Twin Cities Irish Fest “Green Team” Guide

Thank you for volunteering with the Green Team at this year’s Twin Cities Irish Fest! Here are a few bits of information that we hope will be helpful as you plan for your volunteer shift.

What to expect:

After checking into the Volunteer Check-in (near the upper right of this map), go to the “Green Station” nearest the main stage. On this map, look for the recycling symbol circled in purple, near the lower center part of the map; it’s right by "Padraig's Parlour":

You’ll be trained by an area manager and assigned to 1 of 3 or 4 stations. Your role is to help guests at a Green Station to sort their waste into the proper container.

  • Be friendly! While recycling and composting are becoming more common, not all communities have the same recycling rules and not all communities offer compost services. Be prepared to offer some helpful guidance. Say ‘thanks for making a difference!’ or other encouraging words.

  • Stand close to the disposal station and stay vigilant – some people are very quick when throwing things away!

  • Correct mistakes with a smile. If someone throws something into the wrong bin, it’s ok! Use gloves or the grabber to pick out the item and put it in the correct bin.

  • Ask for their support. Guests can tell us if recycling at the event is important to them.

  • Not sure about an item? Set it aside and ask your area manager.

  • You do not need to empty carts. If they’re getting full, flag down one of the waste workers that are walking around or tell your area manager.

GREEN STATION SETUP

The festival has many trash and recycling containers around the grounds, but only the 3 or 4 Green Stations have organics recycling (composting/food scraps) and volunteer helpers.

The list below contains items that are recyclable/compostable, including some that may not be obvious. This list is updated as items are identified. If you have questions about whether an item is recyclable/compostable or see something that is obviously not recyclable or compostable and is not on this list, contact your Area Manager.

Area managers by the day:

  • FRIDAY: Julie Moore 612-867-9814

  • SATURDAY:

    • 10am - 3pm: Melissa Wenzel 612-801-5031

    • 3pm - 8pm Caleb Werth 651-214-3410

  • SUNDAY: Jenny Kedward 612-986-3454 or John Ward 612-278-7443.

Call or text with any questions!

Irish Fair Guide to Recycling and Composting

  • ORGANICS (COMPOST)

    • All food (meat and dairy too!) 

    • Certified-compostable cups, plates, and utensils

    • Napkins, tissues, paper towels

RECYCLABLES

Keep lids on containers

• Plastic bottles & cups with #1, 2, or 5

• Clean paper (Irish Fair map/program)

• Flyers 

• Brochures 

• Metal cans 

GLASS

Guests should not have any glass. If someone brings in a glass bottle, accept it but do NOT put it in the recycling bin. 

Leave glass next to the recycling bins so the event recycling workers don't get cut by broken glass. Alternatively, take the bottles to the pub or whiskey tents which have glass bottles recycling bins. 

  • ALL PLASTIC BAGS

  • Paper cups and lids not BPI-certified

  • Black Plastic 

  • Red/white food boats not BPI-certified

  • Freezee wrappers

  • Plastic cups from Bunratty mead (#6 plastic)

TRASH

  • Chip bags

  • Drink pouches 

  • Styrofoam cups 

  • Plastic straws 

  • Dirty/used foil 

  • Diapers, dog poop, cigarette butts (extinguished!)