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Special Event Best Practices Guide

Reduce waste at special events by simply planning ahead.

Table of Contents

2 Introduction

4 OverviewofAB2176

5 Reduce,Reuse,RecyclingDefinitions

6 GettingStarted:Here’sthePlan

9 SuggestedEventRecyclingTimeline

10 RecyclingTipsforSpecificTypesofEvents

14 SampleContract&PolicyLanguage

15 Post-EventRecyclingWorksheet

16 ResourcesandWebsites

16 References

From large venues to small community events, Alameda County is proud to host some of the greatest gatherings in the United States.Infact,therearemorethan150special

eventsthatoccurwithintheCounty’sboundariesannually.Theseeventsinclude:

professionalsportingevents,concerts,performingarts,conferences,communityfestivals

andfairs,parades,farmers’markets,andmanymore.

Thecommunitycomestogethertoenjoyevents,butintheprocessatremendous

amountofwasteisgenerated,muchofitrecyclable.Thesinglemosteffectivetoolin

reducingwasteatspecialeventsisPLANNINGAHEAD.Thisguidewaspreparedtohelp

specialeventsponsorsplanaheadsothatwastecanbeminimizedandrecyclingcanbe

maximized.Toolsincludedinthisguidecanbeusedbefore,duringANDafterevents.

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Benefits of reducing waste from special events include:• Meetingcommunityexpectations.

• Makingeventsmarketabletosponsors.

• Instillingpositivechangeinvendors andattendees.

• Divertingrecyclablesandcompostables fromthelandfill.

• Reducinggreenhousegases.

• Increasingenvironmentalawareness.

• Reducinglandfillhaulingcosts.

Why Conserve Resources? Wastereductionandrecyclingarenotonlygoodfortheenvironment,butmaysavemoney.Recyclablesarecollectedandhauledatreducedcostascomparedtogarbagerates,thereforereducingtheoverallwastehandlingcosts.Evenwithaminimalandsimpleeventrecyclingprogram,wastecostscanbereducedby20%.

Minimizingwastealsoimprovestheefficiencyofanevent.Themorewastegeneratedatanevent,themoretime,moneyandresourcesmustbedevotedtocollection,transportation,storageandremovalofthesematerials.Reducingwastefromthestartincreasestheamountoftimethatstaffcandedicatetowardotherimportantprojects.

Wastereductionandrecyclingalsohelpminimizethecreationofgreenhousegases.Theproduction,processingandtransportationofnewmaterialsgenerategreenhousegases.Byminimizingthepurchaseofsingle-useitems,thereislessdemandtomanufacturetheseitemsandnoneedtodisposeofthem.

Introduction

What Materials are Discarded at Special Events?In2005,theCaliforniaIntegratedWasteManagementBoard(CIWMB)conductednumerouswasteauditsatavarietyofspecialevents,andcharacterizedeventwasteinthechartbelow.

Eventorganizersandsponsorshavethegreatestinfluenceontheextentandsuccessofanyrecyclingorwastepreventionprogram.Eventorganizersmayincludeprivatecompanies,com-munitymembers,governmentandschoolstaffornon-profitorganizations.Whiletheseguidelinesfocusonencouragingeventorganizerstorecyclewasteseffectively,manystakeholdershavearoleinreducingandrecyclingthenumerousresourcesgeneratedatevents.

Stakeholdersinclude:

• PropertyOwners:Publicproperty, schools,venues,privateproperty owners.

• Sponsors:Publicorprivate organizationshostingtheeventand/or donatingfunds.

• Citystaff:Planning,permit,marketing andenvironmental/recyclingcity employeeswhomayneedtomonitor orreportonspecialevents.

• Vendors:Concessionstaff,food vendors.

• Contractors:Cleaningservices, equipmentrentals,utilityproviders andgovernmentstaff.

• Volunteers:Non-profitorganizations, activists,involvedcitizens.

• Attendees:Communitymembers, rangingfromthoselivinginsidethe specificneighborhoodorcitytothose whocomefromafartoparticipatein anevent.

TherestofthisGuideoffersprovenstrategiesandtoolsformakingyourspecialeventnotonlyanenjoyableandmemorableexperiencebutalsoamodeleffortthatpromotessustainablepractices.

What is AB 2176?In2004,theStateofCaliforniapassedAB2176,alawthatrequiresspecialeventsandpublicvenuefacilitieswithover2,000participantsperdaytodevelopandimplementasolidwastemanagementplanandimplementrecyclingandwastereductionstrategies.Inaddition,allCaliforniacitiesandcountiesmustcomplywithAB939,which

mandatesthatwastesgeneratedintheStatebereducedby50%.Thesecombinedlawsaddtotheneedforeventorganizerstomaximizetheamountofwastedivertedatevents.(SeeAB2176summaryforlegalrequirementsforspecialeventrecyclingonpage4.)

The Main Elements of Waste Reduction PlanningAsanoverview,themainelementsofawastereductionplanforspecialeventsare:

• Gathersupportofthenumerous partiesinvolved,includingevent organizersandmanagement,venue management,vendorsservingthe eventandwastehaulers(as appropriate).

• Determinewhowillcoordinateand implementtherecyclingefforts.

• Evaluateeventwastestream composition.

• Assesslocalmarketsforrecyclable materials.

• Designasystemforcollecting, sortingandtransportingtrash andrecyclables.

• Educateand/ortrainrecyclingstaff, vendors,attendees,andparticipants.

TheseandothersuggestionsarefurtherexplainedinthefollowingsectionsofthisGuide.

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paper 27%food scraps 19%food soiled paper 18%plastic 11%cardboard 10%plastic film 5%glass 4%constr/demo 3%other metals 2.6%aluminum .4%

In September 2004, AB 2176* was signed into law to make recycling available and convenient to the public attending large venues and events, while promoting planning for recycling at those locations during design and operation. The law requires that local cities and counties report on progress with waste reduction and recycling at the top 10% of large venues and special events in their annual solid waste and recycling reporting to the State.

Definition of Large Event

• Charges admission price OR is free and city-sponsored.

• Attracts 2,000 participants (i.e., attendees, staff, vendors, etc.) per average day of operation of the event.

Definition of Large Venue

• Permanent facility that seats or serves an average of more than 2,000 participants (i.e., attendees, staff, vendors, etc.) per average day of operation.

Requirements of Event Operators

The event operator must submit the post-event waste management information to the local agency (city or county), upon request. The information requested includes:

• Name and location of event or venue.

• Description of event or venue.

• Brief description of types of waste generated.

• Types and amounts of waste disposed and diverted.

• Description of existing solid waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs.

• If no programs are in place, description of why there are no programs.

• Contact information for responsible persons submitting the annual report to the local agency.

Event operators must also formally review and update their waste management/recycling plan every two years. If the event conforms to the State’s definition of a large event, the operator should:

• Meet with local waste haulers and recycled materials buyers.

• Develop a solid waste reduction plan.

• Develop a program implementation timeline.

• Consult with local organizations to develop a successful recycling program:

–Recycling coordinator of local agency.

–Local food banks.

–Community conservation corps.

• Address the types of waste material generated by the event or facility:

–Paper.

–Cardboard.

–Bottles and cans.

–Food and food soiled paper.

• Consider implementing the following programs:

–Minimize the use of plastics, especially plastic film used in packaging.

–Reduce the volume or weight of waste materials.

–Purchase recyclable and longer-lasting products.

–Purchase products made of recycled materials.

–Donate to charity.

–Resell usable materials.

–Recycle or compost marketable materials.

*AB 2176 was passed into law in 2004, adding Chapter 12.7, Large Venue

Recycling (beginning with section 42648), to the Public Resources Code, and

amending section 42911, effective January 1, 2005.

Summary of AB 2176 Law

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ReduceEventoperatorscanhelpconserveresourcesandenergybypreventingwasteinthefirstplace.

• Reduceunnecessarypackaging bybuyinginbulkoronlywhatis needed.

• Sendmemosandletters electronically.

• Requestelectronicversionsof printeditems.

• Usewashablerags,towels,and napkinsforcleaning,insteadof disposablenapkinsandtowels.

• Postlarge,central,easy-to-read displayboardsorsignsinsteadof distributingprograms.

• Requestthatvendorsusereusable containersinsteadofdisposable items.

• Servecondimentsinbulkrather thaninsingleservings.

• Usenapkinsinsteadofdisposable platesfor“fingerfoods”.

ReuseReusecansignificantlyreducetheamountofwastegoingtolandfills.Theusefulnessofproductscanbeprolongedwithouthavingtoexpendsignificantmoneyorenergy.

• Usetheblanksideofprinted documentsforscrappaper.

• Donateitemstoschoolsorother non-profitsforreuseinartprojects, includingtoiletpaperandpaper towels,cardboardtubes,containers, andunuseddecorativematerials.

• Donatefloralarrangementsand decorationstoschools,hospitals, women’ssheltersorgrouphomes.

• Reuseplasticfilmandpackaging materials.

• CutupoldT-shirtsthatareunsuitable fordonation,butcanbeusedas cleaningrags.

RecycleReincorporatingmaterialsintothemanufacturingprocess,insteadoftakingthemtolandfill;anddecreasingtheuseofvirginmaterials,whichrequiremoreenergyandresourcestoprocess.

• Flattenandrecyclecardboard boxesthatotherwisetakeup preciousdumpsterspaceandyou maysavemoney.

• Recyclebeverageandfood containers,aerosolcans,andsteel cans,ifpossible.

• Makesurethatlandscapewaste andotherorganicsistakentoa compostingfacility,ifeconomically feasible.

• Startacompostingcollection programiffoodandorganicwaste aregeneratedonsite.

• Usecompostablefoodserviceware andincludeitwithfoodscraps,if collectionserviceisavailable.

• “Closetheloop”bybuyingproducts madeofrecycledmaterials.

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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Best Practices

Eventsprovideanopportunitytodesignthewastestreamforrecyclingandcomposting.Eventorganizerscanchoosewhichitemsareintroducedintotheirwastestreamattheirevents.Hereareguidelinesforpreventingwasteandincreasingrecycling:

Getting Started— All events have these things in common• Planearlysothateventscanbe designedwithenvironmental considerationsinmind.

• Minimizewastefromthestart.This istheeasiestwaytoreducecostsand savemoney.

• Identifybehaviorsthatgenerate waste,anddevelopalternativesto reducethem.Forexample,conduct eventplanningviaemailinsteadof printingagendasorcalendars.

• Reviewthefacilityandeventservices contractstoidentifyopportunitiesfor wastereduction.Doesthefacility alreadyhaveacontractforrecycling? Howdothegarbageandrecycling ratesdiffer?Howcanyoupromote recycling?

Food Service• Buyinbulktoreducethequantityof single-useitemsandpre-packaged foods,includingcream,sugar,catsup, mustard,cookiesandsnacks.

• Investinreusablemugs,plates, napkins,linens,traysforfood,serving andeatingutensils,cupsandglasses, orwaterinpitchers,whenpractical, whichoftencostnomoreovertime thanmorewaste-producingitems.

• Includethemandatoryuseof reusableitemsinthecateringor foodservicescontract.

• Requiretheuseofrecyclableitems whenreusableitemsarenotanoption.

• Considerrecyclingrecommendations fromeventstaff.Askthevendors/ contractedserviceprovidersfor suggestionsonhowtoreducewaste andincreaseprogramefficiency.

• Whencompostingcollectionis available,requirethatpaperor compostablefoodservicewarebe usedinsteadofplasticorpolystyrene. Askyourlocalfoodserviceware supplierabouttheir“environmentally friendly”options.Seethebio-based plasticoptionsatwww.stopwaste.org/ docs/bioplastics_products-distrib.pdf

• Donateextraediblefoodtoafood bankorlocalcharity.Lookup“Food Donations”inStopWaste.Org’s RecyclingWizardatwww.StopWaste. Org/recycleforalistoforganizations.

Equipment Rental• Manyeventsrequireadditional equipmentsuchastables,tableware, linens,carts,areacarpeting,computer equipment,andoverheadprojectors (andtransparencies).Insteadof purchasingtableware,linens,carts andotherequipment,lesswasteis generatedthroughrenting.

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Getting Started—Here’s the plan!

Staff and Volunteer Education• Educatestaffandvolunteersabout theimportanceofrecyclingand properrecyclingprocedures.

• Makesureeachvolunteerknows whichmaterialswillberecycled. Theseindividualswillbeabletodirect eventattendeestorecyclingstations.

• Getvolunteersinvolvedbyhaving themmonitorparticipantsincluding vendors,attendeesandotherstaff.

Recycling Signage and Containers• Effectivesignageisessentialfor clarifyingwhichmaterialscanbe recycledandwheretoputthem. Makesuresignageiseasytoread andinformsvisitorsofrecycling procedures.Placesignshighsothat eventattendeescanseethemfroma distance.

• Utilizephotosorimagesandkeepthe messagesimpleonsignagesothat attendeesofallethnicbackgrounds orlanguagescanunderstandthe procedures.Considerprintingsignsin multiplelanguages.

• Utilizecolor-codedrecyclingbins, placednexttotrashcans.Recycling binsalonemaybeusedastrashbins andtrashbinsalonewilloftencontain largeamountsofrecyclablematerials. Ideally,placearecyclingbinnextto everytrashcansothatrecycling becomesconvenient,withrecycling clearlydistinctfromthetrash container(e.g.color,shape,top opening,etc.)

• Themoreyoucanmakerecycling easyforvendorsandattendees,the moreyouwillincreasetheamount ofrecyclablescollected.

• Considerrequiringrecyclingsignage ateachvendor’spointofsale.

Outreach• Includepublicrecyclinginformation intheeventprogramandallother eventinformation.

• Makerecyclingpublicannounce- mentsoverthesoundsystem.

• Placerecyclingmessageson electronicboards.

• Sharewastepreventionandrecycling successeswiththepublicbyissuing pressreleases.

• Postrecyclingsuccessesonthe eventwebsite.

The Importance of Recycling Service Providers• Identifyserviceproviderstocollect thevariousrecyclables.Alameda Countyserviceproviderscanbe foundon-lineatStopWaste.Org’s RecyclingWizardatwww.StopWaste. Org/recycle.

• Askrecyclingserviceprovidersto identifywhichmaterialsinthewaste streamcanberecycled.

• Askserviceproviderstoidentify acceptablelevelsofcontamination.

• Askserviceproviderstoprovideextra binsforrecycling.

• Askserviceproviderstocalculate recyclingcostsavingsvs.thecostof norecyclingservice.Thispotential costsavingsmayhelptoconvince resistantcolleaguestosupportrecycling.

• Clarifythetimeanddateswhen recyclablesaretobecollected.Being clearaboutcollectiontimesreduces scavenging,minimizescontamination andincreasesthevalueofrecyclables.

Tracking• Trackapproximatenumberof participants,includingattendees, staff,vendorsandvolunteers.

• Documentwastepreventionand recyclinggoalsweremet.

• Identifytheamountofrecyclables thatwouldhavebeendisposedin thelandfilliftherewerenorecycling program.

• Requestfromserviceprovidersthe numberofpoundsofeachofthe materialsrecycledaswellastheamount ofwastedisposedinthelandfill.

• Documentamountofcompostable productspurchasedthatreplaced plasticproducts.

• Userecyclinganddisposalquantities asabenchmarkforsubsequent events.(Seepage15forpost-event worksheettoassistintracking diversioninformation.)

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Questions for Your Hauler/Recycler:

• Howmanybins/dumpsterswilltheeventneed?

• Wherewillbins/dumpstersbedelivered?

• Whowillplaceandemptythebins/dumpsters?

• Wherewillthedumpstersbelocated?

• Howoftenwilldumpstersbeemptied?Time?

• Doesthehaulercollectgarbage,compostables, and/orrecyclables?

• Shouldrecyclablesbemixedorseparated?

• Doesthehaulertakewastetoamaterialsrecoveryfacility?

• Doeshaulerpickupafterbusinesshoursand/oronweekends? Ifso,isthereanadditionalcharge?

• Requestreporting(i.e.,completedpost-eventworksheet) afterevent.

• Askforreferencesifyouareunfamiliarwiththevendor.

• Arelandscapedebrisandfoodscrapscomposted?

• Whoisresponsibleforemptyingsatellitecollectioncontainers?

Recognition• Sendcertificatesofappreciationto vendorsthatsuccessfullyparticipate inrecyclingandwasteprevention programs.

• Considerofferingregistrationdiscounts totopperformingvendorsatsubsequent events,orotherrewardsfortheirefforts.

• Whenpossible,expressappreciation toparticipantsinwriting(usingemail savespaper)formakingtheevent successful.

• Profileanexampleorcasestudyin localpapersbeforeoraftertheevent.

Local Resources• Utilizeavailableresources,including city,county,andstaterecyclingand wastereductionassistance.Most citiesinAlamedaCountyhavestaff dedicatedtoreducingwaste;they canhelpplanforrecyclingandserve asaresourceattheevent.

• Researchandapplyforgrants throughgovernmentagenciesor foundations.Keepinmindthatmany ofthesepotentialsourcesoffunding requireatleastafewmonthsoflead time.SeelistintheResourcesand Websitessection.

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StopWaste.Orgsaveshundredsofdollarsandminimizeswasteeachyearbypurchasingcoffeeinbulk.Byusingwashablemugs,platesandutensils,theAgencyhasreducedtheirgarbagesignificantly.Foodleftoverfromeventsisalsodonatedtoalocalwomen’sshelter.

One Year Prior to Evento Identifyserviceprovidersforgarbage andrecycling

o Identifyrecyclingand“greening”goals

o Determinematerialsinthe eventwastestream

o Workwithhaulertodevelopservice contractthatspecifiesmaterialstobe collectedandrecycled

o Determinewhereandwhogenerates themostwaste(suppliers,staff, vendors,attendees,etc.)

o Determineitemstorecycle

o Researchprocurementopportunities (buyingdurable,reusable,and repairableproducts)

o Researchthebestequipment/ containersforcollection

o Identifyeducation/outreachopportunities

Six months prior to evento Purchaserecycledandrecyclable products,orrequirevendorsto purchaserecycledandrecyclable items

o Determinewhichitemsare recyclable,compostable,orreusable

o Decidewhichmaterialswillbesource separatedvs.co-mingled

o Meetwithvendorstodiscuss recyclingandwastereduction opportunities

o Determinewaystoreducepackaging

o Selectandorderequipment(bins, stickers,etc.)

o Researchdonationopportunities

o Identifystaffpersontoassistin implementingrecyclingprocedures

o Organizeeducationandoutreach components(i.e.informationinevent programandvendorpackets,press release,signage,etc.)

o Workwithlocalnon-profitswhowill assistwithcollectionofrecyclables

Two months prior to evento Publicizeeventgreeningthrough displays,media,andpromotions

o Informmediaofevent greeningprogram

o Orderrecycling/wasteservices

o Determinewhowillbecollecting andtransportingrecyclablesonthe eventday

o Includerecyclingproceduresin vendorpacket

o Confirmequipment&outreach ordersanddropoffschedule

o Trainstaffonrecyclingprocedures

o Creatediagramofrecyclingstaging areaforvendors

Week prior to evento Confirmdonationpick-up

o Confirmequipmentandoutreach delivery

o Confirmhauler/recyclerschedule

o Createsignageforrecyclingbins, ifnotprovidedbyserviceprovider

Day before evento Trainstaff(canbedonedayofevent)

o Distributerecyclingprocedures tovendors

o Strategicallyplacetrashandrecycling binsnexttoeachother

Day of Evento Monitorwasteandrecyclingstations regularly

o Emptycontainersasneeded

o Publicizerecyclingthroughoutday withannouncements

After Evento Ensurecontainersarepickedup ontime

o Collectweightticketsandreceipts fromhaulers

o Completeandsubmitpost-event worksheet

o Reviewwhatproceduresdidand didnotwork

o Evaluateresults

o Write-uprecommendationsfor nextevent

o Publicizeresults

Suggested Event Recycling Timeline

Consider these things before you select recycling and compostable collection containers:Willthecontainerfitinwithothersbothaestheticallyandphysically?

Isthecontainereasytouseandwillitencouragerecycling?Isiteasilyidentified?

Ifeventisoutside,willitstanduptowind,rain,highheatorotherenvironmentalfactors?

Isthecontainersubjecttovandalismortheftofrecyclables?

Canthecontainersbecollectedbycustodialstaffeasily?Willitbetooheavytobeliftedeasilywhenfull?

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Office Meetings or Gatherings and WorkshopsRecyclablesGenerated:paper,cardboard,foodscraps,beveragecontainers.

Suggestions:

• Considerusingelectronicpresen- tations,suchasPowerPoint,instead ofprintedhandoutsortransparencies thatmaybediscardedafterthe event.PostthePowerPointpresentations onawebsiteornetworkafterthe eventsoattendeescandownload electronicversions.

• Obtainanaccuratecountofpartici- pantstoreduceexcesscopies.

• Usepost-consumerrecycledcontent paperandprintonbothsidesofthe paper

• Usereusableorreusedmaterialsfor nametags.Collectthemafterevent forreuse.

• Requestthatpeoplebringtheir owncups,utensils,andplatesfor refreshments,whenpossible

• Keepasetofwashableplatesand cupsonsite.Whenpossible,installa dishwashertoreducelabor

• Buyrefreshmentswiththeleast amountofpackaging,includinglarge bottlesofjuice,sodaandwater

• Purchasethelargestsizepackageof refreshmentsthatcanbeusedina reasonablyshortperiodoftime. Anythinglargermayresultinwasted orspoiledfood.

• Alwaysplacerecyclingbinsnextto garbagebins

ASuccessStory:

TheAlamedaCountyOfficeofEducationregularlyattains75%wastediversionfortrainingsandworkshopsforupto75teachers.Settingthepropertonethroughwastereductionactivitiesdemonstratesconsistencywiththeirmissiontomodelenvironmentallyfriendlybehavior.Thesemeasuresallowparticipantstoexperiencefirsthandthatincorporatingenviron-mentallyfriendlypracticesneednotbedifficult.

ConcertsRecyclablesGenerated:foodscraps,beveragecontainers,foodsoiledpaper(plates,napkins,cups),paper,clothing/blankets,andcardboard.

Suggestions:

• Announcetherecyclingprogramon theelectronicboardandoverthe soundsystem

• Pickoutrecyclablesfromseating areasbeforewasteisdisposed

• Requirefood/beveragevendorsuse recyclableorcompostablefoodservice ware

• Setupcardboardrecyclingforvendors andremindthemaboutrecycling requirement

• Placerecyclingbinsinhigh-traffic areas,suchasmajorwalkways,food serviceslocations,entrancestoseating areas,andrestrooms

SuccessStories:

SonomaCountyhasbannedpolystyrenecontaineruseatcountyownedfacilities.Vendorsatthesefacilitiesusepaper,#1or#2plasticcontainersforfoodanddrinks.ThecitiesofOakland,BerkeleyandEmeryvillehavealsobannedexpandedpolystyrenefoodserviceware.

AtOakland’sWe the Planet festivalheldinNovember2004,a98%diversionratewasachieved.Over4,000attendees,vendorsandstaffgenerated1,028poundsofwastebutsentonly20poundstothelandfill.Throughaggressivesourcereduction,compostingandrecyclingeffortsonthepartoforganizers,volunteersandmusicians,garbagecanswerelargelyemptyattheendofthefourhourevent.

Recycling tips for specific types of events

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Sporting EventsRecyclablesGenerated:foodscraps,plasticcups,foodsoiledpaper(plates,napkins,cups),beveragecontainers,paper,clothing/blankets.

Suggestions:

• Setuptworecyclingprograms:one forinsidetheevent,andonefor outsidespaces(parkinglots, tailgaters,etc.)

• Organizerecyclingprogramsforthe suitesandpressbox

• Conducta“StadiumSweep”afterthe gamebyhavingthecleaningcrew sweepthewasteintotheaislesand thenpickouttherecyclables

• Makeannouncementsonthe electronicboardandoverthesound systemaboutrecycling

• Educatevendorsandconcessionaires onrecyclingprocedures

• Placerecyclingbinsattheentrance ofthestadiumsothatparticipants canrecyclebeforetheyenterthegame

• Designrecyclingprogramsforspecial eventsoccurringoutsidethestadium

SuccessStories:

TheOaklandColiseumandArenacollectbeveragecontainers,compostablematerialsandgarbageinthreedifferentstreamsduringtheclean-upafterevents.Itwasthefirstmajorstadiumtobeginpurchasingcompostablecorn-starchbasedcups(insteadofplasticcups),whicharealsocollectedfor

composting.Whileimprovingrecyclingcollectionwiththeirconcessionaires,theysavedapproximately$80,000inavoideddisposalcostinthefirsttwoyearsoftheirexpandedprograms.

TailgatersatthePasadenaRoseBowlreceiveabagfortheirbottlesandcansandareinstructedtoleavethebagbytheircar.ThebagsarecollectedbytheLosAngelesConservationCorpsafterthetailgatersenterthestadium.

LoyolaMarymountUniversitysavesenoughmoneythroughavoideddisposalcostsbyrecyclingatsportingeventstomorethanpayfortherecyclingprogramoperation.

Flea Markets/Antique FairsTypeofRecyclableMaterials:paper,cardboard,foodscraps,foodsoiledpaper,beveragecontainers,plasticbagsandwrap,bulkywaste.

Suggestions:

• Requirethatvendorspackoutany unsolditems

• Requirethatvendorshaulgarbage andrecyclablesatendoftheday,or includegarbageandrecyclingcosts invendorfees,clearlylistedon vendoragreements

• Placeclearlylabeledrecycling containersnexttotrashcans

• Donotsetrecyclingcontainersnext torestroomsorsinks,unlessyou placetrashcontainersbetweenthem

• Centralizeallfoodvendorsinone areasothatbiodegradableproducts andrecyclablescanbeeasilycaptured

• Developandmonitoradonation areawhereunwanteditemscanbe collected.Askalocalcharitythrift organizationtocollectdonatedmaterials andtocreatesignage.Bepreparedto sortthroughdonationsanddiscard materialsunsuitablefordonation.Do notallowdonatedmaterialstobecome dirtyorwet,astheywillnolongerbe saleablebycharitythriftorganizations.

SuccessStory

TheOhloneCollegeFleaMarkethostsbetween40and200vendorsattheirmonthlyevents.Byimplementinga“packitin,packitout”policyforvendors,trashhasbeensignificantlyreduced,savingthousandsofdollarseveryyearincollectioncosts.

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Recycling tips for specific types of events

County FairsTypeofRecyclableMaterials:foodscraps,foodsoiledpaper(plates,napkins,cups),animalwastes,soiledhay/bedding,plantdebris.

Suggestions:

• Encourageorrequirethatvendors userecyclableorcompostablecups, platesorotherfoodserviceware

• Confirmthattherecyclingcompany willacceptspecifiedmaterials

• Encouragevendorstoservecondiments inbulktoreducepackaging.Customers donotcreatewastewhentheyapply condimentsdirectlytofooditems

• Setupanorganicwastecollection programforfoodscraps,foodsoiled paper,compostablefoodservice ware,andplantdebris.Depending onquantity,itmightbenecessaryto havedailycollection.

• Implementananimalwasteand soiledhay/beddingorganicsprogram

SuccessStory:

In2002andannuallysincethen,DelMarFairgroundsattaineda97%diversionrate,collected2,600tonsofrecyclables,andgenerated$23,000inrevenue.Thefairgroundvendorpolicymakesrecyclingmandatory.Recyclingcontainersareclearlymarkedandconvenientlylocatedtomaximizeparticipationbyattendeesandvendors.

Farmers MarketsTypeofRecyclableMaterials:cardboard,woodencrates,foodscraps,foodsoiledpaper(plates,cups,napkins),beveragecontainers.

Suggestions:

• Organizeacompostingcollection programforfoodscraps,damagedor rottenproduceandfoodsoiledpaper

• Requirethatvendorstakeback organicwastetotheirfarms

• Donatefoodtolocalfoodbanks

• Combineusedpaperplatesand napkinsorothercompostablefood servicewarewithorganicsrecycling

• Recyclecardboardandbeverage containers

ASuccessStory:

TheJackLondonSquareFarmersMarketinOaklandattractsupto10,000people.Mostvendorscomposttheirownorganicwaste,leavingverylittlegarbagebehindattheendoftheday.Mostofthefoodvendorsusepaperplatesorboatsthatcanbeeasilycomposted.In2006,theOaklandCityCouncilbannedtheuseofpolystyrenecontainersfortogo/carryoutfood.ThisbanwillhelptheFarmersMarketcontinuetoreducetheamountofgarbageproduced.

Street Fairs and Arts and Crafts FestivalsTypeofRecyclableMaterials:foodscraps,paper,foodsoiledpaper(plates,napkins,cups),plasticbagsandcups,beveragecontainers.

Suggestions:

• Utilizeclearsignagewithpicturesor images

• Placemarkedrecyclingbinsnextto wastebins

• Educatevolunteersonrecycling procedures

• Makevendorsresponsiblefortaking garbageaway

• Encouragereusablebagsfor purchasinginsteadofsingleuse

SuccessStory:

TheCityandCountyofSanFranciscorequiresrecyclingforspecialevents.Eventplannersmustsubmitarecyclingplanalongwiththeirtemporaryuseoroccupancyofpublicstreetpermit.DepartmentoftheEnvironmentstaffhavealsoassistedwitheventrecyclingplanning.Severaleventshavepurchasedcompostablefoodservicewareandcollectedorganicsforcompostingresultinginahighdiversionrate.

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Outdoor FestivalsTypeofRecyclableMaterials:beveragecontainers,paper,cardboard,foodscraps,foodsoiledpaper.

Suggestions:

• Requirethatvendorssupplytheir owngarbagecansfortheirbooths andcarryouttheirowngarbage

• Offerrecyclingservicestovendors forfree

• Providecups,platesandutensils tovendorswhichareeitherrecyclable orcompostablewithprintededucation information,suchas“RecycleMe”or “Compostable”

• Clearlymarkcollectioncontainers withconsistentmessages

• Attachsamplesofcups,plates,and utensilsonsignageorusepictures/ images

• Workwithlocalserviceproviders tocollectfoodscrapsandfood soiledpaperforcomposting

• Printrecyclingmessageonprograms, indicatingthelocationofrecycling andcompostingcontainersonany sitemapforthepublic

SuccessStories:

AttheWholeEarthFestival(Davis,California),vendorswerechargeda$100deposittoencouragecompliancewithapolicyrequiringuseofrecyclableorcompostablematerials.Papercupsand#1plasticcupswereusedforbeverages.Biodegradablebagsandutensilsweresuppliedatcostforvendors,costingbetween$20to30pervendor.Foodscraps,biodegradablebagsandutensilswerecollectedforcomposting.Althoughmostofthefestivaltrashwasbroughtinfromtheoutside,thewastediversionratewas81%.

EarthDay—JapanReduceswastebyleasingtableware

TheOteMallinToyamaCity,Japanholdsamarketeventtwiceannually.Toreducewasteproducedattheevent,areusabledishdepositsystemforfoodanddrinkwasintroduced.Eachconsumerleasesasetoftablewarewithadepositof100yen(90centsU.S.),whichisfullyrefundedwhenthetablewareisreturned.Thistablewareisleasedagainafterbeingwashed.ThefoodstallownersattheOteMallEarthDayfestivalwelcomedthedishreturnproject,asmanycustomerschosethereusabledishes;asaresult,verylittlewastewasproduced.

13

Sample Contract & Policy Language

Thepurposeofthissectionistoprovidesamplesofcontractandpolicylanguagethatcanbeusedtoencouragevendorstouserecyclingandwastepreventionstrategies.Bystatingexpectationsaheadoftime,yourvendorscanplantheiractivitiesandpurchaseappropriatecontainerstomeetwastereducingguidelines.

Vendor ContractsSamplewasteminimizationvendorcontractlanguagehasbeendevelopedtohelpincreasewastepreventionandrecyclingatanevent.

n “PromoteCompostablePackagingandFoodServiceWareandContainers—Ourorganizationprohibitstheuseofallpolystyrene(Styrofoam)containersandpromotestheuseofonlyrecyclableorcompostablefoodservicewareandpackaging.Severalcompaniesofferalternativeproductsthatareenvironmentallysafe,contact(pointperson)foralisting.Violatorswillbeassessedadailyfineof$50untilthesituationiscorrected.”

n “PromoteRecyclingandResourceConservation—Inanefforttoaddressenvironmentalconcerns,the(organization,facilityoreventname)maintainsapolicyofmandatoryrecycling.Wearecommittedtodoingourparttoensureaclean,environmentallysafeworldforfuturegenerationstoenjoy.Pleasebreakdown(flatten)allcardboardboxesandkeeptheminyourcompoundforpickup.DONOTPLACETHEMINPUBLICVIEW.Otheritemsforrecyclingincludeglassbottles,plasticbeveragecontainersandaluminumcans.Pleaseusetherecyclingreceptaclesprovidedforpublicusethroughoutthegrounds.Useofpolystyrene(Styrofoam)containersisprohibited.Anyvegetableorfruitfoodwastemustbeplacedinthecompostingcontainersprovided.”

Model Conservation Policy for Food Service OperationsThislanguagecanbeusedforvendorsthatprovidefood,drinksandotherrefreshmentsinawaste-consciousmanner.

“Ourfacilityisremovingallgarbagedisposalinpermanentkitchenfacilities,andhasa“noStyrofoam”policyandagoalofzerowaste.Inconsiderationofthis,allvendorsmustpresentaplanfortheiroperationwhichincludes,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowing:

1. Recyclingofbeveragecontainers,cardboardandother productsastheyaredefinedbythe(nameoforganization, facility,oreventname).

2. Separationofallfruitandvegetablefoodpreparationwaste forcomposting.

3. Usingpaperorothercompostableproductswhenitis notfeasibletousereusableplates,cups,etc.

4. Scrapingofreusableplatesintoatrashbinbeforeloading themintodishwashers,topreventadditionaluseofwater andtoreducefoodwastetothesewersystem.Whenfood scrapscompostingcollectionisavailable,foodwasteand foodsoiledpaperproductsgointoseparatecompostingbins.

5. Clean-uptoincludeseparationofrecyclables.

6. Requiringthatofficestaffrecyclebeveragecontainersand officepaperincooperationwith(nameoforganization, facility,orevent)program.

7. Requiringthatongoingtrainingofstaff(andnewstaff,as theycomeonboard)takeplacewithregardtorecyclingand wastereductionprocedures,specificallyduringmajorevents.

8. Maintenanceofgreasebinareastopreventgreaserunoff duringrain.

9. Workingwith(facility,organization,orevent)onanynew wastereductionideasthathelpinachievingthezerowaste goal.

10.Uponrequest,providedataregardingpoundsoffood scrapsandfoodsoiledpaperrecycled.

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Post-Event Recycling Worksheet

Pleasedocumenttheamountsandtypesofwastegeneratedbythisevent.

ContactName

PhoneNumber() Email

Nameofevent Date(s)ofevent

Locationofevent

NumberofParticipants(i.e.attendees,vendors,staff,etc.)

Descriptionofevent

Descriptionofsolidwasteandrecyclingplan

Descriptionofmaterialsinwastestream

Ifeventdoesnotrecycle,explainwhy

PoundsRecycled

Glass Plastic Aluminum Cardboard/Paper Organics Other

EventTotals R L

EventDiversionRate =TotalRecycled R =

TotalGenerationG

GenerationperParticipant=TotalGenerationG=

NumberofParticipants P

LR G+ =

TotalRecycled TotalLandfilled TotalGeneration

P

%

lbs/participant

TotalPoundsRecycled

TotalPoundsLandfilled

15

Resources and WebsitesCaliforniaIntegratedWasteManagementBoard:www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Venues/

CaliforniaResourceRecoveryAssociation:www.crra.com/vserc/index.html

StopWaste.Org:www.StopWaste.Org

References “ASolidWasteReductionandRecyclingManualforCaliforniaVenueFacilitiesandSpecialEventsManagers,”CIWMB,Sacramento,California,2004.

“AGuidetoRecyclingandReducingWasteatKomenRacefortheCureEvents,”OfficeofSustainableDevelopment,CityofPortland,Oregon,2003.

“DelMarFairgrounds:75%RecoveryofFoodDiscards,”U.S.EPA,Washington,D.C.,1998.

“DevelopingTrashFreeSpecialEvent:APlanningGuideforNorthCarolinaCommunitiesandEventPlanners,”EnoRiverAssociation,2000.

“EnvironmentalReportofCherryCreekArtsFestival,”CherryCreekArtsFestival,Denver,Colorado,2003.

“FestivalReport:WethePlanet2004Festival,”CircleofLife,Oakland,California,2004.

“FoodConcessionairesContract,”DelMarFairgrounds,SanDiego,California,2005.

“GreeningtheGovernmentConference:AModelandAMessage,”EPPUpdate,U.S.EPA,Issue13,January2004.

“GuideforGreeningEvents,”CircleofLife,Oakland,California,2003.

“MoreSuccessStories,”BlueGreenMeetings,OceansBlueFoundation,VancouverCanadaandSeattle,Washington,2004.

“PlanningaCupRecyclingProgram,”UniversityofWisconsin,Milwaukee,2004.

“RecyclingatSpecialEvents”:

• AModelforLocalGovernmentRecyclingandWasteReduction,”CIWMB,2003.

• CaseStudies,”CIWMB,2003.

• Costs,Economics,andBenefits,”CWIMB,2003.

• Challenges,Opportunities,andTips,”CIWMB,2003.

• GeneralInformation,”CIWMB,2003.

“RecyclingProgram,SpecialEventsRecycling,”GeneralServicesDepartment,CityofLosAngeles,California,2004.

“SpecialEvents:RecyclingandWasteManagement,”WisconsinDepartmentofNaturalResources,2001.

“SpecialRecyclingEvents,”KingCountyWashington,SolidWasteDivision,2003.

“SpecialEventsRecycling,”UniversityofOregon,BringRecyclingProgram,2004.

“SpecialEventsRecycling,”SonomaCountyWasteManagementAgency,2002.

“TenEasyTipsforHostsandPlanners,”BlueGreenMeetings,OceansBlueFoundation,VancouverCanadaandSeattle,Washington,2004.

“TexasEnvironmentalEventPlanningGuide,”TexasNaturalResourceConservationCommission,1998.

“ZeroWasteFestivalFocusesonSustainability”CircleofLife,Oakland,California,2004.

www.StopWastePartnership.Org16 ©2007StopWaste.Org. Printedon100%recycledpaper(50%postconsumerwaste).