Working Together Towards Zero Waste
At Chico Velo and the Wildflower Ride & Festival, we believe the trails and roads we ride belong to everyone - today and for generations to come. With over 2,000 riders each year, every choice we make about waste matters. That's why we've committed ourselves to divert 95% of event waste away from the landfill.
Through upstream planning, smart materials, and strong local partnerships, we strive to make our event as close to zero-waste as possible, and we couldn't do it without your help.
At Chico Velo and the Wildflower Ride & Festival, we believe the trails and roads we ride belong to everyone - today and for generations to come. With over 2,000 riders each year, every choice we make about waste matters. That's why we've committed ourselves to divert 95% of event waste away from the landfill.
Through upstream planning, smart materials, and strong local partnerships, we strive to make our event as close to zero-waste as possible, and we couldn't do it without your help.
2025 Wildflower Zero Waste efforts are Sponsored by Waste Management
A message from our sponsor: 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 Ride & festival 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.
Our Zero Waste Strategy
Partnering for Impact
Partnering for Impact
- Waste Management Sponsorship & Collaboration
We're honored to have Waste Management support our 95% diversion goal. Their expertise helps us design efficient systems and educate volunteers, vendors, and riders on sustainable practices. - Rescuing Excess Food
Any leftover snacks or drinks from rest stops are donated through 530 Food Rescue Coalition to nourish our community instead of being thrown away. This year, we are proud to work with a new caterer, Associated Students Dining Services at CSU, Chico. Any extra food from our post-ride meal will be donated to the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry to help food insecure students. - Repurposing Bike Parts
Used tubes or damaged parts are collected and donated to Sensible Cyclery who uses them in their training and repair programs instead of becoming trash.
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How Waste Gets Diverted
We classify materials into these streams:
We classify materials into these streams:
- Recycling - Cans, bottles, clean paper products, cardboard, shrink wrap
- Organics/Compost - Food scraps, food-soiled paper products, wooden cutlery
- Bike Parts - Bike tubes and parts are collected separately at rest stops.
- Landfill - Items that don't fit into the above categories, e.g. chip bags, juice boxes, wrappers, etc.
Our diversion rate = (Waste Kept Out of Landfill) / (Total Waste Generate).
For instance, in 2025 we hit 88.7% diversion, which means that just 11.3% of our waste ended up going to the landfill.
But we're aiming higher, and with your help, we can get there!
What You, Our Community, Can Do To Help
You play a vital role in helping us reach our Zero Waste Goals. Here's some things you can do on ride day (and beyond) to reduce your environmental impact:
You play a vital role in helping us reach our Zero Waste Goals. Here's some things you can do on ride day (and beyond) to reduce your environmental impact:
- Bring a reusable water bottle, or buy one at the Wildflower Store.
- Avoid single-use plastics when possible - opt for compostable, recyclable, or reusable options instead.
- Sort Carefully; follow bin signage at the event. Not sure where your trash belongs? We have volunteers stationed at waste bins to help!
- Support our food rescue efforts by only taking what you'll eat.
- Educate friends & fellow riders about waste reduction and separation.
Historical Zero Waste Efforts
Our Progress & Goals
We are steadily improving year over year and striving toward our Zero Waste event goals. While 95% diversion is ambitious, we believe it's achievable through partnerships, participant engagement, and continuous improvement.
Thank you for riding with us!
We are steadily improving year over year and striving toward our Zero Waste event goals. While 95% diversion is ambitious, we believe it's achievable through partnerships, participant engagement, and continuous improvement.
Thank you for riding with us!
