Local companies will help Denver compost all the cups and plates left behind by patrons at Red Rocks and other venues
Denver, CO – Denver Arts & Venues announced a major new effort to compost trash from prominent venues, including the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. That means tons of garbage from concert-goers and sports fans won’t head to area landfills in the years ahead. Instead, it will end up as soil for farms and gardens.
Two local companies partner with Denver Arts & Venues. They compost and recycle trash. This shows their commitment to sustainability. Their collaboration cuts waste from large events. They keep valuable resources out of landfills. Iconic venues like Red Rocks participate. Red Rocks boasts stunning acoustics and natural beauty. The Colorado Convention Center joins in as well. This hub hosts conferences and exhibitions. The Historic Denver Coliseum, rich in culture, is involved. The Denver Performing Arts Complex showcases various performances. Together, they enhance each site’s ecological footprint. They encourage attendees to mind their waste disposal. This fosters a community culture of recycling and composting.
Eco-Products at Denver Red Rocks Venue
Eco-Products, a company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, is based in Boulder. It will supply sustainable foodservice packaging, including compostable beer cups and nacho trays. These products reduce environmental impact and meet consumer needs. They help create an eco-friendly dining experience for fans. They also set a benchmark for other organizations aiming to adopt greener practices. Additionally, Alpine Waste & Recycling, based in Commerce City, will efficiently pick up and process all recycling and compost from the venues. This ensures proper sorting and diverts waste from landfills. Together, they significantly contribute to the partnership’s sustainability goals. Both companies demonstrate how teamwork and innovation can create a more sustainable future for large events and gatherings.
Leading the Nation in Reducing Garbage
“Denver leads the nation in reducing the amount of garbage going to landfills,” said Brian Kitts, Director of Marketing and Communications for Denver Arts & Venues. “This serves as another reason to feel good about living in Denver, a city that truly values sustainability and environmental responsibility. By implementing innovative waste management strategies and actively engaging the community in eco-friendly initiatives, we set a remarkable example for others to follow. Together, we do more to help the environment and make Denver the best — and greenest — city in America, a place where residents take pride in both their surroundings and their contributions to a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.”
Red Rocks
Red Rocks, the Colorado Convention Center, the Historic Denver Coliseum, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex have all been working hard to reduce the amount of trash going to landfills, Kitts said. Last year, Red Rocks was able to divert about 80 percent of the waste generated by events there.
With this new partnership, Red Rocks aims for a whopping 90 percent sustainability in its efforts. This goal shows their commitment to environmental responsibility. They will achieve this through compostable cups, plates, and containers made by Eco-Products, a leader in innovative eco-friendly solutions. These products minimize landfill waste and help create a healthier planet by breaking down naturally over time. They also enhance the experience for concertgoers who care about their environmental impact. As Red Rocks embraces this initiative, it sets a standard for other venues. This showcases that large-scale events can adopt sustainable practices without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Not Everything is Recycled
Some foodservice packaging is recyclable, but not all. Compostable packaging is the only option to divert part of the waste stream, says Wendell Simonson, Vice President of Marketing for Eco-Products. To make it easy for patrons, Eco-Products supplies only compostable food packaging, which significantly minimizes the environmental impact compared to traditional packaging materials. By adopting this approach, businesses not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also foster a culture of eco-consciousness among their customers. When all packaging can go into the same bins, it simplifies the recycling and composting process, ultimately encouraging more patrons to participate in waste diversion efforts and to make more environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives. This holistic strategy not only benefits the planet but also helps establishments enhance their brand reputation as leaders in sustainability.
“Red Rocks is truly a natural wonder. I mean it’s one of the most beautiful venues on the planet. So they’re definitely proud to help Red Rock visitors keep it that way. That was said by Simonson. “We’ll supply cups and plates that are both high quality and compostable. As a result, patrons will have the best of both worlds when they visit Denver’s venues.”
Aramark and Centerplate
Aramark and Centerplate manage the concessions and janitorial operations for Denver Arts & Venues. They ensure a seamless experience for attendees at various events. At the iconic Red Rocks amphitheater, Aramark employees work hard after shows. They perform vital tasks to maintain the venue’s pristine condition. In addition, they collect and sort waste inside the venue. Furthermore, they ensure recycling and proper disposal methods are followed. Outside, they manage waste in the large parking lots. Their meticulous efforts uphold the site’s aesthetic appeal. They also promote environmental sustainability. This commitment benefits the community and preserves this remarkable natural setting.
“There are a lot of people doing a lot of hard work to keep this venue pristine,” said Scott Yeager, General Manager of Aramark. “All of us want to conserve our resources and preserve the beauty of this amazing place.”
Once the material is collected and sorted, Alpine Waste & Recycling transports it from the venues back to the company’s facility in Bennett. There, the compostables are added to windrows with other compostable materials like food scraps and yard waste.
Gardening Soil
All of this is then turned into organic materials such as gardening soil. This not only enriches the earth but also enhances the overall health of plants. This transformation process involves the breakdown of various organic matter, including kitchen scraps and yard waste, which are rich in nutrients. As these materials decompose, they create a nutrient-dense environment that fosters beneficial microbial activity. Ultimately, this results in high-quality soil that supports plant growth and boosts crop yields. Thus, utilizing this method contributes significantly to sustainable gardening practices. It promotes a healthier ecosystem.
Composting Cups
“Composting represents another great opportunity for waste diversion at Denver’s venues,” said John Griffith, president of Alpine Waste & Recycling. “Alpine is grateful to play a role in furthering Denver’s efforts toward sustainability.”
Eco-Products embosses all cups and plates with a special logo and design. This branding catches the eye. It serves a greater purpose. It reminds patrons that the packaging is compostable. This highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability. The logo resonates with eco-conscious consumers. It encourages mindful consumption. This emblem reminds customers to conserve resources. It fosters a sense of responsibility. By minimizing waste, we can protect the environment for future generations. Eco-Products sparks conversations about sustainability. It inspires a collective effort toward more eco-friendly practices in everyday life.
“What better time to reach people than when they’re relaxed, taking in a concert and having a beer?” Simonson said. “They’re holding a cup and seeing that they can place it in something other than a trash bin. It creates a moment of connection between enjoyment and responsibility, allowing them to engage with their surroundings in a more meaningful way. This experience not only enhances their enjoyment of the event but also plants a seed for future environmentally conscious behavior. By integrating sustainability into leisure activities, we can subtly encourage a cultural shift towards more eco-friendly practices.”
“Sure, it’s just one cup, but it all adds up in a big way,” Simonson said. “And it’s one of the simplest and easiest ways to help the environment.”
Source: Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver Arts
