Three challenges in event or venue waste management and how to overcome them
We work with events and venues that see thousands of attendees or visitors daily, and with that, comes multiple challenges in waste management and ensuring waste is handled as sustainably as possible.
Here are three of the most common challenges we encounter and how we work together with event and venue managers to overcome them.
Challenge 1: Adjusting for seasonality
The amount and type of waste produced can change based on the time of year. A common example is coffee cups, when the weather is cold we see an increase in the amount of coffee cups being used, while the amount cans and bottles may increase in warmer weather. The type of food packaging and amount of food waste can change as well depending on the season.
The weather can also influence attendee numbers, contamination levels (if the waste bins fill up with rain water) and waste production especially if the event is outdoors.
Solution: Predicting high volume waste changes
To manage seasonality effectively, we work with event and venue organisers to analyse past events to predict periods of high waste production. This could involve adjusting waste collection services during peak times, such as providing additional bins or increasing staff. In addition to that, we have wet weather contingency plans and change our approach on the spot as required.
Working with consistent contractors and suppliers can help improve saved from landfill rates as we can predict and control waste fluctuations better.
Challenge 2: Ensuring compliance with staff and vendors
Even with well-established waste management systems in place, the success of waste reduction efforts relies heavily on staff and vendor cooperation. Cleaning teams, waste disposal contractors, general staff and volunteers, play an important role in ensuring that waste is sorted and managed to ensure that as much waste as possible is saved from landfill.
If staff members fail to consistently follow proper waste management processes that are set in place, recoverable materials may end up in landfills, reducing the event’s overall sustainability efforts.
Solution: Comprehensive training and clear communication
We provide comprehensive training on waste segregation, collection, and disposal methods. We also provide clear communication and updates to the event or venue management team. This includes providing a vendor packaging framework so that food vendors are informed on the most sustainable materials to use at the event.
Regular monitoring and real-time feedback can also be beneficial to ensure that waste sustainability goals are being met throughout the event. In addition to that, we provide full reports post-event to help event organisers improve on their sustainability efforts year-on-year.
Challenge 3: Managing contamination in waste streams
Contamination is a common struggle in waste management and can come in many forms. The most common reason for this is when attendees or visitors dispose of items in the wrong bins either out of ignorance or by accident. Contamination is the biggest reason why recoverable waste is being sent to landfill.
Solution: Holistic waste management strategies
We implement multiple strategies to ensure that as much waste is saved from landfill as possible. In addition to attendee education, providing and labelling the right bins, our key strategy is to hand-sort all waste produced to as many waste streams as possible.
This ensures the lowest level of contamination as our staff are trained to identify the right waste streams and segregate them accordingly. We also work with local solutions for each waste stream where possible, ensuring recovery of the materials in the most practical and sustainable manner possible.
Achieving sustainable waste management
Waste management is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and education. By addressing issues like waste segregation, infrastructure limitations, and public participation, we can build more sustainable and efficient systems for managing waste.
It’s not only about implementing better technologies but also fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness among individuals and organizations. With concerted effort, we can reduce the environmental impact of waste and move toward a more sustainable future.
