How R20W’s Signature Zero Waste Pop-ups Got Their Start

Continuing Work on Zero Waste through the Pandemic

The Zero Waste Pop-ups form part of Race to Zero Waste’s Love Your Neighbor(hood) program. They were developed because of the need to create COVID-19-safe working conditions. The pandemic made us rethink our previous waste collection and characterization methods used at previous events. We pivoted to a set-up that includes social distance, reduced contact, and a user-focused experience. The ZW Pop-ups facilitate engagement with the public at a safe distance. This way, our Zero Waste Specialists (R20W staff and trained volunteers) direct the placement of items in the appropriate bin as needed, while educating participants.

The method developed by Race to Zero Waste not only dramatically reduces waste stream contamination, it also plays an important role in getting park-goers and beach-goers to take their time to physically sort their own materials. As participants put their own items into the sorting tubs, they must take a few extra seconds to think and/or learn what goes where. The process also allows the ZW Specialists to interact with participants about sustainable materials management, while having very little contact with the materials themselves.

What Zero Waste Pop-ups Look Like

The Zero Waste Station pop-ups consist of a 5×5 foot branded tent, a public-facing table with color-coded tubs for sorting waste, instructional signage, and Recology bins at the back of the tent, to which Zero Waste Specialists transfer collected waste when the public-facing bins become full. Guided by Zero Waste Specialists, participants interact with four (4) bins: Landfill, Recycle, Compost, and Reuse. Volunteers receive hands-on training with waste characterization, data analysis, community outreach, and public speaking. We are building a coalition of zero waste ambassadors! Race to Zero Waste makes a special effort to partner with non-profits and organizations that support the empowerment of youth from environmental justice communities.

Zero Waste Pop-up Pilot Period

Race to Zero Waste fundraised during the month of May 2020, hosting its virtual 5K Run/Walk to Zero Waste to provide the necessary funds to pilot this new method, which was first set up in Dolores Park and Baker Beach. R20W’s dedication to moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic enabled us to evolve our mission beyond landfill diversion. We began to serve as a public service point, as people came to the Pop-up with frequently asked questions, as well.

While piloting this program in Dolores Park between June and November of 2020, R20W was able to reach an estimated 50,000 people, collecting 6.7 tons of compost and 3 tons of recyclable material. We diverted an average of 85% of Dolores Park’s waste from landfill after each weekend. Total time spent at the park was 14 hours. The pilot project lasted for a total of 266 hours over a period of 38 workdays.

Demonstrating Success and Fundraising for Zero Waste Pop-ups

To build on the momentum, R20W fundraised through the SYRCL Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour in order to expand the program as a pilot. We worked with community partners to identify a location. On Feb 14, 2021, we set up a Zero Waste Pop-up at Ocean Beach! R20W partnered with Richmond District Rising and Project Homeless Connect to use the Zero Waste Pop-up to receive gently-used items to donate to those who are unhoused, while also characterizing and diverting the waste from beach clean-ups. This Station provided necessary infrastructure to both beach-goers and participants in beach clean-ups. This way, waste is properly characterized, diverted, and disposed of.

The Zero Waste Station was well-received. The District 1 Supervisor showed interest in setting up more Zero Waste Pop-ups in Outer Richmond and throughout the City. The Ocean Beach ZW Pop-up received 50 volunteers for the beach clean-up and 20 cars for the donation drop-off. We removed 175 pounds of CRV, clothing, e-waste, hazardous waste, compostable items, microplastics, and other landfill items from the Ocean Beach area. We diverted compostables, recyclables, textiles, e-waste, and hazardous materials for appropriate disposal. Thanks to the success of our pilot, we received a 2021-2023 grant from the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE) to continue this work and expand our reach.

Benefits We’ve Seen from Zero Waste Pop-ups

Diverse public engagement:

R20W’s Zero Waste Pop-ups engage the public in reflection and educate passers-by on waste diversion. The presence of the Zero Waste Station Pop-ups in outdoor, publicly accessible spaces allows R20W to promote understanding of waste diversion. We also engage in community service among diverse groups, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and/or food insecurity.

Waste diversion in public spaces:

Passersby may have a picnic, participate in a litter clean-up, or other activity and deposit items they wish to discard at the Zero Waste Pop-up. Our Zero Waste Specialists guide participants to the appropriate bin as needed.

Data on waste in public spaces:

The data collected from each Zero Waste Pop-up enables us to report on the waste stream. We report on diversion rates from these spaces through visual waste characterization and weight.

Flexibility:

Zero Waste Pop-ups are recognizable points of contact for park-goers and beach-goers, with the capacity to be flexible regarding location. ZW Pop-ups have a standardized portable set-up which we can easily relocate to where they are most needed.

Creating a culture of zero waste:

Race to Zero Waste’s goal is to create a culture of zero waste that is based on a sense of community. We want to support all residents and show solidarity with those who are going through a time of need. Race to Zero Waste has navigated the pandemic with dedication and resiliency to continue promoting a zero waste ethic.