Zero Waste at the Fair

Thank you Missoula for helping us achieve a 82% diversion rate at the 2024 Western Montana Fair

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Missoula community, Home ReSource, the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension, Missoula Compost and Western Montana Fair vendors for their support in helping the Western Montana Fair achieve an impressive 82% diversion rate in 2024. Of that, 73% was diverted to compost, and 9% was diverted to recycling. This milestone surpasses last year’s 74% diversion rate, demonstrating continuous improvement in the fair's “Green Team” for environmental stewardship.

During the week-long event, a total of 58,830 pounds of waste were diverted from landfills. This includes 6,780 pounds of recycling and a remarkable 52,050 pounds of compostable materials.

As the Western Montana Fair continues to grow, so too does its commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Looking ahead, the Fair not only aspires to achieve an even higher diversion rate, but also hopes to serve as a model for other fairs and festivals across the nation. By sharing Missoula’s successful strategies, officials hope to empower event organizers everywhere to adopt similar practices, amplifying the collective impact on the environment.

As we gear up for this year's Fair, we invite the community to once again join us in our effort to make a positive impact at this year’s Western Montana Fair. Your participation and enthusiasm are essential to our success, and we look forward to working together to create another environmentally friendly and memorable community event.

How can you support the Western Montana Fair’s Zero Waste initiatives?

  • Bring a re-usable water bottle to keep hydrated during the Fair.

  • Use the compost, recycling and waste stations located throughout the fairgrounds.

  • Join the Green Team

JOIN THE FAIR GREEN TEAM

The Fair Green Team is the backbone of the Western Montana Fair's sustainability efforts, demonstrating that ordinary community members can make an extraordinary impact, as shown in last year’s numbers.

Green Team duties include monitoring waste stations, sorting recyclables and compost, and educating fairgoers on waste reduction at the Western Montana Fair. As part of the Green Team, volunteers are also eligible for a number of perks in appreciation for their sustainability commitment. For every 3 hours of being a Green Team volunteer, the following perks are available. One perk available per shift. 

  • Daily unlimited carnival ride pass (one per person).

  • Ticket to an arena event of choice (Xtreme Bulls, Bulls, Broncs & Busters, Missoula Stampede Rodeo and Lords of Dirt).

  • $25 in Food bucks (can be used at any food vendor at the Western Montana Fair - excluding carnival vendors)

ZERO BY FIFTY

The city of Missoula is on a mission to become Montana’s first Zero Waste community! As part of the community, the Missoula Fairgrounds/Western Montana Fair is similarly aligned towards that mission by:

  • Offering recycling/composting stations throughout the Missoula Fairgrounds year-round.

  • Following sustainable building practices and integrating LEED principals when possible.

  • Supporting local non-profits and businesses that encourage sustainable practices.

  • Adopting sustainable standards for Western Montanan Fair vendors.

  • Encouraging fairgoers to bike to the Fair and offering a rewards program for bikers.

  • Establishing the Creative Reuse Division within the Fair exhibit program.

  • Developing a Fair Green Team program to cultivate future sustainability leaders.

  • Educating and training staff about current sustainability standards.

  • Integrating new sustainable practices every year towards a Zero-Waste future