Hosting an event at Berea College? Plan and execute it with zero waste in mind. This page centralizes planning guides, required forms, training information, waste diversion support, and compostable supply resources to help your event align with Berea’s sustainability goals.

Whether you are working with campus catering, an outside caterer, or organizing independently, the resources below will guide you through the process.

Interested in seeing what events are happening around campus? Visit the Events Calendar to learn more.

If your event uses Berea College Catering, review the Zero Waste Catering Guide to ensure compostable materials, proper waste sorting, and diversion support are included in your event setup.

Zero Waste Catering Guide

If you are organizing an event without catering services, use the Zero Waste Event Planning Guide to minimize waste, select reusable or compostable materials, and prepare proper waste diversion stations.

No Catering Service

If you elect to use a caterer other than Berea College Catering, you can still host a zero waste event.

• Share Berea’s sustainability expectations with your caterer.
• Request compostable or reusable serveware.
• Coordinate waste diversion bins.
• Submit the Zero Waste Event Form (below):

Submit this form to request compostable supplies and waste diversion stations for your event.

A Zero Waste Ambassador is a trained student, staff, or faculty member who manages waste diversion stations during events. Ambassadors ensure materials are properly sorted and contamination is minimized.

Interested in becoming a Zero Waste Ambassador?

Zero Waste Ambassador Interest Form

Our team will provide training materials and next steps.

Waste diversion stations include clearly labeled bins for:

• Compost
• Recycling
• Landfill

Diversion stations must be requested through the Zero Waste Event Form. Proper signage and placement will be coordinated with the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management.

Planning an event or meeting on campus? Fill out Facilities Management's Moves & Events Setups Policy and Request Form to request tables, chairs, receptacles, etc. Please note all event set-ups require a minimum 14 days notice.

Interested in order compostable supplies for your next event? Please contact FM about placing a compostable supply order, by emailing David McHargue at mchargued2@berea.edu. For additional information, visit the compostable supply order webpage.