Plastic-Free EVENTS

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC AT EVENTS

Events such as festivals and markets are very popular but they often generate lots of single use waste given their temporary pop-up nature and they usually revolve around food and drinks being sold.  As attendees are usually unprepared with their own re-usables, they have to rely on single use items to enjoy the food and beverages on offer.

Hence it is up to event organisers to put in place a framework of principles and practices and often infrastructure in an attempt to avoid the use of single use plastic and to reduce the amount of waste produced overall as a result of the event.  Event organisers can control what comes on-site and what is permitted within the festival or market eco-system to a large extent, positively influencing the attitudes and behaviours of their attendees and vendors.

The public is becoming much more aware of the issue of unnecessary waste and supportive of measures taken to reduce waste produced, even if it means asking them as attendees to be prepared to bring their own bags, cups or to pay a deposit for a reusable and returnable cup

PLASTIC FREE EVENT PRINCIPLES

Clearly Identify single-use plastic items

 that should be avoided or replaced and outline recommended alternative products. These should either be reusable or 100% compostable (compliant with Australian composting standards – have a look at the symbols on page XX)

MONITOR AND EVALUATE WITH DATA

Monitor and evaluate the impact of plastic-free events through efficient data collection to measure performance and practices at events.

Promote any applicable council policies

 to other events and encourage their adoption by including council requirements for events on council land and for council-funded events to be plastic free.

Manage the collection

 of discarded materials through a three-bin system (recycle, organics, waste). Where these services do not exist, use a two-bin system (recycle and waste). Container refund schemes (if available) provide an incentive for a separate drink container collection.

ENSURE SITE IS LITTER FREE

Enhance the reputation of the event by ensuring the site is free from litter.

MANAGE DIFFERENT WASTE STREAMS

Ensure all waste streams are serviced appropriately. Investigate commercial composting, container refund collection and re-use service opportunities.

commitment to inform and educate

stakeholders and the public about your plastic-free event. Identify clear expectations of all stakeholders (from suppliers, staff, volunteers, attendees) to avoid the use of single-use plastic items at your events

Minimise contamination

and reduce waste collection costs by keeping disposal options together and providing clear signage that addresses and advises on avoiding items being put in the wrong bin. Where possible, arrange volunteers to monitor bins and provide assistance and guidance to event patrons.

Clearly Identify single-use plastic items

 that should be avoided or replaced and outline recommended alternative products. These should either be reusable or 100% compostable (compliant with Australian composting standards 

Bye Bye Plastic is presented by Better Business Partnership a joint council service funded by Ku-ring-gai Council, North Sydney Council and Willoughby City Council. This project is also supported the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.