| In a typical year, Franklin County is proud to be home to hundreds of public events and festivals each year. While these events welcome thousands of people to our community and help our local economy, they also can create more waste. In fact, our community sends over a million tons of material to the landfill every year.
SWACO is on a mission to divert 75% of the waste generated in Franklin County away from the landfill by 2032. These activities include increasing the community’s efforts to reduce waste and increase reuse, recycling and composting. Local events play an important part in advancing these efforts. Whether you’re looking for funding to offset the cost of waste diversion efforts or simply need inspiration and best practices, SWACO is here to help local event organizers looking to reduce the amount of waste their event generates. |
Are you looking for grant funding to help implement waste reduction and recycling efforts for your next big event?
Apply for SWACO’s Event Waste Reduction Grants. This competitive grant program helps local event organizers implement activities that increase waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. These grants also help create innovative, long lasting best practices to cut down the amount of waste created and improve recycling to reduce the event’s reliance on the landfill.
SWACO is accepting applications until August 5, 2022 from events taking place this year. Awarded grants range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the size of the event. For more information, eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.swaco.org/190/
 Do you have the infrastructure in place, but simply need to borrow some recycling containers?
SWACO’s Event Container Loan Program is designed to help Franklin County events recycle materials such as glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and metal cans. Through the program, event organizers can rent ClearStream recycling and waste containers which are proven to increase the amount of recyclables collected and reduce the amount of non-recyclables tossed into the recycling stream. Compost containers are also available upon request. For more information and to submit a request, visit https://www.swaco.org/192/ |
Are you just looking for information, inspiration or best practices? SWACO is a one-stop resource for information:
- Event Waste Reduction Best Practices (Source: SWACO)
- Green Event Guide: Resources for Planning a Sustainable Outdoor Event (Source: The City of Columbus)
- Zero Waste Special Event Planning Guide (Source: Ohio EPA)
- Ongoing monthly webinars produced by SWACO
We know that events may look a little different going into the warmer months, but we’re here to help. For questions, please email grants@swaco.org or outreach@swaco.org.
