Waste Wise Events
Did you know?
89% of 2,035 people surveyed at special events and in public places in NSW said recycling at events was a very important issue.
Source: BIEC & Community Change in press National 2000 study of public place recycling.
Welcome
This site offers you, the event organiser, stallholder, Council representative or venue owner, the resources to plan and implement an effective waste management and recycling program at your next event.
Waste Wise Events Guide
This easy to use guide has been developed for councils, landowners and managers, and event organisers. It sets out the planning of a Waste Wise Event in three stages, Before, During and After the event.
Within these stages there are useful steps to follow, tips and suggestions for who you may need to involve or what assistance you may need. Each stage has a checklist and useful tools such as sample planning documents, surveys and media releases.
The Flowchart will help you keep track of where you are on the Waste Wise Event path.
Guide Cover
- Cover and publishing details
200756Cover.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 303kb)
Contents and Introduction
- Contents
200756Contents.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 72kb) - Introduction
200756Intro.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 44kb)
The three stages
- Before the Event
200756Before.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 243kb) - During the Event
200756During.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 195kb) - After the Event
200756After.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 153kb)
Templates and Attachments
Flowchart
- Flowchart
200756Attach17.pdf (Feb 2007, PDF 31kb)
Other Resources
- Organics processing options
- Event equipment
- Away from Home Recycling Signs
- Frequently asked questions
- Case studies
- Links
What is a Waste Wise event?
A waste wise event is one that takes responsibility for Waste Management by adopting sound purchasing and packaging policies, waste and recycling collection services and Clean Up practices.
Special events are particular in their temporary nature which generate a high volume of disposable materials. A waste wise event will aim to divert the maximum amount of material from being sent to landfill.
The Sydney 2000 experience has shown that this diversion figure can reach up to 75% by recycling cardboard, paper, food and drink containers and composting organic material such as food scraps, paper plates and biodegradable cutlery.
Why be Waste Wise?
It is good economic and environmental sense to make all events waste wise. A Waste Wise Event benefits councils, event organisers, the public and the environment by reinforcing sustainable behaviour.
- Councils that have policies on waste reduction and resource recovery at public events are more likely to meet their community's environmental expectations. Your Waste Wise Event can impact on the behaviour of stallholders and attendees in a positive way by reinforcing at home recycling practices.
- Event organisers save money by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and generate goodwill among the public. Providing recycling and reducing litter enhances the reputation of the event, making it more attractive to tourists and other visitors.
- The public benefits by being able to attend a clean and tidy event. 87% of attendees are supportive of Waste Wise practices and want well-organised waste and recycling services and the event that they are attending to be clean and free of litter.
- The environment benefits from a more sustainable use of resources, the avoidance of waste and litter, a decrease in material going to landfill, and the use of materials that are less environmentally damaging. Decreasing the quantity required of single use catering products and packaging materials, decreases the environmental impact of the event by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy used in the production process.
For further information
Sustainability Programs Division, contact: (02) 8837 6000 or email: sustainability@environment.nsw.gov.au