Film Sets Find New Life: EcoSet Tackles Production Waste

For 15 years, the Producers Guild's Green Production Guide has aimed to promote sustainable practices in film and television, yet waste management remains a challenge. Many productions opt for the immediate convenience of dumpsters, leading to significant landfill contributions.

EcoSet, a Los Angeles-based organization founded in 2009, offers a sustainable solution. Their warehouse serves as a hub for recycling sets and props from film, TV, music videos, and commercials. By providing materials through their Materials Oasis, EcoSet supports non-profits, schools, and other organizations with salvaged items.

This initiative functions as an alternative to waste disposal, charging productions fees that are comparable to landfill costs. For example, drop-offs start at $350 for a vanload. EcoSet also consults on zero-waste practices and facilitates the donation of leftover craft services meals.

Recent viral attention on platforms like TikTok has increased public interest in the Materials Oasis, though non-profits receive priority access. EcoSet emphasizes the importance of planning for material disposal, with a motto: 'with a game plan in place, it's not waste.'