, etc.)
- Non-compostable paper (plastic-coated disposable food dishes, etc.)
- Bulky items (couches, mattresses, containers larger than 3 gallons)
Search the Ramsey County disposal guide to find out where to take these items.
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In 2014, Saint Paul City Council updated city ordinance Chapter 366 to maximize waste diversion goals. Saint Paul is committed to protecting the environment and public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving energy and natural resources. Community events, parades, races, and public gatherings play a vital role in accomplishing these goals. The Waste Management Plan intends to aid event organizers in planning and reducing the waste generated at public events.
Event organizers are required to submit the following for review by Public Works staff:
- Waste Management Plan - Submit at least 60 days before the event
- Final Evaluation - Submit within 30 days after the event.
Not sure where to start on making your event low-waste? Check out our resource guide:
guide to planning a low-waste event (2.71 MB) -
Reduce Waste and Manage it Properly
By planning ahead you can reduce waste at your next event! Recycling and composting help reduce greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of materials sent to landfills. Check out these resources for tips on managing your waste to create a more eco-friendly event.
Eureka: Zero-Waste Event Tips Guest-imator: Low-waste Meal Planning Saint Paul: Low-waste Event Resource Guide
Working with Venues
When you contact a facility about reservations, ask them what recycling and composing options are available on-site. Most businesses are required by law to provide recycling for customers.
When you arrive to set up your event, locate the disposal containers and make sure they're labeled properly. If needed, you can download free labels from BizRecycling. Some signs and stickers are also available in languages other than English.
Visit the Park Facilities Rental page to reserve a public location for your event.
