Trash, Recycling and Composting Stations for Events

Trash is the least glamorous part of a rental list and the first thing guests notice when it is missing. Overflowing cans, plates on the grass and cups under chairs make a nice event look sloppy. A little planning keeps a backyard party in Evanston or a tent in Naperville clean through the last guest. Here is the count and the layout.

How many bins

Counts are rules of thumb. Drinks, wet food and plates fill bins fast, so add a bin where the food and bar are.

Bin sizes

• Standard 32-gallon cans: common for events; one holds about 100 drinks and plates before it overflows.
• Slim 23-gallon bins: fit under table edges.
• Large 55-gallon bins and wheeled carts: for 200 or more guests or back of house.
• Small tabletop bins: for buffets and desserts.
• Liners: one spare per bin.

Recycling and composting

Recycling only works with clear labels. Illinois municipalities differ about what goes in blue bins, and plastic cups with food residue can contaminate loads. Ask your hauler or village what they accept, and avoid items that nobody takes. Compost is more complicated: Chicago has limited compost pickup, and many suburbs offer private services or drop-offs. Check your village or a commercial composter. Choose food-service items labeled compostable only if your composter accepts them, because many do not. If composting isn't realistic, reduce waste by choosing reusable plates and glasses; see dinnerware.

Labels guests understand

Use a picture of the actual item on each bin. "Cups and bottles," "Food scraps," "Everything else." A short sign with a photo does more than the word "recycling." Keep trash bin lids in a different color from recycling, and cover the bins with a tablecloth or a simple screen if you want a neater look. Hiding them behind a plant or fence works for weddings, as long as guests can still see the opening.

Back of house waste

The kitchen and caterer will produce more waste than the guests: packaging, food scraps, grease and boxes. Ask your caterer what they take away. Put a dedicated bin and a grease container behind the prep tent. See catering prep tent and back of house space for layout. Never pour grease or oil on the lawn or into a storm drain.

Venue rules and hauling

Banquet halls and parks may require you to remove trash, and some charge a fee if you don't. Park district shelters often have "carry in, carry out" policies, so bring bags and know where the nearest dumpster is. Residential garbage service in Chicago has limits on the number of carts, so a large party may need extra pickups or a dumpster rental. Check your city or village rules and talk with your hauler.

Pairing trash with other event gear

Waste stations pair with the food and drink areas, see beverage dispensers and buffet line flow. Include them in your site plan when you map chairs and tables; our seating guide shows how to count the rest.

Add the unglamorous pieces to your plan

Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote and we will help you list every item, including bins.