How to host eco-friendly waste wise events

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Hosting an eco-friendly, waste wise event is easier than you think!

With a few smart choices, you can minimise waste, reduce costs, and create a sustainable event.

Wash against waste trailer

The Wash Against Waste is designed to support food vendors at outdoor events. The trailer is fully equipped with reusable cups, plates, cutlery and a commercial dishwasher. The trailer is operated and staffed by social enterprise B Alternative and can cater for up to 2,000 people – perfect for Peninsula’s many markets, school fetes and events!

B-Alternative will work with your food and drink vendors so they understand the system and can request the crockery and drinkware they need before the event. On event day, B Alternative will take care of the dishes and replenish the vendors’ crockery throughout the day.

The trailer is an easy solution that helps your event run smoothly, prevents overflowing bins, and leaves you free to focus on delivering a great experience for your attendees.

Through our Community Investment Funding program, we are providing financial support for the hire of the trailer.

Get your free quote today

How to plan an eco-friendly event, step by step

Before the event

Set waste goals! You could aim to host a plastic-free event, or reduce your waste disposal cost by 20 per cent.Good goals will help you plan and make collaboration with stakeholders smoother.
Consider if the Wash Against Waste trailer is suitable for your event. Reach out to B-Alternative for a quote.
Strategic bin planning. Place recycling and landfill bins together near food areas and exits to make it easy for your guests to use the right bin. Make your stations stand out by borrowing our Bin it Right kit.
Collect 10c bottles and cans – cash in or donate the profits.
Book South East Water’s hydration station. Fresh, free water for your guests. What’s not to love? Hydration Station | South East Water
Inform your vendors early. Ask vendors to avoid single-use plastic items (straws, balloons, bags). Let them know they are responsible for their back-of-house rubbish and should consider unpacking products before arriving to avoid clogging your guest bins. Download an example email to send to send your vendors(DOCX, 16KB).
Showcase your event as a leader in sustainability. Proudly promote your waste-wise initiatives and encourage guests to bring reusable cups, bottles, and bags. Download an example social post(DOCX, 14KB).

During the event

Engage a team of volunteers to guide guests at bin stations and help collect Wash Against Waste reusable dishes. Reach out to local sports clubs or scout groups – they are often happy to help at community events in exchange for collecting the 10-cent containers to raise funds for their group, or email waste@mornpen.vic.gov.au for assistance.
Support vendors. Check in with stalls during the event, to make sure they’re following waste guidelines and sorting their own waste.

After the event

Evaluate. Track recycling, landfill and 10c container volumes. Ask your waste service provider to give you a report that you can use for continual improvement.
Acknowledge efforts and share results. Thank vendors, staff and volunteers for supporting the waste wise approach and share the results of your collective efforts.
Reflect. Identify successes and areas for improvement for your next event.

Borrow a Bin it Right kit

Make your waste stations easy to spot! Borrow our bright flags and bin covers. With clear signage your event goers will know exactly where to put their waste. The best part? The kit is free to borrow!