Rochester Lilac Festival & Impact Earth Launch New “Full Circle” Sustainability Initative

Rochester, N.Y. - In celebration of Earth Day, organizers of the Rochester Lilac Festival today announced a new sustainability initiative in partnership with Impact Earth that will debut at the 128th Rochester Lilac Festival, just 16 days away (Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 17, 2026).

Designed as a “full circle” environmental effort, the initiative introduces designated Zero Waste Zones within the festival grounds, making it easier than ever for visitors to participate in sustainable practices. Each zone will feature clearly labeled receptacles for compost, recycling, and landfill waste, helping guests quickly and confidently sort their items.

The 2026 festival will serve as a pilot year for the program, with Zero Waste Zones located in the VIP SkyDeck, the Special Events Tent and the Lilac Locals Farmer’s Market (“Zero Waste” Zone map). Trained volunteers, “Trash Talkers,” from Impact Earth will be on-site to guide festivalgoers and answer questions, ensuring the process is simple, approachable, and accessible for all.

Compostable materials collected during the festival will be transported for processing and later returned to Monroe County Parks as nutrient-rich soil to support future plantings—completing the initiative’s “full circle” lifecycle. If successful, organizers plan to expand Zero Waste Zones to additional areas of the festival grounds in the years ahead.

“This is about more than reducing waste—it’s about giving back to the park that gives so much to our community,” said Jenny LoMaglio, Executive Producer of the Rochester Lilac Festival. “With hundreds of thousands of visitors coming through Highland Park each year, we all play a role in protecting it. This initiative invites our guests to be part of something bigger, helping preserve this space for generations to come.”

The initiative builds on other sustainability-focused practices introduced last year, including:

• Free Water Fill Station presented by Highland Hospital: Fill up your reusable water bottle onsite to stay hydrated & reduce waste.

• Food & Beverage: Almost all bars exclusively offer aluminum cans or recyclable containers, including all Pepsi products. Wine slushies are served with paper cups and straws with eco-friendly cutlery and plate options at participating vendor locations. 

For more information about sustainability at this year’s Lilac Festival, visit: https://roclilacfest.com/sustainability/.