Sustainability at 2026 Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference

Join the 2026 BYOBottle Challenge

WEF and Xylem announce the BYOBottle Challenge to reduce single-use plastic for a cleaner, greener future, one refill at a time. 

How to Participate

• Bring your refillable water bottle to the event
• Pick up a Fill it Forward QR code sticker from registration
• Scan the QR code at the Giving Kiosks located next to water fountains

Impact & Benefits

• Every scan supports the Water First project, a 15-month paid internship where participants gain expertise in water treatment and environmental monitoring, fostering local capacity and long-term solutions.
• You can continue to scan even after you leave a WEF event to extend your impact.
• When you bring your own bottle, you’re not just reducing waste; you’re setting an example, sparking conversations, and encouraging others to join in.
• Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose – during that time, it breaks down into harmful microplastics that enter our soil, water, and food systems.
• If just 1 in 10 people committed to reusing a bottle for one year, we could eliminate over 75 billion plastic bottles annually

Recommended Hashtags

#BringYourOwnBottle

#NoSingleUseWaste

#ReuseRefillReduce

Recognizing the importance of reducing environmental impact, WEF ensures that sustainability remains a priority across all events. WEF is practicing sustainability management through waste reduction, use of water stations and promotion of refillable water bottles, and minimizing single use plastics, just to name a few. 

How WEF Event Attendees Can Support Sustainability Initiatives  

Before the Conference 

• Choose Sustainable Travel: Opt for public transportation, carpooling, or carbon-offset flights.
• Pack Reusable Items: Bring a refillable water bottle, reusable coffee cup, and tote bag to minimize waste. 
• Go Digital: Download event materials, schedules, and notes on a tablet or phone instead of printing them. 

 

During the Conference 

• Connect Digitally: Instead of taking paper business cards, use digital networking tools like LinkedIn or QR codes. 
• Use Refill Stations: Take advantage of water refill stations instead of buying bottled water. 
• Recycle and Compost: Properly dispose of waste in designated recycling or compost bins. 
• Support Sustainable Vendors: Choose food options from vendors prioritizing local and sustainable ingredients.
• Minimize Energy Use: Turn off lights and electronics in hotel rooms when not in use. 
• Engage in Sustainability Efforts: Participate in conference-led sustainability initiatives, such as carbon offset programs or sustainability-focused discussions. 
• Eat and Shop Local: Visit and patronize the local businesses and eateries while in town for the conference. 

By making these small but meaningful choices, conference attendees can help reduce their environmental impact and support a more sustainable event experience. 

 

Sustainability at WEF Events 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) remains committed to event sustainability and practices the following to ensure high levels of sustainability during all events.

 

Reducing Waste 

WEF has implemented waste reduction strategies by minimizing single-use materials at conferences. Printed programs are being reduced in page-count through the use of digital alternatives, and recyclable signage is prioritized. Additionally, waste diversion efforts, including recycling and composting, help keep event spaces cleaner and more environmentally responsible.  

 

Refillable Water Bottles 

As part of WEF’s commitment to reducing plastic waste, refillable water stations are available at WEF Events. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles and contributing to overall waste reduction.   

 

Sustainable Sourcing

WEF is also integrating sustainable sourcing into Events by working with venues and vendors that prioritize environmentally friendly practices. This includes using locally sourced, sustainable food and eco-friendly materials for conference materials and giveaways. WEF collaborates with venue catering to replace plastic water bottles with an aluminum option throughout all conference venue vending and sales.   

By adopting these sustainability practices, WEF’s Events will continue to evolve as greener, more responsible events, reinforcing the organization’s leadership in environmental stewardship.  

 

Sustainability at Oregon Convention Center
Learn more about the LEED® Platinum certified Oregon Convention Center and their many sustainability achievements. Sustainability | Oregon Convention Center