New reusable dishware program integrates sustainability into big events

By Daniel Hiestand

Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator

Hosting a community event often includes piles of disposable plates, cups, and utensils destined for the landfill—but Lane County has a better solution. Thanks to the Sustainable Events Services (SES) Program, event organizers with more than 250 attendees can now swap single-use plastics and paper products for durable, reusable dishware—all without the hassle of cleanup.

A collaboration between Waste Wise Lane County, the City of Eugene, and Action Rental-All & Events, the program provides high-quality melamine plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils—all BPA-free, microwave-safe, and NSF-certified. Even better? The service delivers clean dishware, sets up water bottle refill stations, and collects dirty items afterward, making sustainability effortless.

How it works

• Action Rent-All helps organizers choose the appropriate dishware and schedules delivery.  
• Event food vendors use reusable items just like disposables—but with far less waste.
• Attendees drop used dishes at designated dish return stations.
• Action Rent-All picks up, sanitizes, and restocks dishes daily for multi-day events.  

The program also offers up to 10 water refill stations, cutting down on plastic bottle waste.

Best of all, it's cheaper than buying disposables—which helps save money while reducing environmental impacts.  

To help support the program, launched in 2024, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently awarded the SES Program $74,000 to expand its efforts.  

With festivals, farmers' markets, and community gatherings returning in full force this spring and summer, this program offers a simple way to keep waste out of landfills while maintaining convenience.

Interested in seeing the program in action? Food vendors will utilize SES during the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration on Friday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Guy Lee Elementary (755 Harlow Rd., Springfield).

Visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-events for more information.

Waste Wise Tip: Old batteries can cause fire dangers

Did you know old batteries can spark fires if disposed of incorrectly? Only alkaline batteries, like "AAA," "AA," "C," or "D," can go in the garbage. Six-volt, nine-volt, rechargeable, and button cell batteries—like those in watches or hearing aids—are recyclable. Stay safe: tape recyclable battery ends with clear tape and bag and recycle them. Find drop-off sites at lanecountyor.gov/hazwaste.