Reduce Waste at Special Events by Simply Planning Ahead

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Reduce waste at special events by simply planning ahead.

Special Event Best Practices Guide Table of Contents 2 Introduction 4 Overview of AB 2176 5 Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Definitions 6 Getting Started: Here’s the Plan 9 Suggested Event Recycling Timeline 10 Recycling Tips for Specific Types of Events 14 Sample Contract & Policy Language 15 Post-Event Recycling Worksheet 16 Resources and Websites 16 References Introduction

From large venues to small community events, Alameda County is proud to host some of the greatest gatherings in the United States. In fact, there are more than 150 special events that occur within the County’s boundaries annually. These events include: professional sporting events, concerts, performing arts, conferences, community festivals and fairs, parades, farmers’ markets, and many more. The community comes together to enjoy events, but in the process a tremendous amount of waste is generated, much of it recyclable. The single most effective tool in reducing waste at special events is PLANNING AHEAD. This guide was prepared to help special event sponsors plan ahead so that waste can be minimized and recycling can be maximized. Tools included in this guide can be used before, during AND after events.

Why Conserve Resources? Waste reduction and recycling are not only good for the environment, but may save money. Benefits of reducing waste from Recyclables are collected and hauled at reduced cost as compared to garbage rates, therefore special events include: reducing the overall waste handling costs. Even with a minimal and simple event recycling • Meeting community expectations. program, waste costs can be reduced by 20%. • Making events marketable to sponsors. Minimizing waste also improves the efficiency of an event. The more waste generated at an event, the more time, money and resources must be devoted to collection, transportation, • Instilling positive change in vendors storage and removal of these materials. Reducing waste from the start increases the amount and attendees. of time that staff can dedicate toward other important projects. • Diverting recyclables and compostables Waste reduction and recycling also help minimize the creation of greenhouse gases. The from the landfill. production, processing and transportation of new materials generate greenhouse gases. By • Reducing greenhouse gases. minimizing the purchase of single-use items, there is less demand to manufacture these • Increasing environmental awareness. items and no need to dispose of them. • Reducing landfill hauling costs.

2 What Materials are Discarded Stakeholders include: mandates that wastes generated in the State be reduced by 50%. These at Special Events? • Property Owners: Public property, combined laws add to the need for event schools, venues, private property In 2005, the California Integrated Waste organizers to maximize the amount of owners. Management Board (CIWMB) conducted waste diverted at events. (See AB 2176 numerous waste audits at a variety of • Sponsors: Public or private summary for legal requirements for special events, and characterized event organizations hosting the event and/or special event recycling on page 4.) waste in the chart below. donating funds. Event organizers and sponsors have • City staff: Planning, permit, marketing the greatest influence on the extent and environmental/recycling city The Main Elements of and success of any recycling or waste employees who may need to monitor Waste Reduction Planning prevention program. Event organizers or report on special events. As an overview, the main elements of may include private companies, com- a waste reduction plan for special • Vendors: Concession staff, food munity members, government and school events are: staff or non-profit organizations. While vendors. • Gather support of the numerous these guidelines focus on encouraging • Contractors: Cleaning services, parties involved, including event event organizers to recycle wastes equipment rentals, utility providers organizers and management, venue effectively, many stakeholders have a role and government staff. in reducing and recycling the numerous management, vendors serving the • Volunteers: Non-profit organizations, resources generated at events. event and waste haulers (as activists, involved citizens. appropriate). • Attendees: Community members, • Determine who will coordinate and ranging from those living inside the implement the recycling efforts. specific neighborhood or city to those • Evaluate event waste stream who come from afar to participate in composition. an event. • Assess local markets for recyclable The rest of this Guide offers proven materials. strategies and tools for making your special event not only an enjoyable and • Design a system for collecting, memorable experience but also a model sorting and transporting trash paper 27% food scraps 19% effort that promotes sustainable practices. and recyclables. food soiled paper 18% plastic 11% • Educate and/or train recycling staff, cardboard 10% plastic film 5% vendors, attendees, and participants. glass 4% What is AB 2176? constr/demo 3% In 2004, the State of California passed These and other suggestions are further other metals 2.6% explained in the following sections of aluminum .4% AB 2176, a law that requires special events and public venue facilities with this Guide. over 2,000 participants per day to develop and implement a solid waste management plan and implement recycling and waste reduction strategies. In addition, all California cities and counties must comply with AB 939, which

3 Summary of AB 2176 Law

In September 2004, AB 2176* was signed into law to Event operators must also formally review and update make recycling available and convenient to the public their waste management/recycling plan every two years. attending large venues and events, while promoting If the event conforms to the State’s definition of a large planning for recycling at those locations during design event, the operator should: and operation. The law requires that local cities and • Meet with local waste haulers and recycled materials counties report on progress with waste reduction and buyers. recycling at the top 10% of large venues and special • Develop a solid waste reduction plan. events in their annual solid waste and recycling reporting to the State. • Develop a program implementation timeline. • Consult with local organizations to develop a successful recycling program: Definition of Large Event –Recycling coordinator of local agency. • Charges admission price OR is free and city-sponsored. –Local food banks. • Attracts 2,000 participants (i.e., attendees, staff, vendors, etc.) per average day of operation of the event. –Community conservation corps. • Address the types of waste material generated by the event or facility: Definition of Large Venue –Paper. • Permanent facility that seats or serves an average of more than 2,000 participants (i.e., attendees, staff, –Cardboard. vendors, etc.) per average day of operation. –Bottles and cans. –Food and food soiled paper. Requirements of Event Operators • Consider implementing the following programs: The event operator must submit the post-event waste –Minimize the use of plastics, especially plastic film management information to the local agency (city used in packaging. or county), upon request. The information requested –Reduce the volume or weight of waste materials. includes: –Purchase recyclable and longer-lasting products. • Name and location of event or venue. –Purchase products made of recycled materials. • Description of event or venue. –Donate to charity. • Brief description of types of waste generated. –Resell usable materials. • Types and amounts of waste disposed and diverted. –Recycle or compost marketable materials. • Description of existing solid waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs. • If no programs are in place, description of why there are no programs. *AB 2176 was passed into law in 2004, adding Chapter 12.7, Large Venue • Contact information for responsible persons submitting Recycling (beginning with section 42648), to the Public Resources Code, and the annual report to the local agency. amending section 42911, effective January 1, 2005.

4 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Best Practices

Reduce Reuse Recycle Event operators can help conserve Reuse can significantly reduce the Reincorporating materials into the resources and energy by preventing amount of waste going to landfills. manufacturing process, instead of waste in the first place. The usefulness of products can be taking them to landfill; and decreasing prolonged without having to expend the use of virgin materials, which • Reduce unnecessary packaging significant money or energy. require more energy and resources by buying in bulk or only what is to process. needed. • Use the blank side of printed documents for scrap paper. • Flatten and recycle cardboard • Send memos and letters boxes that otherwise take up electronically. • Donate items to schools or other precious dumpster space and you non-profits for reuse in art projects, • Request electronic versions of may save money. including toilet paper and paper printed items. towels, cardboard tubes, containers, • Recycle beverage and food • Use washable rags, towels, and and unused decorative materials. containers, aerosol cans, and steel napkins for cleaning, instead of cans, if possible. • Donate floral arrangements and disposable napkins and towels. decorations to schools, hospitals, • Make sure that landscape waste • Post large, central, easy-to-read women’s shelters or group homes. and other organics is taken to a display boards or signs instead of composting facility, if economically • Reuse plastic film and packaging distributing programs. feasible. materials. • Request that vendors use reusable • Start a composting collection • Cut up old T-shirts that are unsuitable containers instead of disposable program if food and organic waste for donation, but can be used as items. are generated on site. cleaning rags. • Serve condiments in bulk rather • Use compostable food service ware than in single servings. and include it with food scraps, if • Use napkins instead of disposable collection service is available. plates for “finger foods”. • “Close the loop” by buying products made of recycled materials.

5 Getting Started—Here’s the plan!

Events provide an opportunity Getting Started— • Consider recycling recommendations to design the waste stream for All events have these things from event staff. Ask the vendors/ recycling and composting. Event contracted service providers for in common suggestions on how to reduce waste organizers can choose which • Plan early so that events can be and increase program efficiency. items are introduced into their designed with environmental • When composting collection is waste stream at their events. considerations in mind. available, require that paper or Here are guidelines for preventing • Minimize waste from the start. This compostable food service ware be waste and increasing recycling: is the easiest way to reduce costs and used instead of plastic or polystyrene. save money. Ask your local food service ware • Identify behaviors that generate supplier about their “environmentally waste, and develop alternatives to friendly” options. See the bio-based reduce them. For example, conduct plastic options at www.stopwaste.org/ event planning via email instead of docs/bioplastics_products-distrib.pdf printing agendas or calendars. • Donate extra edible food to a food • Review the facility and event services bank or local charity. Look up “Food contracts to identify opportunities for Donations” in StopWaste.Org’s waste reduction. Does the facility Recycling Wizard at www.StopWaste. already have a contract for recycling? Org/recycle for a list of organizations. How do the garbage and recycling rates differ? How can you promote recycling? Equipment Rental • Many events require additional equipment such as tables, tableware, Food Service linens, carts, area carpeting, computer equipment, and overhead projectors • Buy in bulk to reduce the quantity of (and transparencies). Instead of single-use items and pre-packaged purchasing tableware, linens, carts foods, including cream, sugar, catsup, and other equipment, less waste is mustard, cookies and snacks. generated through renting. • Invest in reusable mugs, plates, napkins, linens, trays for food, serving and eating utensils, cups and glasses, or water in pitchers, when practical, which often cost no more over time than more waste-producing items. • Include the mandatory use of reusable items in the catering or food services contract. • Require the use of recyclable items when reusable items are not an option.

6 Staff and Volunteer Education • The more you can make recycling • Ask service providers to calculate easy for vendors and attendees, the recycling cost savings vs. the cost of • Educate staff and volunteers about more you will increase the amount no recycling service. This potential the importance of recycling and of recyclables collected. cost savings may help to convince proper recycling procedures. resistant colleagues to support recycling. • Consider requiring recycling signage • Make sure each volunteer knows at each vendor’s point of sale. • Clarify the time and dates when which materials will be recycled. recyclables are to be collected. Being These individuals will be able to direct clear about collection times reduces event attendees to recycling stations. Outreach scavenging, minimizes contamination • Get volunteers involved by having • Include public recycling information and increases the value of recyclables. them monitor participants including in the event program and all other vendors, attendees and other staff. event information. Tracking • Make recycling public announce- • Track approximate number of ments over the sound system. Recycling Signage participants, including attendees, and Containers • Place recycling messages on staff, vendors and volunteers. electronic boards. • Effective signage is essential for • Document waste prevention and clarifying which materials can be • Share waste prevention and recycling recycling goals were met. recycled and where to put them. successes with the public by issuing • Identify the amount of recyclables Make sure signage is easy to read press releases. and informs visitors of recycling that would have been disposed in procedures. Place signs high so that • Post recycling successes on the the landfill if there were no recycling event attendees can see them from a event website. program. distance. • Request from service providers the • Utilize photos or images and keep the number of pounds of each of the The Importance of Recycling materials recycled as well as the amount message simple on signage so that Service Providers attendees of all ethnic backgrounds of waste disposed in the landfill. • Identify service providers to collect or languages can understand the • Document amount of compostable the various recyclables. Alameda procedures. Consider printing signs in products purchased that replaced County service providers can be multiple languages. plastic products. found on-line at StopWaste.Org’s • Utilize color-coded recycling bins, Recycling Wizard at www.StopWaste. • Use recycling and disposal quantities placed next to trash cans. Recycling Org/recycle. as a benchmark for subsequent bins alone may be used as trash bins events. (See page 15 for post-event • Ask recycling service providers to and trash bins alone will often contain worksheet to assist in tracking identify which materials in the waste large amounts of recyclable materials. diversion information.) Ideally, place a recycling bin next to stream can be recycled. every trash can so that recycling • Ask service providers to identify becomes convenient, with recycling acceptable levels of contamination. clearly distinct from the trash container (e.g. color, shape, top • Ask service providers to provide extra opening, etc.) bins for recycling.

7 Recognition Local Resources • Send certificates of appreciation to • Utilize available resources, including vendors that successfully participate city, county, and state recycling and in recycling and waste prevention waste reduction assistance. Most programs. cities in Alameda County have staff dedicated to reducing waste; they • Consider offering registration discounts can help plan for recycling and serve to top performing vendors at subsequent as a resource at the event. events, or other rewards for their efforts. • Research and apply for grants • When possible, express appreciation through government agencies or to participants in writing (using email foundations. Keep in mind that many saves paper) for making the event of these potential sources of funding successful. require at least a few months of lead • Profile an example or case study in time. See list in the Resources and local papers before or after the event. Websites section.

Questions for Your Hauler/Recycler:

• How many bins/dumpsters will the event need? StopWaste.Org saves hundreds • Where will bins/dumpsters be delivered? of dollars and minimizes waste • Who will place and empty the bins/dumpsters? each year by purchasing coffee • Where will the dumpsters be located? in bulk. By using washable • How often will dumpsters be emptied? Time? mugs, plates and utensils, • Does the hauler collect garbage, compostables, the Agency has reduced their and/or recyclables? garbage significantly. Food left over from events is also donated • Should recyclables be mixed or separated? to a local women’s shelter. • Does the hauler take waste to a materials recovery facility? • Does hauler pick up after business hours and/or on weekends? If so, is there an additional charge? • Request reporting (i.e., completed post-event worksheet) after event. • Ask for references if you are unfamiliar with the vendor. • Are landscape debris and food scraps composted? • Who is responsible for emptying satellite collection containers?

8 Suggested Event Recycling Timeline

One Year Prior to Event o Organize education and outreach Day of Event components (i.e. information in event o Identify service providers for garbage o Monitor waste and recycling stations program and vendor packets, press and recycling regularly release, signage, etc.) o Identify recycling and “greening” goals o Empty containers as needed o Work with local non-profits who will o Determine materials in the assist with collection of recyclables o Publicize recycling throughout day event waste stream with announcements o Work with hauler to develop service contract that specifies materials to be Two months prior to event collected and recycled o Publicize event greening through After Event displays, media, and promotions o Ensure containers are picked up o Determine where and who generates on time the most waste (suppliers, staff, o Inform media of event vendors, attendees, etc.) greening program o Collect weight tickets and receipts from haulers o Determine items to recycle o Order recycling/waste services o Complete and submit post-event o Research procurement opportunities o Determine who will be collecting worksheet (buying durable, reusable, and and transporting recyclables on the repairable products) event day o Review what procedures did and did not work o Research the best equipment/ o Include recycling procedures in containers for collection vendor packet o Evaluate results o Identify education/outreach opportunities o Confirm equipment & outreach o Write-up recommendations for orders and drop off schedule next event o Train staff on recycling procedures o Publicize results Six months prior to event o Create diagram of recycling staging o Purchase recycled and recyclable area for vendors products, or require vendors to purchase recycled and recyclable items Week prior to event o Determine which items are o Confirm donation pick-up Consider these things before you recyclable, compostable, or reusable select recycling and compostable o Confirm equipment and outreach o Decide which materials will be source collection containers: delivery separated vs. co-mingled Will the container fit in with others both o Confirm hauler/recycler schedule aesthetically and physically? o Meet with vendors to discuss recycling and waste reduction o Create signage for recycling bins, Is the container easy to use and will it encourage recycling? Is it easily identified? opportunities if not provided by service provider If event is outside, will it stand up to wind, o Determine ways to reduce packaging rain, high heat or other environmental factors? o Select and order equipment (bins, Day before event Is the container subject to vandalism or theft of recyclables? stickers, etc.) o Train staff (can be done day of event) Can the containers be collected by custodial o Research donation opportunities o Distribute recycling procedures staff easily? Will it be too heavy to be lifted o Identify staff person to assist in to vendors easily when full? implementing recycling procedures o Strategically place trash and recycling bins next to each other 9 Recycling tips for specific types of events

Office Meetings or • Keep a set of washable plates and Concerts cups on site. When possible, install a Gatherings and Workshops Recyclables Generated: food scraps, dishwasher to reduce labor Recyclables Generated: paper, beverage containers, food soiled paper cardboard, food scraps, beverage • Buy refreshments with the least (plates, napkins, cups), paper, clothing/ containers. amount of packaging, including large blankets, and cardboard. bottles of juice, soda and water Suggestions: Suggestions: • Purchase the largest size package of • Announce the recycling program on • Consider using electronic presen- refreshments that can be used in a the electronic board and over the tations, such as PowerPoint, instead reasonably short period of time. sound system of printed handouts or transparencies Anything larger may result in wasted that may be discarded after the or spoiled food. • Pick out recyclables from seating event. Post the PowerPoint presentations areas before waste is disposed on a website or network after the • Always place recycling bins next to event so attendees can download garbage bins • Require food/beverage vendors use recyclable or compostable food service electronic versions. A Success Story: ware • Obtain an accurate count of partici- The Alameda County Office of Education • Set up cardboard recycling for vendors pants to reduce excess copies. regularly attains 75% waste diversion for and remind them about recycling trainings and workshops for up to 75 • Use post-consumer recycled content requirement paper and print on both sides of the teachers. Setting the proper tone through paper waste reduction activities demonstrates • Place recycling bins in high-traffic consistency with their mission to model areas, such as major walkways, food • Use reusable or reused materials for environmentally friendly behavior. These services locations, entrances to seating name tags. Collect them after event measures allow participants to experience areas, and restrooms for reuse. first hand that incorporating environ- Success Stories: • Request that people bring their mentally friendly practices need not be own cups, utensils, and plates for difficult. Sonoma County has banned polystyrene refreshments, when possible container use at county owned facilities. Vendors at these facilities use paper, #1 or #2 plastic containers for food and drinks.The cities of Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville have also banned expanded polystyrene food service ware. At Oakland’s We the Planet festival held in November 2004, a 98% diversion rate was achieved. Over 4,000 attendees, vendors and staff generated 1,028 pounds of waste but sent only 20 pounds to the landfill. Through aggressive source reduction, composting and recycling efforts on the part of organizers, volunteers and musicians, garbage cans were largely empty at the end of the four hour event. 10 Sporting Events composting. While improving recycling Flea Markets/Antique Fairs collection with their concessionaires, they Recyclables Generated: food scraps, Type of Recyclable Materials: paper, saved approximately $80,000 in avoided plastic cups, food soiled paper (plates, cardboard, food scraps, food soiled disposal cost in the first two years of their napkins, cups), beverage containers, paper, beverage containers, plastic bags expanded programs. paper, clothing/blankets. and wrap, bulky waste. Tailgaters at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Suggestions: Suggestions: receive a bag for their bottles and cans • Set up two recycling programs: one and are instructed to leave the bag by • Require that vendors pack out any for inside the event, and one for their car. The bags are collected by the unsold items outside spaces (parking lots, Los Angeles Conservation Corps after the • Require that vendors haul garbage tailgaters, etc.) tailgaters enter the stadium. and recyclables at end of the day, or • Organize recycling programs for the Loyola Marymount University saves include garbage and recycling costs suites and press box enough money through avoided disposal in vendor fees, clearly listed on costs by recycling at sporting events to vendor agreements • Conduct a “Stadium Sweep” after the more than pay for the recycling program game by having the cleaning crew • Place clearly labeled recycling operation. sweep the waste into the aisles and containers next to trash cans then pick out the recyclables • Do not set recycling containers next • Make announcements on the to restrooms or sinks, unless you electronic board and over the sound place trash containers between them system about recycling • Centralize all food vendors in one • Educate vendors and concessionaires area so that biodegradable products on recycling procedures and recyclables can be easily captured • Place recycling bins at the entrance • Develop and monitor a donation of the stadium so that participants area where unwanted items can be can recycle before they enter the game collected. Ask a local charity thrift organization to collect donated materials • Design recycling programs for special and to create signage. Be prepared to events occurring outside the stadium sort through donations and discard Success Stories: materials unsuitable for donation. Do The Oakland Coliseum and Arena collect not allow donated materials to become beverage containers, compostable dirty or wet, as they will no longer be materials and garbage in three different saleable by charity thrift organizations. streams during the clean-up after Success Story events. It was the first major stadium The Ohlone College Flea Market hosts to begin purchasing compostable corn- between 40 and 200 vendors at their starch based cups (instead of plastic monthly events. By implementing a “pack cups), which are also collected for it in, pack it out” policy for vendors, trash has been significantly reduced, saving thousands of dollars every year in collection costs. 11 Recycling tips for specific types of events

County Fairs Farmers Markets Street Fairs and Arts and Type of Recyclable Materials: food Type of Recyclable Materials: Crafts Festivals scraps, food soiled paper (plates, cardboard, wooden crates, food scraps, Type of Recyclable Materials: food napkins, cups), animal wastes, soiled food soiled paper (plates, cups, napkins), scraps, paper, food soiled paper (plates, hay/bedding, plant debris. beverage containers. napkins, cups), plastic bags and cups, Suggestions: Suggestions: beverage containers. • Encourage or require that vendors • Organize a composting collection Suggestions: use recyclable or compostable cups, program for food scraps, damaged or • Utilize clear signage with pictures or plates or other food service ware rotten produce and food soiled paper images • Confirm that the recycling company • Require that vendors take back • Place marked recycling bins next to will accept specified materials organic waste to their farms waste bins • Encourage vendors to serve condiments • Donate food to local food banks • Educate volunteers on recycling in bulk to reduce packaging. Customers • Combine used paper plates and procedures do not create waste when they apply napkins or other compostable food condiments directly to food items • Make vendors responsible for taking service ware with organics recycling garbage away • Set up an organic waste collection • Recycle cardboard and beverage program for food scraps, food soiled • Encourage reusable bags for containers paper, compostable food service purchasing instead of single use ware, and plant debris. Depending A Success Story: Success Story: on quantity, it might be necessary to The Jack London Square Farmers Market The City and County of San Francisco have daily collection. in Oakland attracts up to 10,000 people. requires recycling for special events. • Implement an animal waste and Most vendors compost their own organic Event planners must submit a recycling soiled hay/bedding organics program waste, leaving very little garbage behind plan along with their temporary use or at the end of the day. Most of the food occupancy of public street permit. Success Story: vendors use paper plates or boats that Department of the Environment staff have In 2002 and annually since then, Del Mar can be easily composted. In 2006, the also assisted with event recycling Fairgrounds attained a 97% diversion Oakland City Council banned the use of planning. Several events have purchased rate, collected 2,600 tons of recyclables, polystyrene containers for to go/carry out compostable food service ware and and generated $23,000 in revenue. The food. This ban will help the Farmers collected organics for composting fairground vendor policy makes recycling Market continue to reduce the amount of resulting in a high diversion rate. mandatory. Recycling containers are garbage produced. clearly marked and conveniently located to maximize participation by attendees and vendors.

12 Outdoor Festivals Type of Recyclable Materials: beverage containers, paper, cardboard, food scraps, food soiled paper. Suggestions: • Require that vendors supply their own garbage cans for their booths and carry out their own garbage • Offer recycling services to vendors for free • Provide cups, plates and utensils to vendors which are either recyclable or compostable with printed education Success Stories: information, such as “Recycle Me” or “Compostable” At the Whole Earth Festival (Davis, California), vendors were charged a $100 • Clearly mark collection containers deposit to encourage compliance with a with consistent messages policy requiring use of recyclable or Earth Day—Japan compostable materials. Paper cups and • Attach samples of cups, plates, and Reduces waste by leasing tableware utensils on signage or use pictures/ #1 plastic cups were used for beverages. The Ote Mall in Toyama City, Japan images Biodegradable bags and utensils were supplied at cost for vendors, costing holds a market event twice annually. • Work with local service providers between $20 to 30 per vendor. Food To reduce waste produced at the to collect food scraps and food scraps, biodegradable bags and utensils event, a reusable dish deposit soiled paper for composting were collected for composting. Although system for food and drink was • Print recycling message on programs, most of the festival trash was brought in introduced. Each consumer leases indicating the location of recycling from the outside, the waste diversion rate a set of tableware with a deposit of and composting containers on any was 81%. 100 yen (90 cents U.S.), which is site map for the public fully refunded when the tableware is returned. This tableware is leased again after being washed. The food stall owners at the Ote Mall Earth Day festival welcomed the dish return project, as many customers chose the reusable dishes; as a result, very little waste was produced.

13 Sample Contract & Policy Language

The purpose of this section is to provide samples of contract Model Conservation Policy for and policy language that can be used to encourage vendors Food Service Operations to use recycling and waste prevention strategies. By stating expectations ahead of time, your vendors can plan their This language can be used for vendors that provide food, drinks activities and purchase appropriate containers to meet waste and other refreshments in a waste-conscious manner. reducing guidelines. “Our facility is removing all garbage disposal in permanent kitchen facilities, and has a “no Styrofoam” policy and a goal of zero waste. In consideration of this, all vendors must present a Vendor Contracts plan for their operation which includes, but is not limited to, the Sample waste minimization vendor contract language has been following: developed to help increase waste prevention and recycling at an 1. Recycling of beverage containers, cardboard and other event. products as they are defined by the (name of organization, n “Promote Compostable Packaging and Food Service facility, or event name). Ware and Containers—Our organization prohibits the use 2. Separation of all fruit and vegetable food preparation waste of all polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers and promotes the for composting. use of only recyclable or compostable food service ware and packaging. Several companies offer alternative products that 3. Using paper or other compostable products when it is are environmentally safe, contact (point person) for a listing. not feasible to use reusable plates, cups, etc. Violators will be assessed a daily fine of $50 until the situation is 4. Scraping of reusable plates into a trash bin before loading corrected.” them into dishwashers, to prevent additional use of water n “Promote Recycling and Resource Conservation—In an and to reduce food waste to the sewer system. When food effort to address environmental concerns, the (organization, scraps composting collection is available, food waste and facility or event name) maintains a policy of mandatory food soiled paper products go into separate composting bins. recycling. We are committed to doing our part to ensure a 5. Clean-up to include separation of recyclables. clean, environmentally safe world for future generations to 6. Requiring that office staff recycle beverage containers and enjoy. Please breakdown (flatten) all cardboard boxes and keep office paper in cooperation with (name of organization, them in your compound for pickup. DO NOT PLACE THEM IN facility, or event) program. PUBLIC VIEW. Other items for recycling include glass bottles, plastic beverage containers and aluminum cans. Please use 7. Requiring that ongoing training of staff (and new staff, as the recycling receptacles provided for public use throughout they come on board) take place with regard to recycling and the grounds. Use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers is waste reduction procedures, specifically during major events. prohibited. Any vegetable or fruit food waste must be placed in 8. Maintenance of grease bin areas to prevent grease runoff the composting containers provided.” during rain. 9. Working with (facility, organization, or event) on any new waste reduction ideas that help in achieving the zero waste goal. 10. Upon request, provide data regarding pounds of food scraps and food soiled paper recycled.

14 Post-Event Recycling Worksheet

Please document the amounts and types of waste generated by this event. Contact Name Phone Number ( ) Email Name of event Date(s) of event Location of event Number of Participants (i.e. attendees, vendors, staff, etc.) P Description of event Description of solid waste and recycling plan

Description of materials in waste stream

If event does not recycle, explain why

Pounds Recycled

Glass Plastic Aluminum Cardboard / Paper Organics Other Total Pounds Total Pounds Recycled Landfilled

Event Totals R L

Total Recycled Total Landfilled Total Generation

R + L = G

Event Diversion Rate = Total Recycled R = % Total Generation G

Generation per Participant = Total Generation G = lbs/participant Number of Participants P

15 Resources and Websites California Integrated Waste Management Board: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Venues/ California Resource Recovery Association: www.crra.com/vserc/index.html StopWaste.Org: www.StopWaste.Org

References “A Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Manual for California Venue Facilities and Special Events Managers,” CIWMB, Sacramento, California, 2004.

“A Guide to Recycling and Reducing Waste at Komen Race for the Cure Events,” Office of Sustainable Development, City of Portland, Oregon, 2003.

“Del Mar Fairgrounds: 75% Recovery of Food Discards,” U.S. EPA, Washington, D.C., 1998.

“Developing Trash Free Special Event: A Planning Guide for North Carolina Communities and Event Planners,” Eno River Association, 2000.

“Environmental Report of Cherry Creek Arts Festival,” Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, Colorado, 2003.

“Festival Report: We the Planet 2004 Festival,” Circle of Life, Oakland, California, 2004.

“Food Concessionaires Contract,” Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, California, 2005.

“Greening the Government Conference: A Model and A Message,” EPP Update, U.S. EPA, Issue 13, January 2004.

“Guide for Greening Events,” Circle of Life, Oakland, California, 2003.

“More Success Stories,” BlueGreen Meetings, Oceans Blue Foundation, Vancouver Canada and Seattle, Washington, 2004.

“Planning a Cup Recycling Program,” University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2004.

“Recycling at Special Events”:

• A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction,” CIWMB, 2003.

• Case Studies,” CIWMB, 2003.

• Costs, Economics, and Benefits,” CWIMB, 2003.

• Challenges, Opportunities, and Tips,” CIWMB, 2003.

• General Information,” CIWMB, 2003.

“Recycling Program, Special Events Recycling,” General Services Department, City of Los Angeles, California, 2004.

“Special Events: Recycling and Waste Management,” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2001.

“Special Recycling Events,” King County Washington, Solid Waste Division, 2003.

“Special Events Recycling,” University of Oregon, Bring Recycling Program, 2004.

“Special Events Recycling,” Sonoma County Waste Management Agency, 2002.

“Ten Easy Tips for Hosts and Planners,” BlueGreen Meetings, Oceans Blue Foundation, Vancouver Canada and Seattle, Washington, 2004.

“Texas Environmental Event Planning Guide,” Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, 1998.

“Zero Waste Festival Focuses on Sustainability” Circle of Life, Oakland, California, 2004.

www.StopWastePartnership.Org