The Guide to Preparing an Event Waste Management Plan shows how Tasmanian events can reduce or avoid creating landfill rubbish and recover more resources for recycling and reuse.

This free guide can be customised to suit any event size or format, with event managers able to copy the plan sections most relevant to their function. It encourages organisers to consider all aspects of their event and to find ways to minimise waste, whether that be from simply asking for RSVPs to minimise over catering and food waste through to establishing an on-site container deposit scheme to reward the return of reusable and recyclable items.

The guide is a result of ongoing collaboration between Waste Strategy South and the Cradle Coast and Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Groups and has been designed as both a practical checklist and a framework for event managers to easily create their own Event Waste Management Plan.

Chair of the Cradle Coast Waste Management Group, Sandra Ayton said that when creating the guide, the three Groups drew upon the extensive experience that their 26 local council members had in hosting public functions.

“There was a lot of direct experience we could tap into ranging from small public meetings to large, multi-day and multi-venue festivals,” said Ms Ayton.

“Every event can integrate zero waste principles into their function plans. The intention of the guide is to prompt event organisers to think in advance about ways to avoid or reduce waste – from promotion through to pack up.”

“Event patrons are increasingly aware of sustainable waste management practices and appreciate steps to separate waste for recycling. Events are starting to take it even further by adopting policies to avoid single use plastics such as straws or embracing compostable packaging.”

“Having a waste management plan in place before the event begins can save event organisers time when it comes to event clean-up and can also save money.”

“Waste disposal can be costly, especially for large events, so finding ways to reduce or avoid waste altogether can assist with the financial viability of an event too,” said Ms Ayton.