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Thinking about Spring, Special Events, and Composting

April 2, 2013

It's that time of year again—time to consider implementing composting at your special event.

Why special event composting?

Virtually all communities—from small towns to large cities—have special events. Whether a block party or music festival, events offer a perfect opportunity for hands-on education about composting. Special events present a microcosm of our society. People gather, they do activities together, and they generate waste.As much as half (or more) of the special event waste stream is compostable.

Composting can be successful at virtually any type of special event. Events frequently offer recycling, a very laudable undertaking. However, taking that next step—to implement collection of compostables—often seems daunting.

Admittedly, the tasks to implementing successful event composting are often unfamiliar and can be challenging—finding a hauler, convincing vendors to only use compostable service ware, and securing more volunteers. Composting at special events doesn't usually happen without extremely dedicated organizers or outside "intervention" from solid waste experts…and, often both!

Getting started

Pre-event preparation is best handled by a coordinator or committee who can work directly with the event manager. Ideally, particularly for large events, a pilot composting project will be undertaken at the event, before scaling it up to the entire operation. The pilot should include a vendor survey and outreach to vendors about event composting and the use of compostable service ware. An event food waste management plan, including estimated volumes of compostable materials, can be put together based on vendor survey results and the pilot. The plan can then be used to guide future composting.

The following tasks should be undertaken at the start of the event planning season:

  • Find a hauler/processor for compostable materials,
  • Determine a policy on vendor use of compostable service ware, and
  • Integrate the compost collection with recycling and solid waste.

Finding a hauler and composter

Consult the event's recycling hauler and other haulers in the area. Talk with solid waste officials. Smaller towns may find a farmer willing to accept materials. Depending on the size of the event, materials might be self-hauled using a pickup truck or trailer.

Larger events will want to consider issuing a bid or request for proposals for a package of service provisions (waste, recycling, and composting).

Hauler/Composter Questions

  • Verify materials accepted
    • Paper, compostable plastics, liquids?
  • Does the hauler provide collection containers? What type? How many?
  • Are materials in compostable bags acceptable?
  • Is a contract required?
  • What are the fees? Will the hauler & composter consider sponsor exchange?
  • How will materials be collected (dumpster? truck?)
  • What is the percent contamination allowed?

Vendor communication - early & often

The most effective special event composting occurs when vendors are required to only use ASTM/BPI compostable service ware and the event prohibits the use of non-compostable/non-recyclable service ware.

Talking with vendors and phasing in this policy will gain their support. Make it optional the first year or offer a discount for those vendors that only use compostable service ware.

Clearly outline acceptable service ware in the vendor contract and in all outreach. Be sure to inform health inspectors about the compost collection.

Other vendor tips:

  • Suggest "no waste" food service options (e.g., finger foods) and the use of bulk condiment dispensers.
  • Provide vendors with food scrap collection buckets and convenient collection.
  • And, promote "green vendors" through booth signage and other recognition.

Green stations

Convenient and visible "green stations"—compost, recycling, and trash—need to be placed in food vendor and other high traffic areas. Collection containers can be anything from wheeled carts to regular trash receptacles or five gallon buckets. Collection works best when the containers are easily distinguished from recycling and trash containers—either a different shape or color.

Place big, bright, easy-to-read signage overhead or at eye level on each station, with containers labeled on the top and sides. Simple and consistent signage is most effective—"Food Waste, Plates, Cups." Attach sample compostable service ware to signage and containers for added visual effect.

Eliminating "free-standing" trash cans not associated with the green stations will encourage recycling and composting.

The collection system

Collection ease relies on setting-up a parallel system to event recycling and trash collection. Equal visibility and support must be given to composting as is given to recycling and solid waste management.

Collection containers tend to fill up quickly due to the bulkiness of service ware. Depending on the volume generated, attendee traffic, and the event footprint, a wheeled cart or motorized golf cart, will be needed for moving collected materials to a consolidation point.

The location of the collection dumpster or truck (the "service area") must be pre-arranged with the hauler and accessible for easy dumping of materials. Some events will find it helpful to establish staging areas for temporary storage of full bags or carts until these can be emptied at the service area. These can be located behind vendor booths, trees, portable toilets, or other out-of-the way location(s).Have an easily accessible area for storing compostable bags and volunteer supplies, including litter pick-up sticks, disposable gloves, and sanitizing solution.

Next up – The Compost Team and Special Event Composting in Action.

NERC's Guidance for Special Event Food Waste Diversionis a practical and detailed resource for developing and implementing organics diversion programs. The guidance document includes several case studies, sample contracts, signage, a food waste management plan template, volunteer training tips, a sample food waste vendor survey and introductory letter, and more.

For additional information contact Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager.

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