Well, it’s an easy answer after this years clear winner with the debut of reusable stainless steel cups, processing of consumer composts, and the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles.

We figured our overall impact on the landfill with a per person calculation. A legitimate comparison was needed so we decided that using 2009 as the control for this experiment would be accurate enough given the new efforts in 2010 (stainless steel cups, compost, no plastic bottles).

*On a per person basis, with 50% growth of attendees from 2009-2010, the amount of TOTAL WASTE (including recyclable, compostable, and non-recoverable items) dropped by 22%.

*The amount of GARBAGE (non-recyclable/compostable) generated per person dropped by 16%.

*The amount of RECYCLING/COMPOST generated per person dropped by 27%.

The stainless steel cups turned out to be the biggest reducer of overall waste with the elimination of plastic water bottles coming in a close second. Composting will lead to future changes as we continue to refine the process in order to encourage understanding and promote its ease. Essentially we inspire to a virtually waste-free Pickathon for many years to come, with 2010 proving that we are well on our way.

There were several folks involved in helping make this dream a reality, so we’d like to thank them all: Jake Hofeld and the 2010 Pickathon Recycling Crew, The Brew Crew, 2010 Vendors, Klean Kanteen, New Seasons Market, Clackamas County Office of Sustainability, Hoodview Disposal & Recycling, and of course YOU. Thanks folks, we made it a clear winner and brought a lot of worthy attention to a really big idea that we cannot wait to improve for the future.

Stay tuned!… 2011 Pickathon date announcement is just around the corner.