Zero by Fifty at the Fair
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Missoula community, Home ReSource, the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension, Missoula Compost, and Western Montana Fair vendors for their support in helping the Western Montana Fair achieve an impressive 85% diversion rate in 2025. Of that, 85% was diverted to compost, and 15% was diverted to recycling. This milestone surpasses last year’s 82% diversion rate, demonstrating continuous improvement in the fair's “Green Team” for environmental stewardship.
During the week-long event, a total of 80,400 pounds of waste were diverted from landfills. This includes 11,715 pounds of recycling and a remarkable 68,685 pounds of compostable materials.
JOIN THE FAIR GREEN TEAM
The Fair Green Team is the backbone of the Western Montana Fair's sustainability efforts, demonstrating that ordinary community members can make an extraordinary impact, as shown in last year’s numbers.
Green Team duties include monitoring waste stations, sorting recyclables and compost, and educating fairgoers on waste reduction at the Western Montana Fair. As part of the Green Team, volunteers are also eligible for a number of perks in appreciation for their sustainability commitment. For every 3 hours of being a Green Team volunteer, the following perks are available. One perk available per shift.
Daily unlimited carnival ride pass (one per person).
GA Ticket to an arena event of choice (Xtreme Bulls, Bulls, Broncs & Busters, Missoula Stampede Rodeo and Lords of Dirt).
$25 in Fair Food Bucks (can be used at any food vendor at the Western Montana Fair — excluding carnival vendors).
ZERO BY FIFTY
The city of Missoula is on a mission to become Montana’s first Zero Waste community! As part of the community, the Missoula Fairgrounds/Western Montana Fair is similarly aligned towards that mission by:
Offering recycling/composting stations throughout the Missoula Fairgrounds year-round.
Following sustainable building practices and integrating LEED principals when possible.
Supporting local non-profits and businesses that encourage sustainable practices.
Adopting sustainable standards for Western Montanan Fair vendors.
Encouraging fairgoers to bike to the Fair and offering a rewards program for bikers.
Establishing the Creative Reuse Division within the Fair exhibit program.
Developing a Zero Waste Ambassador program to cultivate future sustainability leaders.
Educating and training staff about current sustainability standards.
Integrating new sustainable practices every year towards a Zero-Waste future!