How to Run a Low-Waste Event: A Checklist
Events create a huge amount of waste in a very short time, and without a plan most of it, including easily recyclable material, ends up in general waste. Here is a practical checklist for running a cleaner event, whether it is a market, a festival or a one-off function.
Before the event
- Estimate your volumes. Work out roughly how many people are coming and what they will generate. Food events produce a lot of organics and packaging; market days produce cardboard and containers.
- Plan your bin stations. Decide how many stations you need and where they go, based on where the crowd will actually be. Under-provisioning is the number one cause of overflowing bins.
- Pair your bins. Always place recycling and organics bins next to general waste, never on their own. A lone recycling bin gets used as general waste.
- Sort out signage. Clear, simple signage above each bin makes the right choice obvious to a distracted crowd.
- Check requirements. Some councils and venues have their own waste and recycling conditions for events. Confirm these early.
On the day
- Keep stations tidy. Full or messy bins get ignored, and rubbish ends up on the ground. Someone needs to monitor and swap bins as they fill.
- Help people sort. A friendly person at busy stations dramatically cuts contamination, because attendees do not have to guess.
- Have a plan for peaks. Meal times and closing time generate sudden surges. Make sure you have capacity for them.
After the event
- Sort properly. The real recycling result comes from sorting what was collected, rather than tipping it all in together at the end.
- Get the numbers. Ask for a report on how much was recycled and diverted from landfill. This is useful for councils, sponsors and your own records, and it helps you improve next time.
A lone recycling bin with no general waste bin beside it will fill up with general waste every time. Always pair your bins, and always add clear signage.
Make it easy on yourself
Running an event is stressful enough without managing the rubbish. Our event waste service handles the whole thing: we work out the bin stations, set them up with clear signage, keep them tidy through the day if you want, then clear everything away and sort it afterwards. You also get a simple report on what was recycled and kept out of landfill, so you can show the difference your event made.
Planning an event?
We handle the whole waste side, from bins and signage to sorting and a recycling report.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
How many bins do I need for an event?
It depends on crowd size and the type of event, but the most common mistake is under-provisioning. Bin stations should be placed where the crowd actually gathers, and recycling and organics bins should always be paired with general waste bins.
Why do event recycling bins get contaminated?
Because attendees are distracted and in a hurry. A lone recycling bin, or one without clear signage, gets used as general waste. Pairing bins, adding simple signage and having staff help at busy stations all reduce contamination.
Can I get a report on how much my event recycled?
Yes. A good event waste service will sort what was collected and give you a report on how much was recycled and diverted from landfill, which is useful for councils, sponsors and planning future events.