waste reduction

Waste Reduction: Keeping Our Community Clean

Each year, we strive to make Salmonfest even better—more music, more art, more fish, more love! As Alaska’s largest festival, we’re also committed to reducing our environmental impact. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our neighbors in Ninilchik and local community groups to focus on waste reduction. 

“From the start, we’ve taken significant steps to reduce waste at the festival,” says Salmonfest Producer Jim Stearns. “The reusable cups in the beer gardens aren’t just collectible—they eliminate the need for thousands of single-use cups.”

Festival-goers will once again see Waste Diversion Stations throughout the grounds. These stations pair recycling and compost bins with every trash can, each staffed by a dedicated volunteer to help attendees properly sort their materials—whether it’s compostable food scraps and paper plates or recyclable water bottles and aluminum cans.

Recyclables like plastic and aluminum will be processed through the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s existing recycling program, while compostable materials will be transformed into nutrient-rich soil.

Want to be part of the solution? Join the Zero Waste Crew! Volunteers who work a 4-hour shift receive free admission for the day and a staff shirt as a thank-you for helping make Salmonfest a greener, cleaner celebration. Email volunteers@salmonfestalaska.org for more info.