Major Events Recycling

Introduction

As part of their Public Awareness activities, SWSA and the Packaging Stewardship Forum of the AFGC (formerly BIEC) have been involved in Major Events Recycling in southern Tasmania for a number of years.

The following information has been compiled by SWSA for use by Event Organisers, and is based on current research findings and practices.

Why Major Events Recycling?

According to a research report for EcoRecycle Victoria (ERV), conducted by the Wallis Group, it has been shown that:

• 87% of people support the introduction of recycling at public events;
• 67% of people stated that they would definitely use recycling bins all the time if they were introduced to public events;
• 87% of people are prepared to pay a $1.00 or 5% surcharge on a $20 ticket to support the introduction of recycling;
• 95% of people believe that caterers should be encouraged to use environmentally friendly packaging;
• 90% of bin users read the signs prior to using the bins;
• Of those people observed using the bins, almost 79% recycle effectively;

The degree of support indicated above, is similar to that enjoyed in southern Tasmania for kerbside recycling - the public wants recycling to be a part of Major Events.

Quick Help Guide

• Give yourself adequate time to plan your waste management - review the hints on this site and talk to your waste contractor.
• Public awareness advertising in your event program and announcements on the day are recommended to assist in proper use of the facilities.
• Research suggests that 12 metre spacing between bins is appropriate for festivals, but more bins may be necessary in high use eating areas. It is also recommended that recycling bins be sited alongside a garbage bin to ensure reduced chances of contamination and optimum recyclable recovery rates. Talk to experienced Clean Team members and your waste contractor.
• Heavy duty bin liners are recommended to assist in servicing bins - we suggest clear for recycling and black for garbage.
• Establish separate areas to store garbage and recyclables, to avoid accidental mixing after collecting.
• Additional collection facilities are suggested for stall holders - they will usually have considerable cardboard waste that may be recoverable.

See the following additional information on this site:

• Guidelines for Event Organisers
• Guidelines for Contractors
• Guidelines for Clean Teams
• Guidelines for Stall Holders
• Suppliers of Environmentally Friendly Packaging Material

Further to this information, a new manual jointly developed by Tasmania's South Regional Tourism Association, Northern Tasmania Development, Cradle Coast Authority and Events Tasmania, titled 'The Tasmanian Event Management Guide' has recently been released and offers a practical guide to event management, covering the design, governance, marketing and production of festivals and community events.

The Guide will assist event managers and committees who wish to develop and/or refresh their event management plans.

The Guide contains templates, checklists and references that will assist in creating customised event management plans.

To obtain a copy of this manual either visit your local Council or contact Mr Iain Lang on (03) 6230 8108