Embracing Sustainability: A Guide to the Waste and Resource Recovery Hierarchy for Events

Sustainability is not just a trend; it's a responsibility. In the world of events, waste management plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact. This guide explores the waste and resource recovery hierarchy, focusing on the essential steps of avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle.

1. Avoid

Avoiding waste is the first and most effective step in the hierarchy. Here's how you can implement this principle:

• Avoid Single-Use Items:

  Work with vendors to avoid disposable or single-use items, such as plastic cups, straws, and cutlery. Consider the local regulations, such as the Queensland single-use plastic items ban.

• Choose Minimal or Recyclable Packaging

  Opt for products with minimal packaging or those that can be recycled.

• Set Up Washing Stations

  Provide reusable cutlery and crockery, and set up washing stations. Engage volunteers to assist with washing and ensure patrons understand the process.

2. Reduce

Reducing waste not only minimises environmental impact but can also save money:

• Cater Accurately

  Encourage vendors and patrons to reduce food waste by catering accurately and ordering carefully.

• Avoid Common Rubbish Items

  Avoid items like balloons, plastic name badges and non-recyclable lanyards, single-use water bottles, and disposable coffee cups. Use Terra Tag solutions instead.

3. Reuse

Reusing items can significantly cut down on waste:

• Encourage Reusable Items

  Encourage attendees to bring their reusable shopping bags, water bottles, straws, cutlery, and coffee cups.

• Choose Quality Giveaways

  Opt for good quality, multiple-use giveaways and merchandise.

• Utilise Electronic Media

  Produce maps and programs electronically to reduce paper waste.

4. Recycle

Recycling is vital for managing items that cannot be reused:

• Provide Recycling Bins

  Place recycling bins for plastics, metals, glass, paper, and cardboard.

• Encourage Proper Disposal

  Ensure food waste and liquids are emptied into appropriate bins, and encourage proper rinsing of recyclable containers.

• Choose Recyclable Serveware

  Opt for products made from cardboard or paper that can be recycled.

5. Waste Types and Management

Understanding the waste your event will generate is key to effective management:

• Organics

  Consider composting organic matter like food scraps and coffee grinds.

• Recycling

  Use comingled recycling bins for cardboard, glass, metal, and certain plastics.

• Soft Plastics

  Consider special recycling services for soft plastics.

• General Waste

  Use clearly signed rubbish bins for general waste, including ceramics, soft plastic packaging, and non-recyclable glass.

The waste and resource recovery hierarchy offers a structured approach to sustainable event management. By embracing the principles of avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle, event organisers can make a positive impact on the environment.