Zero Waste SA guidelines for managing waste at events and venues

FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
25
Where can I get bin signage from?
Suggested bin signage is available for download
and use from the Zero Waste SA website:
www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au. Make your own signs to suit
your unique situation using the images on the website
or make up your own. Always use the standard colour
configurations and standard terms for waste streams to
help staff, patrons, vendors and contractors identify bins
for source separation.
Where can I get bins from?
Use bins that you already have by simply adding the
relevant signage for each waste stream. Or you could hire
or purchase new or used bins from a number of sources:
‘waste reduction and disposal services’ in the Yellow
Pages, search ‘waste management’ on the internet.
Does Zero Waste SA have preferred suppliers?
Any suppliers of food and beverage packaging should
be able to supply biodegradable (compostable) or
recyclable options. See ‘packaging materials’ in the
Yellow Pages, or do a web search for ‘biodegradable
packaging suppliers’.
How much detail do I need to include
in my WMP?
A WMP can be as simple or as detailed as you decide.
Make sure you set yourself SMART (simple, measurable,
achievable, and realistic with a timeframe) goals and
appropriate actions to achieve them. Allocate adequate
resources (including staff or contractors) to carry out
the actions. Review your progress with the waste
management data you have collected.
How accurate does my waste assessment
have to be?
Your waste assessment should be as accurate as
possible but does not need to be perfect. Identify all
potential waste, and record actual or approximate
amounts so that appropriate management and
minimisation measures can be determined.
What are the benefits of minimising waste
to landfill?
Minimising waste to landfill conserves resources,
reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases
environmental awareness by vendors and patrons.
More specifically, waste minimisation creates a very
positive ‘green’ marketing tool for event organisers
or venue management and could set you apart from
your peers and competitors. The initial financial
outlay to implement changes may be costly but for
a regular event or permanent venue, costs should
reduce over time as you incorporate the waste
hierarchy into your operations.
How much will it cost?
The cost of waste minimisation measures will depend
on the goals you set yourself. A bin system with waste
separation options, for example, can be expensive,
but separation of waste at source is the best way to
ensure waste is ultimately diverted from landfill and
you achieve your waste management goals.
How important is it to use contract clauses for
waste management?
Even with a good working relationship with your clients
or contractors, formalised waste minimisation measures
and goals will help reduce errors or misunderstandings.
The examples in Attachment G (p37) can help formulate
appropriate agreements cooperatively with your client
or contractor, or prepare a proposed contract or tender
document separately for approval by your client or
contractor.
Do I need to use the same waste contractor I
have always used?
This is entirely your decision. Discuss your proposed
approach to waste minimisation, your goals and how
they could be achieved with your current contractor.
If you are not satisfied with their solutions, proposals
or costing, request some information and quotes from
other service providers.
STEP