Waste Wise Events

• Research in NSW shows nearly 90% of event attendees want the event they attend to support waste wise practices, be clean and free of litter, with well organised waste and recycling services.
  
  
• Save money on disposable packaging and single-use items, clean up, bins and disposal fees

• Changes behaviour by influencing purchasing and consumption patterns
  
  
• Conserves the environment for present and future generations

Creating a waste wise event is a great way to minimise your event’s impact on the local environment, reduce emissions and demonstrate your values as an operator. It can also enhance the overall experience of attendees, employees and volunteers throughout the event. It proves a useful marketing tool and cost-effective way to host an event. Furthermore, the community continues to place increased importance on sustainable practices.

Waste wise practices need to be considered across all phases of the event: planning, delivery and evaluation.

Step 1: Set targets and timeframes

Make sure these are achievable and specific to your event and location.

Step 2: Estimate quantity, type and source of waste 

Consider what waste may be created before, during and after the event, and then seek alternatives. Be specific about packaging and materials. Consider back of house, front of house and what patrons are allowed to bring in. This includes marketing material and building the site.

Step 3: Design site layout 

Where will you locate bin stations, waste sorting, liquid waste disposal, etc. Consider hot spots like food areas and exits.

Step 4: Research and engage waste service providers and zero waste initiatives

Consider what services are available in the area, including collection services, wash stations, water refill.

Step 5: Engage stallholders and entertainment

Set clear expectations and explain the motivations. Research local stallholders that have experience in zero waste events.

Step 6: Choose infrastructure – bins, skips and logistics

Consider what will be the most common waste streams, e.g. recycling or more specifically bottles and cans. Signage and education will play an important part in this step. Will there be a wash station, or specialty recycling e.g. bottles and cans collections?

Step 7: Budget and staff allocation 

Don’t just rely on volunteers for waste reduction. Give zero waste practices and those that implement them value. This shows you are committed and encourages a market and demand for them. Contact Council's Resource Recovery Education Officer for support for your event.

Step 8: Develop a communication and education plan

Communicate your goals with staff, vendors, entertainment, attendees, the community, council and service providers. Start this process from the beginning. Much of the education can be done before the event and will set clear expectations for everyone.

Step 9: Don’t reinvent the wheel

Use available resources and knowledge, and then adapt to suit your event. Communicate with the community and you will soon be pointed in the right direction of resources and local initiative.

Council offers recycling, organics and landfill event bins, with or without event bin lids, with clear signage for attendees on what goes in each bin. Bins are available to hire for event organisers. Charges apply for the transportation of bins to and from the event and waste disposal. Please contact the Resource Recovery Centre on 6686 1287 for more information.

1. Provide waste wise stallholder terms and conditions
2. Implement a ‘no single-use plastic packaging’ policy including coffee cups and water bottles; allow only reusable cups/containers to be used or sold.
3. Incorporate a zero balloons/glitter/confetti policy to avoid litter. Remember that Council has a policy prohibiting the use, supply, or release of any balloons where all or part of an event occurs outside.
4. Avoid giveaways or freebies.
5. Use recycled or reclaimed materials for infrastructure/ décor at your event or structures designed to disassemble and reuse.
6. Hire or borrow equipment and other event supplies before buying. Use electronic guides and/or forms of communicating with your patrons - avoid printed leaflets.
7. Collect unwanted, unsellable food for a local charity or organisation.
8. Put a surcharge on single-use – e.g. 50c extra to buy a single use coffee cup.
9. Hire or borrow reusable crockery and cutlery.
10. Engage with companies and initiatives that can supply, set up and run a wash station – council can provide more info.
11. Promote reuse before the event starts. Encourage staff, volunteers and patrons to bring reusable water bottles/cups (if water refill station is provided)/ cutlery and/or have reusable bottles for sale at your event.
12. Evaluate waste generation and management procedures after your event. Collecting data on this can also support grant applications if you are seeking event funding.