Zozobra cleanup begins immediately after the burn and is completed by volunteers within hours. The effort focuses on safety, waste diversion, and restoring Fort Marcy Park. Strict vendor rules and sorting systems help reduce landfill impact each year.
Zozobra cleanup starts after the burn ends, with volunteers dedicated to restoring Fort Marcy Park to its pre-burn state. The effort removes debris, sorts waste, and protects nearby neighborhoods. It is a coordinated process led by the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club and supported by local partners.
Each year, tens of thousands gather at Fort Marcy Park to watch Old Man Gloom go up in flames. But when the smoke lifts and the crowd thins, the work is far from over. Zozobra’s finale marks the start of a different kind of effort, one focused on restoration and responsibility.
The cleanup that follows is carefully planned and community-driven. It is the quieter half of the event, but it plays a critical role in keeping the tradition sustainable. Want to be part of it? Sign up to volunteer.
Why Cleanup Matters After Zozobra
Cleanup prevents safety hazards and protects Fort Marcy Park and nearby neighborhoods.
The 2026 Burning of Zozobra takes place on September 4 in Fort Marcy Park, a public green space surrounded by neighborhoods, trails, and city infrastructure. Quick action and an organized cleanup limit environmental impact.
The Santa Fe Kiwanis Club treats post-event cleanup as a core responsibility, supported by environmental planning and internal stewardship guidelines. The organization works with groups such as the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce and Keep Santa Fe Beautiful to prepare in advance. These partners help design waste systems, vendor policies, and infrastructure that reduce environmental impact and improve cleanup efficiency.
How Does the Zozobra Cleanup Process Work?
In short: Cleanup begins the same night and is mostly finished by mid-morning the next day.
Cleanup planning starts before the event begins. Trash and recycling stations are placed throughout the park, and vendors must follow setup rules that protect the ground. Tar paper and plywood are used in high-traffic areas to reduce damage.
After the burn, Kiwanis volunteers remain at the park that same night, and return early the next morning for a final sweep.
Volunteers are assigned to specific roles, removing ash from the burn site, collecting trash, and sorting materials into recycling, compost, and landfill categories at designated stations.
The work is completed by mid-morning, with final inspections and spot cleaning before the park reopens to the public.
Vendor Sustainability Rules at Zozobra
In short: Zozobra enforces strict vendor contracts covering packaging, waste handling, and environmental deposits to reduce event waste at the source.
Zozobra enforces strict vendor requirements to reduce waste and improve recycling outcomes. These rules apply to all food and merchandise vendors operating at the event.
Vendors must use recyclable or biodegradable utensils, cups, and packaging. Styrofoam and most plastic packaging are not allowed. Aluminum wrapping is required for food, and refillable cups are encouraged. Plastic water bottles are prohibited.
Each vendor pays an environmental security deposit. If they fail to meet the requirements, that deposit is redirected to a conservation fund. Kiwanis works with vendors before the event and conducts on-site audits to ensure compliance.
How Is Waste Sorted and Recycled After Zozobra?
In short: Volunteers hand-sort waste to maximize recycling and composting.
During cleanup, volunteers separate materials at sorting stations to reduce landfill use. This process is done by hand and requires coordination and time.
Recyclables include items like aluminum cans and cardboard. Compostable materials include food waste and other organic items. Remaining waste is sent to the landfill as a last step.
Keep Santa Fe Beautiful supports this effort by placing clearly labeled recycling and waste bins throughout the park. These systems help improve sorting accuracy and increase diversion rates.
What Low-Waste Practices Are Used During the Event?
In short: The event reduces waste before cleanup starts through reusable materials, restricted packaging, and alternative transportation options.
Zozobra includes several features designed to reduce waste before cleanup begins. These practices are part of the event’s broader sustainability plan.
Reusable merchandise bags and washable, plant-based chalk paint are used where possible. Banners are reused across years. Digital communication reduces the need for printed materials.
Transportation is also part of the strategy. Attendees are encouraged to bike, use public transit such as the Rail Runner, or take the free shuttle system. These options help reduce traffic and emissions tied to the event.
How Is Environmental Impact Tracked and Improved?
In short: Waste data is tracked each year to improve future cleanup and sustainability plans.
The Kiwanis Club measures how much waste is collected, recycled, and diverted from landfills. These metrics are used to evaluate what worked and where improvements are needed.
Changes to sorting stations, vendor policies, and volunteer coordination are based on this data. Over time, these adjustments have increased the amount of material diverted from landfills.
Zozobra continues to burn each year, but its environmental footprint is reduced through ongoing planning and measurement.
A Commitment to Sustainability for Zozobra
The Kiwanis Club is committed to its sustainability efforts, with improved sorting stations, expanded composting programs, and additional vendor training.
Organizers continue to explore alternative materials for building Zozobra, including components that can be recycled after the burn.
An independent contractor evaluates the event’s carbon footprint, including construction, equipment, and fireworks. In 2025, Zozobra provided $200,000 in funding to plant a variety of new trees throughout Fort Marcy Park, chosen for their natural sustainability. These projects help offset emissions and promote environmental education.
A Tradition Sustained Through Community Effort
Zozobra began in 1924 as a small backyard event. It has grown into a large-scale production with national recognition. Despite that growth, the focus on community and service remains central.
Cleanup is part of that tradition. Volunteers restore Fort Marcy Park each year, making it safe and usable again within hours of the burn. This effort reflects a shared commitment to caring for public spaces.
Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer and support the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club’s cleanup and sustainability crew.
