Recycling effort for WE Fest successful

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FACE, Inc., the production company for WE Fest and 10,000 Lakes Festival, received a 2008 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to fund the WE B Green Special Event Recycling program at the Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes.

The immediate goal of the WE B Green program is to decrease landfill waste through increased recycling efforts combined with more emphasis on composting and reusable products for vendors, audience and employees. Several volunteers from Douglas County participated in the effort.

After completing the second year, the program surpassed the initial goal of recycling 20 percent of all waste materials in 2008, achieving a recycling rate of 24 percent for the WE Fest and 10,000 Lakes Festival combined. The recapture rate for 2009 was even better with 27 percent of all waste going into recycling.

The overall goal of reducing landfill waste was also achieved, with a 29 percent drop in 2008 and an additional 5 percent reduction for 2009 in the amount of trash taken to the Becker County Landfill during these events, representing a 40 percent drop from 2007.

Because of the WE B Green program, the WE Fest and 10,000 Lakes Festival generated 131 tons less trash and captured 43 tons more recyclables compared to 2007.

The long-term goal of the WE B Green Special Event Recycling Program is to achieve a recycling rate of 50 percent and to see these efforts replicated at special events statewide.

Toward that end, FACE Inc., with funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, developed a WE B Green instructional DVD, with companion handbook, that will be distributed free of charge to other special events.

Material for the DVD was filmed at both events, focusing on advanced planning, building and operating campground recycling stations, as well as state announcements and audience education.

For additional information, or to request a WE B Green Special Event Recycling DVD and handbook, send your request to WE B Green, FACE Inc., PO Box 1227, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Tags: we fest, detroit lakes, news, recycling