RendezVan diverted 45% of its landfill waste and raised 1K for Environmental Center

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor's sixth annual RendezVan festival achieved a 45% landfill diversion rate while also raising over $1,000 for The Environmental Center.

The sustainability efforts were led by a Green Team, composed of Central Oregon locals and supported by a Subaru Cause-Marketing Grant and Mt. Bachelor's Play Forever program. The four-day festival welcomed an estimated 20,000 visitors and focused on reducing its environmental footprint through hands-on waste management services.

For the second consecutive year, Mt. Bachelor assembled its Green Team to spearhead the festival's sustainability initiatives. This team, comprised entirely of Central Oregon residents, actively sorted each bag of waste into nine different streams, providing passionate support, education and hands-on waste management services. The team also educated campers and visitors on proper recycling and composting practices specific to Deschutes County through conversations and a recycling quiz game. Sustainably sourced Play Forever and Subaru branded prizes were awarded during the quiz.

The Green Team collected a significant amount of recyclable and compostable materials. This included 705 pounds of cardboard and 714 pounds of plastic and aluminum, which accounted for more than 12,000 cans and bottles. They also collected 449 pounds of glass, totaling more than 200 bottles, 130 pounds of compost and 17 pounds of miscellaneous recycling.

Festival guests frequently expressed their appreciation for the sustainability initiative. Visitors from outside Central Oregon noted that recycling rules vary significantly between counties and states. Many attendees specifically thanked the Green Team for helping make sustainability a visible priority at the festival.

Presley Quon, Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager, highlighted the team's mission. "Our goal was to bring together a group of passionate, hard-working locals to reduce the event's carbon footprint while helping festival-goers better understand sustainable waste practices specific to Deschutes County," Quon said. "We had the best Green Team around – their knowledge and energy was unrivaled and the positive response from guests fueled the stoke."

RendezVan 2026 featured spring skiing, live music, a silent disco, nightly music performances and a variety of new vendors, competitions and activities for all ages. Despite growing attendance and expanded programming, the festival demonstrated how large-scale outdoor events can successfully combine outdoor recreation, entertainment, community engagement and environmental responsibility.

For additional information about Mt. Bachelor's Play Forever programs and initiatives, visit www.mtbachelor.com/playforever.