Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa is a popular annual event, attracting both local residents and tourists from all over the United States. This year, the event planners and administrators behind this week-and-a-half long Fair wanted to make sure that waste disposal costs were kept to a minimum while waste recycling rates were maximized. After working with Waste Management, the national waste disposal firm contracted to handle all waste and recycling for the Fair, to develop a strategic plan, at the close of the Fair they were able to report that the recycling rate reached an all-time high.

It was reported that the total weight for recycled waste, which included items such as paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and others, topped thirty five tons bypassing last year’s collection amount of twenty nine tons. In the last three years, the total amount of recyclable material collect has nearly doubled. The Fair brought over one million people to Des Moines this year over an eleven day period.

With a goal to not only increase recycling at the Fairgrounds but to educate visitors, attendees, and participants in continuing recycling after they leave, all involved feel that the strategy was a success and will be built upon in the years to follow.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to improving your recycling rate! Be sure to involve your contracted waste hauler about the recycling services they offer and how they can help. If the company you work with doesn’t offer those services, maybe it’s time to look for another who can!