Fourth of July revelers in Davis’ Community Park will be asked to help reduce waste by composting and recycling as much as possible. The city of Davis Natural Resource Commission has set a goal of making this a zero-waste event.

Compostable items include paper cups, paper napkins, paper plates, food waste, corn dog sticks and other paper- and organic-based material. If it used to be a plant or was originally made from a plant, then it is compostable, says Jennifer Gilbert, the city’s conservation coordinator.

Trash, recycling and compost bins will be visible throughout the park, clearly labeled with signs and pictures of the items that can go into each bin.

Last year, 5,100 pounds of trash was generated at the Fourth of July celebration, about a half-pound per attendee, Gilbert says.

City officials are asking anyone planning to bring food to the park to follow a few simple guidelines to help produce less trash:

* Bring finger food that requires no plates or utensils.

* If finger food is not possible, use washable water bottles, plates, cups, bowls and utensils and take them home for reuse.

* If reusable items are not feasible, use recyclable or compostable cups, bowls and utensils. Recyclable items are plastic utensils, cups, plates, bowls and straws. Compostable items are paper cups, plates, bowls and napkins.

Attendees also are asked to bring reusable water bottles, which can be refilled for free at the Davis Food Co-op’s water truck.

Food vendors also are encouraged to use recyclable or compostable cups, plates and utensils.

Lastly, guests are asked to clean up their area before the fireworks show, or before leaving the park. Volunteers will help pick up litter and sort it into the trash, recycling and composting bins.

For more information on waste reduction and recycling in Davis, visit http://DavisRecycling.org. For more information on the Fourth of July Celebration, visit http://cityofdavis.org.

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