Tips for reducing waste at your event

Figure out what sort of waste will be produced at your event, and how to avoid sending it to landfill.

It takes time and careful planning to reduce waste at your event. Here are some recommendations to ensure your event is as waste free as possible:

  • Start early, make a plan
  • Identify the types of waste you will produce at your event
  • Consider how you could eliminate these waste streams by using reusable options instead (or compostable or recyclable as a next best option)
  • Communicate with vendors regarding your zero waste expectations
  • Make a site plan which includes your waste management set-up
  • Ensure you have the people power you need to achieve your waste minimisation goals
  • Share your waste minimisation goals & achievements (e.g. on social media)
  • Collect data around how the day went and ensure any lessons are incorporated into the plan for next year (if relevant)

For a more comprehensive guide to reducing waste at your event: Reducing waste at your event (1.8MB PDF)

These organisations can help with your event waste management: 

  • Nonstop Solutions
  • Composting Solutions | Organicwealth | Wellington
  • Precycle NZ - Waste Minimisation Consultants 

Packaging

Reusables are the preferred option for containers. If this is not possible, then the next best option is to use compostable packaging. For detailed information on how to minimise waste from food packaging, refer to the event packaging guidelines (1.1MB PDF).

If your event is small (e.g. up to 100 people), you could consider borrowing the Wash Against Waste Kit from the Newtown Community Centre. 

For larger events, you could consider employing FillGood and using their comprehensive re-use system. 

Another option is to invite attendees to bring their own water bottles, food & drink containers and ensure there are water refill and wash stations available.   

Avoid using recyclable food containers as they need to be clean to be recycled. If recycling is very dirty, it is considered contaminated and must be landfilled. Sell drinks in containers that can be recycled (cans, glass, plastics 1,2 and 5).

For some packaging there is little to no recycling or composting options. Some examples include:

  • Tin foil
  • Plastics number 3, 4, 6, and 7
  • Compostable packaging that is not BioGro certified
  • Dyed or bleached napkins
  • Greaseproof paper 

For official advice on reusables, refer to the information sheet on the Reuse Aotearoa website (1.5MB PDF).

Rubbish and recycling bins

Research shows people will only walk a short distance to throw things away. Make sure your bin stations are only about 20 metres apart, so people don’t have to walk far to use them. 

We have wheelie bins with coloured hoods for organics, mixed recycling, glass recycling and rubbish you can borrow for free to use at events held in Wellington City. Learn more about free bins for events.

Compost

Capital Compost accepts food scraps and the following products if they are BioGro certified:

  • Unbleached paper products, such as bowls, plates, napkins or paper bags
  • Wooden or bamboo cutlery
  • Some sugarcane, bagasse, and bamboo products

Only authorised collectors can take items to Capital Compost. They are:

  • Organic Waste Management
  • Kai to Compost (EnviroNZ)

Bioplastics, which are a clear hard plastic polylactide (PLA), are not accepted.

Talking with vendors

Making vendors aware of your expectations is crucial to achieving your waste diversion target. Use the following example letter to help you write to vendors and stall holders prior to your event. As this is only a template, please cater to your individual event.

Example letter to vendor (24KB DOCX)

Contact us

We can help educate your team on the actions you can take to minimise waste at your event. Email us on waste.education@wcc.govt.nz