Recycling every day, at home, at work and at play, is an easy and rewarding practice. By adopting recycling and waste reduction habits, you can reduce pollution and fight climate change. Help Oakland recycle more by making a habit of recycling paper, cardboard, cans and bottles and batteries, and by eliminating wasteful habits. The Recycling Program oversees garbage and recycling services provided by Waste Management of Alameda County and California Waste Solutions and works to ensure that recycling is widely available.
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Contact us at (510) 238-7283 (SAVE) or email recycling@oaklandnet.com
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Recycling at Large Events
Event Recycling in Oakland
Did you know that organizers of Large Events are required to recycle by state law (Public Resources Code 42648)? Oakland Recycles can help Oakland event organizers comply with these requirements.
Who’s affected?
Large Events are defined as those that:
- Serve an average of more than 2,000 individuals per day; and/or
- Charge admission or are sponsored by a public agency.
If you are the organizer of a Large Event, you are responsible for planning and implementing recycling measures that meet the requirements of the law.
What is Public Agency Sponsorship?
Public agency sponsorship includes direct event funding, operation, or use of public facilities such as parks, streets, or buildings for an event.
How Do I Plan For Recycling At My Large Event?
Recycling at Large Events in Oakland Guide provides Best Practices: A Shortlist for Success to help you with event recycling planning. Here are some Highlights from the Guide.
Assess the Situation
Estimate the types and amounts of materials your event may generate. Consider suppliers, staff, vendors, attendees, and event activities. Identify “who, what, where, when and how” materials are generated, and what is recyclable or compostable.
The CITY OF OAKLAND ART & SOUL ZERO WASTE PLAN is a detailed example you may use for planning your own zero waste event.
Set Goals to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot (4Rs)
Set clear recycling goals. Consider all the materials your event will generate, and identify steps to minimize waste. For example, you may require vendors to:
- provide compostable food service ware
- limit handbill distribution
You also can offer incentives to bring reusable cups or refillable water bottles.
Plan the Logistics
Assign recycling responsibilities to a coordinator, either a staff person or a hired an event recycling planner. If you hire a planner, make sure the planner has experience with event recycling. Be sure to:
- Inform event attendees how to properly dispose of their waste,
- Train and supervise event and contractor staff.
Be sure your haulers understand your goals and are prepared to provide you with weight tickets.
Consider Food Waste
Consider recycling food waste. Although food scraps recycling requires more staff and attention to be successful, the benefits to your event’s image and environmental footprint are significant.
Outreach & Training
Include recycling requirements and waste reduction information in the vendor and sponsor packets sent out prior to the event. Here are some other tips:
- Add recycling and greening information to the event website (example: Art & Soul Go Green), and event publicity.
- Hold brief orientations with Vendors, exhibitors, performers and event staff prior to the event.
- Clearly mark organics, recycling and trash stations with large easy-to-read signs.
Data Collection, Reporting & Evaluating Results
Require your recycling and waste haulers to provide weight tickets for your materials. Make this request well in advance and assign a staff person to follow up.
How Can Oakland Recycles Help?
Oakland Recycles has created easy-to-use recycling and waste reduction planning and reporting forms suitable for both large and small events. Download the Recycling at Large Events in Oakland Guide for these forms and other helpful resources like signs for collection stations. Should you require help in completing the forms or have questions about planning, call the Recycling Hotline (510) 238-SAVE (7283) for assistance.
