Green the Scene is designed to provide event coordinators with the resources they need to succeed in a zero-waste event. The program includes a lending library of zero-waste bins and signage and will soon provide a range of training materials to help make implementation simple for vendors and volunteers.
For eligible events, our Zero-Waste Coordinator will provide direct planning support and boots-on-the-ground coordination to help implement recycling practices. The planning process begins two months prior to the event, and support is maintained throughout the entire process through planning calls and in-person coordination.
Together, we can prove that zero-waste events are achievable, fun, and the future of events in our community.
Program Background
Ulster County has an ambitious goal to divert 100% of its organic waste by 2030 . Thanks to community support and legislative initiative, the County is pursuing a program to target waste diversion in the community’s vibrant event scene. Local leaders have already demonstrated that zero-waste events are possible here in Ulster County, and that these community events are important spaces to prove the zero-waste model. Green the Scene was developed to expand this model to more events. By targeting festivals, the community can reduce significant amounts of waste and educate eventgoers on composting practices; together we show that composting is easy, fun, cost-effective, and rewarding.
Green the Scene 2025
In 2025, Green the Scene supported six events over the festival season, reaching an estimated 15,000 attendees in New Paltz, Rosendale, Woodstock, Kingston, and Saugerties. The program diverted 50% of all waste produced at these events, equating to several tons of organic material rescued from landfills. All told, Green the Scene contributed to thousands of opportunities to educate the public on zero-waste practices and the County’s recycling goals and helped some of the County’s biggest festivals take the first steps towards fully sustainable event management.
Green the Scene 2026
This year, Ulster County is partnering with Diversion Designers, a zero-waste consultant with years of experience in the field and expertise planning dozens of events across the country.
At events in 2026, Green the Scene aims to achieve a 70% diversion rate at participating events. This program targets food waste, one of the largest and most recoverable materials of an event's waste stream. This waste will be diverted by capturing post-consumer food waste and “behind-the-line” food waste from vendors. Clear signage and volunteer communication will direct attendees towards proper disposal bins. Meanwhile, vendors will separate their waste for collection. No two events are alike, so Green the Scene will provide direct planning support for a few eligible events and provide educational materials to walk all other events through the planning process.
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