Recycling at Events

​Festivals, parties and events can create a lot of trash. Help make your next event low-waste.

Smaller gatherings and events

From graduation parties to barbeques, make a positive change at your next get-together by recycling more.

Collect from guests

Provide recycling containers for your guests to collect cans, bottles and paper. Check out the list of what you can recycle.

• Put a recycling container next to each trash container.
• Use any kind of container to collect recycling or borrow one for free - see below.
• Label your containers so your guests know what to do. Make your own or print the Dakota County event signs:
• Event Container Signs (8.5" x 11")
• Event Container Signs (11" x 17")

Disposal options for smaller gatherings

Recycle what you collect:

• Use the recycling service provided by your waste hauler.
• Transport your recyclables to The Recycling Zone.

Compost the organics (food scraps) you collect:

• Sign up for the free Organics Drop-off Program for residents with sites across the county.
• Transport your organics directly to The Mulch Store ($2/bag).
• Put small amounts of food scraps without meat or dairy in a backyard compost bin.

Large events and festivals

Recycling requirements

Starting in 2021, event centers, community festivals, fairs, sporting events and concerts are required to recycle. In 2024, certain large events with food scraps will need to collect organics from non-public areas. Find out more about event requirements and resources to help with compliance.

Large event recycling help

Get help making a low-waste event plan, obtaining resources, educating vendors and training volunteers. Contact Dakota County at eventrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7557 for assistance.

• Event Recycling Planning Guide – tips for a low-waste event
• Free Event Resources
  
• Sample Vendor Communications and Agre​ement Language
  

Vendor recycling guide

Use the fillable guide to communicate what vendors should do with recycling and trash generated at the event.

1. Fill in with directions for your event. Download PDF and h​over over boxes for examples. Think of what a vendor might need to know to get rid of recyclables, trash, and other items at your event.
2. Add contact information.
3. Give to vendors when you check in with them at the start of the event.

Vendor Recycling Guide 
Vendor Recycling Guide with Organics Collection

Event recycling containers for any size event

Borrow containers for free from your city recycling coordinator or Dakota County. Event recycling containers include collapsible containers, bags, and signs.

• Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville (Dakota Valley Recycling), 952-895-4559
• Farmington, 651-280-6904​
  
• Hastings, 651-480-6182
• Inver Grove Heights, 651-604-8511
• Mendota Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake and West St. Paul, 651-552-4118
• Dakota County (online reservation).  After your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with specific details on how to complete your self-service pick up of your items at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley.

How to Set Up Event Containers

Number of waste stations

Waste stations - a recycling and trash container paired together – should be kept to a minimum to reduce time spent monitoring and emptying them:

• Up to 150 guests (e.g., graduation parties and family reunions) — 1–2 waste stations
• 150–300 guests (e.g., weddings) — 3–4 waste stations
• 300–600 guests (e.g., school picnic) — 5–6 waste stations
• 600–1,500 guests (e.g., sporting events) — 7–8 waste stations
• More than 1,500 — 8+ depending on size and waste amounts