Working Toward Zero Waste

Chico Velo strongly believes in helping protect the environment so all can enjoy it today and tomorrow. With over 3,000 riders participating in the Wildflower every year, we are conscious of our choices. Our goal is to limit event waste and divert as much as possible from our landfill by being mindful of the types of materials used during our event, composting, and recycling as much as possible.

2022 Wildflower Zero Waste efforts are Sponsored by Waste Management

A message from our sponsors:

Waste Management is steadfast in supporting Chico Velo’s goal of meeting their 95% diversion goal.  We are thrilled to sponsor this year’s Chico Velo Wildflower Century and support their zero-waste educational outreach. Waste Management is committed to sustainability and we're continually seeking the best ways to implement the most effective, environmental, and easy means to drive diversion. We’re grateful to be part of the Chico community and solution to a healthier tomorrow.

Historical Zero Waste Efforts

Year	Recycled	Organics / Compost	Landfill	Total	Diversion Rate
2022	1,448 lbs	820 lbs	280 lbs	2,548 lbs	89%
2019	920 lbs	1,320 lbs	940 lbs	3,180 lbs	70%
2018	​1,380 lbs	​1,027 lbs	890 lbs	3,297 lbs	73%
2017	896 lbs	724 lbs	86 lbs	1,706 lbs	95%
2016	2,515 lbs	​1,540 lbs	280.5 lbs	4,335.5 lbs	93.5%
2015	2,243 lbs	1,640 lbs	304 lbs	4,187 lbs	92.7%
​2014	1,400 lbs	1,280 lbs	220 lbs	2,900 lbs	92%
2013	2,530 lbs	​2,580 lbs	1,260 lbs	6,370 lbs	80%
2012	3,300 lbs	1,540 lbs	1,080 lbs	5,920 lbs	82%

About the Numbers

Chico Velo's goal is to always achieve 95% diversion from the landfill at the Wildflower Century and we take steps both upstream and downstream to get there.  Our focus is on waste reduction and minimization throughout every aspect of the event and then require all recyclable or compostable materials from our vendors.  Chico Velo works to educate staff, volunteers, and participants on the importance of zero waste and to help us achieve our goal of 95% diversion. 

Difference between Recycle, Organics, and Compost:

• Recycle: Cans, bottles, paper, cardboard, and shrink wrap
• Organics: All Food Waste and food soiled paper (plates, napkins, boats, etc)
• Compost: Wooden Utensils used at the Post Ride Meal.  Compost Option only recently available with new facilities to handle the items and us switching to those items.  Not all facilities can handle wooden utensils for composting and that is why they are placed in a different bin at our event from the organics. 
• Landfill: Everything else that isn't recyclable or compostable (food packaging like chip bags, wrappers, juice boxes, etc)
• Total: Total pounds of all the waste generated at the event that would have ended up in the landfill had it not been diverted

​Diversion Rate: percentage of the total waste generated that was diverted from the landfill.  For example, the diversion rate for 2018 was 73% which meant that only 27% of all the waste generated at the Wildflower Century went to the landfill while 73% was diverted through recycling and in this case anaerobic digestion for all the organics at Northstate Rendering. 

With your help and participation our ultimate goal is to have our event be ZERO WASTE.  By participating in the Wildflower you are helping support our efforts! Thank you!