Simplicity is key when setting up recycling programs at special events.
This was the primary message from presenters during a session titled “Specializing in Special Events Recycling.” The session was part of the Growing Supply Track at the National Recycling Coalition Annual Congress, Austin.
Leslie Lukacs of SCS Engineers, Long Beach, Calif., said her firm helped to design recycling collections at various sporting events at the Rose Bowl and Candlestick Park. In each case, planning began with a waste assessment, the establishment of a task force and an examination of earlier waste records.
Among the challenges SCS faced at the events organized at the Rose Bowl were successfully involving all key decision makers, low diversion of cardboard and the interference of scavengers, Lukacs said. However, bottles and cans were successfully diverted and the events provided an opportunity for recycling education and outreach.
Lukacs added that it’s not necessary to purchase new bins specifically for recycling, but that re-designating existing bins is an option. SCS did so with Candlestick Park’s 66 three-yard bins during two pre-season games. However, problems arose at the second event when the bins were returned to locations that differed from the first event, she said. To remedy this, SCS designated specific areas for the placement of bins.
At the Candlestick Park events, the diversion rates numbered 40 percent for the first pre-season game and 30 percent for the second pre-season game. Lukacs attributed the decrease to the change in bin placement, the level of suite participation, food waste issues, security confiscations and plastic contaminants from the stands. Remedies proposed include providing each suite with its own recycling bins, providing bins at the security gates for confiscated beverages and further educating the staff as to the acceptable materials, writing up those who do not encourage recycling or participate in the program, Luckacs said.
Michael Davis and Pat Kaufman of Seattle Public Utilities Community Services Division set out three goals for their special events recycling program: diverting recyclables from landfill, increasing the public’s awareness of recycling and creating a stand-alone program.
Davis said that he wanted to use what was proven to work rather than “re-invent the wheel.” Portability was key, as was clear signage and the placement of trashcans alongside recycling bins to prevent contamination.
Informing the key participants also was important, Davis said. This included confirming logistics with service providers and faxing them a copy of the action plan for the event.
Input from the event organizers was taken into consideration when evaluating the program, as were observational surveys conducted throughout the event.
Davis said that the program cost $40,000, which included the purchase of new bins and sheds to house the bins. Twenty-three tons of material was diverted in a single-stream collection and their recycling education and outreach program reached 1.5 million people through 12 events throughout Seattle.