1: Check to see if you need a permit
If you’re planning an event on a council owned park, beach, square or road, you may require an event permit. Not sure if you need an event permit? You can find out more on Auckland Council’s website.
You can also apply for event permits online. As part of the application process, you may be required to submit a Waste Management Plan.
2: Contact an advisor
Our advisors provide free support for event organisers including:
- Advice on running a zero waste event
- Suitable amounts of waste stations, signage, education, and volunteers
- Assistance with waste management plans (if required) with planning checklist
- Educating vendors about suitable packaging options and back of house waste systems
- Assist with briefing onsite event staff, bin station monitors and volunteers
- Guidance on measuring event waste diversion
3: Decide on a waste management budget
Beyond the Bin’s ‘Let’s Talk Rubbish: Budgeting for Waste’ video shows you how to calculate what your costs will be and what needs to be factored into your event budget. Note: the figures discussed in this video are an approximation only and may have changed since first published.
4: Contact compostable packaging and waste providers
Looking for compostable packaging and waste suppliers? There are a range of products available through a number of suppliers in Auckland. In general, you’ll want to allow approximately $20 per bin plus delivery and waste disposal costs.
5: Consider loan gear
Auckland Council loans zero waste events gear free of charge including – but not limited to – colour-coded plastic pyramid tops for bins and public bin covers (event organisers are expected to cover public bins during events held in public spaces and direct attendees to use the bins provided by the event organiser).
6: Complete waste management plan
A waste management and minimisation plan is required for trading, events and filming in council-controlled public places. This plan is designed to help you identify your expected waste streams and how to reduce them. This will be approved in ten working days.
7: Apply for our grant
The Zero Waste Events Grant is designed to help you put in place the right infrastructure at your event to make sure all waste is separated, processed correctly, and minimum waste is sent to landfill.
8: Vendor handout & checklist
It’s important to share your event’s zero waste policy with vendors and suppliers as early as possible. That way, they can jump on board too.
9: Promote your event through Auckland Council
List your zero waste event on OurAuckland – a website that promotes events from across the Auckland region that are delivered, sponsored, funded, facilitated or supported by Auckland Council, as well as charity and fundraising events, and free community events.
Looking for zero waste inspiration, and more information? Don’t forget to visit our Resource Library here.
