DENVER — There’s been a lot of talk about how the Democratic National Convention this year is supposed to be the most environmentally friendly-ever. And we’ve heard the stories about how this effort has been a work in progress and had its share of complications.

But nonetheless, the pre-DNC media party was a good, large scale test as hundreds of media and guests descended on Elitch Gardens, a theme park in downtown Denver, to eat and drink the night away before the real work begins.

Around just about every corner were olive green tents made by Kelty with three holes — one for waste, one for compost and one for recycling — feeding three boxes. And each tent was usually staffed by a volunteer to tell people which hole to put what refuse in.

But after I talked to various volunteers, it became clear that they were having a difficult time. Basically, everyone was just throwing everything, wherever. You’ll see what I mean in the pictures below.

First, we have the volunteers emptying and resetting trash boxes.

Next we see the trash tent from the front.

And now, a series of shots looking into each of the holes.

Each of the boxes inside pretty much looks the same. I hope Denver has single-stream.