Do you offer name tag rentals for events?

Yes, Unwaste offers name tag rentals for events. If you're hosting a one-time event or aren't sure yet whether you'll need name tags regularly, renting is a great option. You get a set of upcycled plastic name tags for your event, then send them back when you're done. They go right back into circulation. Rental starts at $0.50 per tag, with a $7 replacement fee for any that go missing. It's the lowest-waste option and perfect for one-off gatherings, meetups, or community events.

What kinds of events are your name tags good for?

Pretty much any event where people wear name tags: conferences, career fairs, networking meetups, Rotary club meetings, school open houses, community center programs, religious organization gatherings, corporate offsites, and sustainability events. If your group meets regularly, the rental model is especially cost-effective, especially since you're not buying new plastic badges every time.

How does Unwaste source the plastic?

Unwaste partners with Peninsula Precious Plastics, a local Bay Area nonprofit, to source plastic waste that would otherwise go to landfill. The plastic comes from three main streams: hospitals (needle caps, vaccine caps, and medical packaging), research labs (deep well plates and lab equipment), and households (takeout containers, yogurt tubs, and food lids).

Does Unwaste provide custom solutions?

Yes. Unwaste creates custom recycled plastic name tags with your organization's logo, event name, or a specific color palette pressed directly into the plastic. Custom orders are a good fit for corporate events, university career fairs, sustainability conferences, and organizations that want their values visible in every detail. We also partner with brands on custom upcycled plastic products beyond name tags — if you have a product idea or want to explore a collaboration, get in touch at unwasteplastics@gmail.com.

How is this different from buying biodegradable or paper name badges?

Paper and biodegradable badges sound better, but they come with a catch: most use plastic adhesive backing or plastic glue that makes the whole thing non-recyclable and non-compostable. You can't separate the paper from the glue, so it gets treated as contaminated and goes straight to landfill. And even if the materials were truly compostable, name badges are so small that most composting and recycling facilities can't process them — anything under a few inches typically falls through sorting equipment and ends up in landfill anyway.

What are sustainable alternatives to disposable name badges?

The most durable alternative to disposable name badges is a reusable name tag made from recycled plastic. Unwaste makes name tags from #5 polypropylene — plastic waste collected from Bay Area hospitals, labs, and households that would otherwise go to landfill. Unlike paper badges with plastic adhesive backing (which can't be composted or recycled), Unwaste name tags are built to last and be reused. You can write on them with an erase marker for easy wiping, or use a Sharpie that wipes off with isopropyl alcohol. For one-time events, Unwaste also offers a rental program starting at $0.50 per tag — you use them, return them, and they go straight back into circulation for the next event.

How can I reduce single-use plastic waste at conferences and events?

One high impact swap is replacing disposable name badges with reusable ones. Most conferences go through hundreds of single-use plastic or paper badges per event — worn for a few hours and thrown away. Unwaste offers reusable recycled plastic name tags that can be used across dozens of events, either purchased outright or rented for one-time gatherings. Other steps to reduce event waste include using digital tickets instead of printed programs, choosing venues with composting, and sourcing catering that avoids single-use packaging. For name tags specifically, the rental model is the most circular option — the same tags move from event to event indefinitely, with nothing going to landfill.

How do you get the colors on the name tags?

All the colors come naturally from the plastic waste itself. No dyes, pigments, or additives are added. The swirls and textures you see are created by mixing different types of discarded plastics, so every piece turns out a little different.

What happens to scraps or mistakes during production?

Nothing goes to waste! Any offcuts or test pieces are collected, shredded, and melted again to make new products. Even tiny bits left on the workspace are carefully cleaned up and added back into the loop.

Why do you only use polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene, or #5 plastic, is one of the most common types of plastic — found in food containers, caps, and medical packaging — but it’s also one of the least recycled.

Most local recycling facilities only take #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastics, meaning PP often ends up in landfill. So I decided to focus on giving this overlooked material a second life.

What if my name tag breaks or I don’t want it anymore?

Please send it back! I’m building a take-back program so you can return any Unwaste product you’re done with. I’ll shred and remold it into something new — keeping the plastic in use and out of landfill.

How far in advance do I need to order?

I recommend reaching out at least two to three weeks before your event, though I do my best to accommodate last-minute requests. For rentals with custom printed name cards, I will need one month of lead time.

Where can I buy Unwaste name tags?

You can order directly through this website or reach out by email at unwasteplastics@gmail.com. I'm also available at select local eco stores in San Francisco Bay Area, California. If you're an event organizer or organization interested in a bulk order or rental arrangement, email is the fastest way to get a quote.