How to throw a low waste Coronation party

Celebrate the coronation of the new King and Queen in true Bristol fashion: with a low waste, sustainable street party! Neighbourhoods across the country are being invited to come together over the coronation weekend to create a fun, memorable celebration. We’re here to help you make it an eco-friendly one, too! 

Let’s get started with some quick and easy ideas to throw a fantastic low waste street party.

BYO everything!

You’ll be amazed at how much waste you can eliminate by having everyone bring their own reusable items. Ask everyone to try their best to avoid single-use plastics and paper products that contribute to waste. Instead, encourage guests to bring their own cups, plates, and cutlery, just like the coronation parties back in 1952.

DIY or reusable decorations

Why not make your own decorations, or invest in reusable ones? Create a challenge for your neighbours to adorn their homes with eco-friendly materials like paper or fabric. You could also set a fun project for kids in the neighbourhood to draw Coronation-themed posters. And, if you’re a sewing enthusiast, repurpose old clothes or bedsheets into delightful bunting for your street. Check out this video tutorial for DIY paper coronation crowns.

Sustainable food storage

Making food in advance or packing up leftovers after the party? Ditch the clingfilm and opt for reusable food storage options like plastic containers, takeaway boxes, or beeswax wraps. Choosing an airtight container to store food helps it stay fresh for longer – another great way to reduce food waste!

Use your food bin

If you do end up with unavoidable food waste, don’t forget to put it in your brown food waste bin. By doing so, you’re making sure your food waste is recycled correctly. It also helps keeps your general waste bin hygienic. Find out what happens to Bristol’s food waste.

Compostable does not mean recyclable

Remember that compostable is not the same as recyclable. Because of this, compostable products cannot be put with your food waste, plastic or cardboard recycling. Instead, they can either be composted at home or placed in your general waste bin.

Have fun being environmentally friendly!

A street party is all about coming together to have fun, and what better way to do that than with a litter picking race at the end!?  Borrow free litter picking kits from our community engagement team and see who can pick up the most litter after your party! Why not split into teams or set timed challenges such as how much litter can be cleared in a minute.

Waste and recycling collections on the coronation bank holiday

Please note that if your waste and recycling collection day is a Monday then only your general waste wheelie will be collected on the coronation bank holiday (Monday 8 May 2023). The other bank holidays in May will be business as usual with both general waste and recycling collected. If you’re not sure when your collection day is, you can check on the Bristol City Council website.