Organizers of significant events like those that attract thousands of attendees have a solid need to minimize their waste output. Fortunately, they can do so through sustainable event waste management. This includes using carbon-neutral energy and other methods to reduce their environmental impact, avoiding importing non-renewable resources, and educating guests about their waste output.
The WCS Facilities Management team helps sports organizations, event sponsors, and companies achieve sustainability goals. They are the spear's tip, providing end-to-end strategic supply chain support and thought leadership to help clients implement meaningful environmental sustainability initiatives rooted in technical sustainability expertise.
Recycling is critical to an event center's sustainability strategy and should be prioritized. Recycling bins should be close to trash receptacles, making it easy for visitors to separate their garbage and recyclables without walking far.
In addition to setting up the proper receptacles, event organizers should also provide signage that clarifies what items can be disposed of in which cases. This will help prevent contamination and allow guests to navigate your waste management system.
If your event will feature food, consider requiring that all vendors use reusable plates, cups, and silverware. This is especially important at outdoor events that will be exposed to the elements since disposable wares can break and become hazardous.
Reusable cups, plates, and utensils are a simple way to reduce your event's waste output and are more environmentally friendly than plastic containers made from virgin materials. In addition, if you sell or serve beverages at your event, encourage attendees to bring refillable bottles instead of disposable water bottles.
Ensure your recycling and compost receptacles are marked and staffed with volunteers to help visitors sort their garbage properly. Alternatively, you can request or require that all vendors post signs on their booths and tables describing what items should be placed in each receptacle.
For events that include a large volume of fruit and vegetable waste, offer a compost can for disposal by vendors. This will save you money and make meeting its recycling goals easier for your event.
Disposables are another issue that can be difficult to eliminate at a significant event. Still, with the proper planning and a little thought, you can find eco-friendly alternatives to paper and Styrofoam disposable products. For instance, you can order disposable cups and plates from a reusable vendor or purchase plant-based disposable goods made with recycled materials.
Electronics are a significant waste issue for venues, and Waste Management offers a solution to this problem through our electronic equipment recycling program. Our recycling program accepts various electronics, including computers, printers, cell phones, TVs, routers, etc.
Compost is a great way to minimize your event's waste output but it must be appropriately managed and handled to maximize its benefits. This can be challenging at more significant events, so partnering with an experienced composting company that can handle the necessary composting processes is recommended.
