What you need for a waste sorting evening

A waste sorting evening needs more than drinks and a few bins. You will need clear containers for each waste stream, gloves, signs, and enough reusable tableware for the group. Set aside supplies for a reception desk, a coffee corner, worksheets and a quiz, plus the equipment for showing the presentation. This checklist also covers the items people often arrange too late: extension cords, chilled drinks, cleaning tools and confirmation of the dumpster delivery.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Reception desk
Tableclothqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60

Cleaning

Trash bins with lidsqty 8
Crates for waste streamsqty 8
Work glovesqty 12
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4

Decorations

Information boardsqty 10
Waste stream labelsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 12
Name badgesqty 60

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 3 packs
- Residual waste bags - 2 rolls
- PMD trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper waste bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Rubber cleaning gloves - 6 pairs
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Prepare one clearly labelled crate or bin for every waste stream before guests arrive. Add a sign and a small sample of the correct waste so people do not have to guess where items belong.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before opening the venue, and keep water available at the drinks area.
Count reusable mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery against the final registration list, then add at least 10 percent extra. A shortage is especially awkward once the buffet and coffee corner are in use.
Test the laptop, projector, screen and wireless microphone at least 60 minutes before the start. Bring extension cords and power strips, and check that the presentation can be seen from the back row.
Put work gloves, cleaning buckets, a broom and dustpan, and mops near the sorting stations rather than in a locked cupboard. Plan one quick check during the evening and a full clean-up immediately after closing.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a waste sorting evening?: You need labelled waste containers or crates, signs, sample waste, work gloves and cleaning equipment. Also prepare reusable tableware, drinks, coffee supplies, presentation equipment and materials for the quiz and worksheets.
How many cups and plates do I need for a waste sorting evening?: Count one mug, glass, plate and cutlery set per registered guest, then add 10 percent extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 of each item where practical.
How much food and drink should I buy for the evening?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every following hour. For food, base quantities on the final registration list and include dietary requirements collected before shopping.
When should I set up the waste sorting stations?: Set them up before the venue opens, with containers, signs and sample waste already in place. Allow at least 60 minutes for station setup and a separate technology test before welcoming visitors.

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