Zero Waste Events & Venues Program - Santa Clara …Overview • Zero Waste Event pilot launched 2008 • Two year pilot resulted in 94% landfill diversion • City Council approved
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Zero Waste Events & Venues Program Presented by: Donna Thurmon Environmental Services Department
Presented by:Donna ThurmonEnvironmental Services Department
Overview
• 25,000 new Clean Tech jobs• Reduce per capita energy use
50%• 100% renewable electricity• retrofit 50 million ft2 green
buildings• Zero Waste to landfill• 100% beneficial reuse of
wastewater• Sustainability in General Plan• 100% alternative fuel fleet• 100,000 new trees planted• 100 miles of interconnected trails
San José Green Vision Goals
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San Jose’s roadmap to: spur economic growth demonstrate environmental leadership improve the quality of life for all residents by 2022 Zero Waste Events promotes the city’s Green Vision goals, including diverting 100% of waste from our landfill by 2022.
Overview
• Zero Waste Event pilot launched 2008• Two year pilot resulted in 94% landfill diversion• City Council approved new policies for 2010 season
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Created to encourage waste prevention and reduction, recycling, and composting at events held in San Jose. It’s a multi-faceted program involving multi-stakeholder processes. Background CA jurisdictions have requirements for material management at events and large venues per Public Resources Code 42648, which requires cities to plan for solid waste reduction and report information regarding waste reduction efforts for large venues and events. Transition In adopting its policies, SJ has taken a whole systems approach to match f&b products with the collection infrastructure and materials processing facilities (i.e. match front end with back end system) with highest and best use in mind.
Enhanced recycling – for events that only previously collected cans and bottles, expanded to target all material streams. in advance Compostable material collection – piloted 2007-2009, targeting high food-generating events. Many still participate and we seek to expand. Currently an option only. Green education, awareness and promotion – participating events provide educational info on event website, in program materials, and stage announcements. Some dedicate booth space to zero waste & composting displays. The goal here is to introduce these concepts to attendees and expand upon other environmental behaviors.
Current Program
• Policies• Coordination with event planners• Multi-level certification program• Green event grants• SJ Conservation Corps grant agreement• Food & beverage vendor education• Attendee education• Resources for event planners
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There is a lot of detail behind our program. Here, I will hit on the key points. See our website (updates coming Spring 2011) for more info. KEY = coordination with event planners – they contact us and/or we proactively seek them out.
Policies
• Eliminate polystyrene (#6) use by food vendors• Use #1 plastic for cups 7 oz. or greater and paper
cups for less than 7 oz.• Collect, at minimum, plastics, glass, metals, and
cardboard for recycling, and…• Submit a waste reduction plan and post-event
diversion report (SJMC 9.10.1445)
Beginning on May 1, 2010, all events held on city-owned property with over 1,000 daily attendees are required to:
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Discuss San Jose’s policies. Stakeholder engagement was involved all along the way to develop these policies and best practices. Based upon what we’ve learned during the pilot and after coordinating closely with the event community, we’ve developed these policies to further help us prevent and reduce waste at events in San Jose. NOTE: If planning an event in a different city, you’ll need to check with other local jurisdictions for their particular requirements since they may vary.
Promotion through Certification
Multi-tieredCriteria includes diversion level and
additional requirementsEvents must meet policy & reporting requirements
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Going Green Event – 25% recycling Going green events take steps towards reducing environmental impacts and Green Events – recycle & compost 50% of materials AND Green events are ready to take the next steps towards reducing their environmental impacts. Meet all Going Green steps Prevent & reduce waste thru sustainable purchasing. There are many ways to accomplish this with a little planning and communication. Suggested ideas include: reusable for décor, borrow materials, print brochures/guides on 30% min. post-consumer recycled content paper with soy based inks Limit give-aways and materials in goody bags, etc., See Best Greening Practices online for more ideas Compostable serve ware – ban Expanded PS #6: make this a vendor requirement for all food service needs. Exceptions include recyclable items (aluminum foil for wrapping sandwiches, plastic beverage cups). Compost organics – implement a compostable collection program OR have waste sorted to recover food scraps, compostable-ware and food-soiled paper. Event must make arrangements to have materials processed at a COMMERCIAL COMPOSTING FACILITY. Educate participants – develop and execute a campaign prior to and during the event to ensure that all are aware of greening efforts. SEE BEST PRACTICES. Provide staffing – provide sufficient volunteer and/or paid staff to implement and manage the waste reduction, recycling, composting, sorting, and education activities for the event. Zero Waste Events – 75% AND 2 of the below A Zero Waste event consistently demonstrates a commitment to reducing its environmental impact to zero, or as close as practically possible. Non-recyclable/non-compostable materials. Implement and enforce vendor contract language banning all non-recyclable/non-compostable matierals, including vendor give-away items. Cooking oil/charcoal. Provide collection and recycling for all food vendors. Implement and enforce vendor contract language requiring all vendors that generate waste cooking oil and/or charcoal to recycle materials correctly. IMPORTANT: THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN DUMPSTERS. Offset impacts. Calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of the event and purchase (or find a sponsor to purchase) carbon offsets from a certified carbon offset broker (e.g. tree plantings/solar investment to offset transit, energy consumption, etc.) Engage attendees/vendors. Provide an interactive actity to raise awareness and help attendees bring your green message home. Examples: hybrid vehicle/electric bike demonstrations, CFL giveaways, take-back program for cell phones, home composting demonstrations. Single use water bottles. Alternatives include water filling stations, encourage attendees to use reusable or recyclable cups, souvenir cups. Explain issue with perception of purity, oil extraction to produce: Approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil—enough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year—are used to make plastic water bottles, while transporting these bottles burns even more oil (source: Treehugger.com). Solar power: Implement solar alternatives (panels, generators, stages, etc.) to generate electricity.
Green Event Certification – Going Green
Target: 25% diversion
Events must:• Implement a recycling
program• Use recyclable #1
plastic cups• Pick up litter and
protect storm drains
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Going green events take steps towards reducing environmental impacts and Events will recycle a minimum of 25% of the materials that would otherwise go to landfill. Prior to the event, we’ll send you a PENDING logo for use at the event.
Green Event Certification – Green Event
Target: 50% diversion
Events must:• Meet all Going Green
requirements• Prevent and reduce waste • Use compostable-ware• Compost organics• Educate participants• Provide staffing
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Green events are ready to take the next steps towards reducing their environmental impacts. Green Events should expect to recycle and compost a minimum of 50% of materials generated at the event. In addition, green events must meet all of the following requirements: Meet all Going Green steps Prevent & reduce waste thru sustainable purchasing. There are many ways to accomplish this with a little planning and communication. Suggested ideas include: reusable for décor, borrow materials, print brochures/guides on 30% min. post-consumer recycled content paper with soy based inks Limit give-aways and materials in goody bags, etc., See Best Greening Practices online for more ideas Compostable serve ware – ban Expanded PS #6: make this a vendor requirement for all food service needs. Exceptions include recyclable items (aluminum foil for wrapping sandwiches, plastic beverage cups). Compost organics – implement a compostable collection program OR have waste sorted to recover food scraps, compostable-ware and food-soiled paper. Event must make arrangements to have materials processed at a COMMERCIAL COMPOSTING FACILITY. Educate participants – develop and execute a campaign prior to and during the event to ensure that all are aware of greening efforts. SEE BEST PRACTICES. Provide staffing – provide sufficient volunteer and/or paid staff to implement and manage the waste reduction, recycling, composting, sorting, and education activities for the event.
• Offset event impacts• Engage attendees and vendors• Prohibit sales of single use
plastic water bottles• Solar power generation• Or other innovative ideas
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A Zero Waste event consistently demonstrates a commitment to reducing its environmental impact to zero, or as close as practically possible. Zero waste events should expect to recycle and compost more than 75% of the materials discarded. These events must meet all all Going Green and Green Event Requirements and at least 2 of the following criteria: Non-recyclable/non-compostable materials. Implement and enforce vendor contract language banning all non-recyclable/non-compostable matierals, including vendor give-away items. Cooking oil/charcoal. Provide collection and recycling for all food vendors. Implement and enforce vendor contract language requiring all vendors that generate waste cooking oil and/or charcoal to recycle materials correctly. IMPORTANT: THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN DUMPSTERS. Offset impacts. Calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of the event and purchase (or find a sponsor to purchase) carbon offsets from a certified carbon offset broker (e.g. tree plantings/solar investment to offset transit, energy consumption, etc.) Engage attendees/vendors. Provide an interactive actity to raise awareness and help attendees bring your green message home. Examples: hybrid vehicle/electric bike demonstrations, CFL giveaways, take-back program for cell phones, home composting demonstrations. Single use water bottles. Alternatives include water filling stations, encourage attendees to use reusable or recyclable cups, souvenir cups. Explain issue with perception of purity, oil extraction to produce: Approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil—enough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year—are used to make plastic water bottles, while transporting these bottles burns even more oil (source: Treehugger.com). Solar power: Implement solar alternatives (panels, generators, stages, etc.) to generate electricity.
Celebrate Cambrian Backesto Flea Market Music in the ParkVia Velo/Amgen Tour Children Moon Festival Berryessa Art and WineCommunity Resource Fair Dancin' on the Avenue
Christmas in July Thai Festival
San José Jazz Festival San José Pride Festival
Italian Family Festa Livestrong Challenge
Almaden Art and Wine
San Pedro Square Farmers Market
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60 tons of waste diverted from landfill, overall 80% diversion! 19 events total
Green Event GrantsCriteria
• Events on public property with over 1,000 daily attendees and open to the public
• Funding for expenses related to event greening• Requirements
Meet policy and reporting requirementsAssign or hire an on-site materials managerApply for green event certificationImplement product compliance policy for vendorsEnvironmental education before and during eventSend trash and compostables to a processing facility
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Now that the ZWEV program has expanded to include more events rather than just the five largest events, we’ve created a $80,000 grant program to help those interested in greening their events. Grant funding offsets costs for waste reduction, recycling and composting, including: onsite materials manager staff to collect and sort recyclables and compostables staff to set up and tear down eco-stations coupons for vendor purchases of compostable utensils hauler debris boxes for recyclables and/or compostable materials cost of oil and grease collection See us for more details.
Eco-Station Loans
• Borrow & return• Event assumes
responsibility for setup, cleaning, and damage/loss
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The Eco-Station Loan program was created by the Zero Waste Event Team to encourage a consistent recycling, compost, and trash collection system and to increase access to recycling and compost collection at events held in the City of San José. The eco-stations are available for borrow and return for events held in San José and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Events are responsible for the transportation of the stations to/from the event and a City storage area and for the cleaning of stations at the end of the event.
Eco-Station Signage
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Rely on images more than text to convey your message. Try to use images or examples that relate to the products at your event. Color coordination helps…blue for recycling, green for compost, black for trash. Set up eco-stations in the same order for consistency.
Recycling Services
• San José Conservation Corps service• Staffed and unstaffed services• Criteria
– 1,000 average daily attendees – Public street, facility, park– 30 day minimum notice
Free to Qualifying Events
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Services are free under City arrangement (through June 30, 2011) Staffed vs. unstaffed will be determined on a case-by-case basis Many events are scheduled concurrently and the service is first come-first serve. We make our best effort to accommodate each event.
Promote Food Vendor Education
• Send letters to vendors six to nine months in advance
• Hold meetings to explain program prior to each event
• Assist events with product compliance policies
• Write policies into contracts• Compostable utensils provided
to vendors free for grant recipients (up to $100/vendor)
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Talk with your County Environmental Health Dept. regarding trainings/requirements for food vendors. There may be opportunities to partner.
Program Resources
Website
Workshops
Technical Assistance
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Event Product Requirements and Policies Green Event Grants Green Event Certification Event Material Diversion Report Compostable Product Information Local Resource Guide Eco-station Loans
• Timeline and stakeholder checklists
• Material management planning & collection
• Site planning
• Sustainable product choices
• Vendor communication
• Certification and grant assistance
Technical Assistance
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To summarize: the timeline for greening must start before the event and be considered throughout all planning stages Goal: Prevent and reduce contamination After you have taken the steps to: Find out what materials can be recycled and/or composted at your location, and who can collect and remove materials from the event, AND Decide on containers and how to communicate what goes where. Create a material management plan and share it with the team so all the information lives in one place. Before (and after) the event, request from service providers the number of pounds (or tons) of each of the materials recycled and composted as well as the amount of waste disposed in the landfill. To calculate the percentage diverted: Total Recycled & Composted + Total Landfilled = Total Generation % diverted = Total Recycled & Composted/Total Generation Use recycling and disposal quantities as a benchmark for subsequent events. AND REMEMBER • Share waste prevention and recycling successes with the public by issuing press releases. • Post recycling successes on the event website. Event organizers and sponsors have the greatest influence on the extent and success of any recycling or waste prevention program. However, many contacts have a role in reducing and recycling the numerous resources generated at events. REMEMBER, check with your local municipality first to see what resources are available. This materials management section is typically part of a day-long workshop in which we get into technical details about recycling and composting. I encourage you to check our website for details about upcoming workshops.
Best Practices
• Establish greening policies and practices for organization and event
• Set goals & communicate to attendees & stakeholders
• Locate containers & signage for optimal participation
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Find out what materials can be recycled and/or composted at your location, and who can collect and remove materials from the event. Make arrangements for services, and create a document with the information (like BEO, program guide or event specs). Decide on containers and how to communicate what goes where. If state has a bottle bill or redemption program, nonprofit groups may be interested in collecting recycling as a fund raiser for their organization.
The Opportunity
Zero waste events can divert 75%-97% of materials from landfill.
Three-pronged approach to success:• Pre-event planning & outreach • Onsite collection• Post-event processing and composting
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These are San Jose’s results based on our model and the energy and enthusiasm of the event planners. Typically, food scraps make up approximately 20% of event materials. Paper & food soiled paper products make up another 30 – 40% of event materials. When paired with recycling, collecting compost can lead to 80% to 98% diversion of materials from landfill. Although our program is unique vis a vis the local resources available, many components are adaptable.
