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	EVENT/VENUE RECYCLING CASE STUDY:
	BLUE RIDGE BBQ FESTIVAL, TRYON

Recycling Since:	2006
Type of Event:	Annual festival
Recycles:	Food waste, grease and fry oil, waste paper, beverage containers
Average Cost of Service:	$9,000 (estimate)

Description:
In 2006, an estimated 40,000 people attended the two-day Blue Ridge BBQ Festival in Tryon, N.C. Festival recycling began in 2005, when a volunteer spearheaded the collection of a small number of aluminum cans. In 2006, after the festival steering committee was approached with a plea to do more recycling, a “Goin’ Green Team” was formed and a goal set to reduce festival waste by 75 percent in three years. A pilot compost facility permit was secured from N.C. DENR to help set up festival composting.

Implementation:
During the festival, food vendors are about the same from year to year with a few exceptions. Vendors cook and serve food onsite using disposable plates, utensils and cups. For the 2009 festival organizers are encouraging vendors to serve food in compostable products.

The special sponsor/media (VIP) tent serves food on paper plates which are composted, and the campground where the competition cooking teams camp has a high composting rate as well. At the most recent event, a variety of materials were recycled including aluminum cans, glass jars and bottles, plastic beverage containers and cardboard. Liquid drink leftovers/melted ice, paper plates and napkins are composted along with the food waste and grease and fry oil. Volunteers staffed 12 waste stations in shifts in three large dining tents. The volunteers helped guests sort their waste into three categories: recyclable commingled drink containers, food/paper waste and trash. Periodically the paid crews emptied the collection containers into small trailers. Unmanned stations always have trash can and recycling bin options.

Food waste/paper was collected in a 30-yard roll-off container, hauled to the transfer station and emptied into a compost pile twice during the festival.The recycling and cardboard is collected in 2, 40-yard roll-offs. Two small 20-yard dumpsters were located in the camping area for recycling and trash. Albright Sanitation was hired for dumpster rental and hauling to the transfer station.

Results: In 2006, using 140 volunteers and the town of Tryon garbage crew, a 20 percent waste reduction was accomplished. In 2007, with a similar volunteer base and a company called Clean Vibes, a 45 percent waste reduction was accomplished. In 2008, with similar volunteer numbers and a paid crew, a 65 percent waste reduction was accomplished.

Interviewed:	Katie Breckheimer
Location:	Tryon, N.C.
Phone:	(828) 749-9104
E-mail:	katiebreckheimer@gmail.com

For a copy of this case study, click here.

April 2009

North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance

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