• Event Type: Small community event
• Description: Unticketed outdoor one-day community event
• Size: 2,000 visitors
• Location: Chamberlain Park Golf Course, Mt Albert
• Waste Separation: Recyclables, compostables, and rubbish
• Performance: Approximately 65% of event waste was either recycled or composted
  and therefore diverted from landfill.

How we did:

1 Reduce incoming waste

We asked vendors to sell food in compostable packaging only, and they all agreed to do this.

2 Choose the right bin

It was difficult to predict just how much waste, and what types, there would be – so the we ensured there was extra space, just in case.

3 Let people know

Volunteers monitored each waste stations. Vendors and event visitors were happy to do as required based on the information provided to them.

4 Capture feedback

In the first year the event recycled or composted about two thirds of the event waste. We will continue to adopt a zero waste approach for the event next year and aim for increased diversion.

Key Messages:

• Our main message is that recycling waste at events is easy!
• Both attendees and vendors were really keen to help as long as there was clear information about what to do.
• Allowing for plenty of bins and space for the collected material made sure everything was kept under control.

Key Learnings:

• Smaller community events are often held on a very tight budget
• Make sure you have the right number of community volunteers
• Weather can make numbers at outdoor events unpredictable
• Harder to communicate in advance with visitors without ticketing
• Lots of different groups can be involved, needing coordination