A Guide to Reduce Waste at Community Events
Event Waste Collection with Milpitas Sanitation
Milpitas Sanitation has an exclusive franchise with the City of Milpitas and must be used for all hauling services. Work with Milpitas Sanitation:
- Evaluate the waste collection needs of your event. Make note of the number of expected attendees, number and type of vendors, and geographic area of the event.
- Contact Milpitas Sanitation. A helpful representative will review your event data and make recommendations.
Encourage Less Waste at Your Event!
Digital Communication
Communicate information electronically.
Utilize products that can be reused, or are made from recycled content that can be recycled again or are compostable paper products.
Vendor Packets
Include information about available Recyclables and Food Waste collection in vendor packets. State that proper sorting is encouraged.
Reusable Packaging
Make use of reusable transport packaging. Instead of bringing supplies in cardboard boxes that will need to be recycled, invest in durable/reusable crates.
Eco-Friendly Vendor Practices
Obligate vendors to participate in waste reduction activities as past of vendor contact. Encourage the distribution of reusable cups, bottles, plates, utensils and shopping bags.Discourage single-use plastic bags, styrofoam or any other non-recyclable and/or non-compostable items.
Encourage food vendors to
• Serve fare that does not require plates, utensils or straws. If needed, make sure the service items are compostable/reusable.
• Provide condiments (sugar, salt, ketchup, mustard, etc.) in large/bulk dispensers instead of single-serving disposable packaging.
Event Day Tips
Waste Stations
Cluster collection bins in “stations.” Make sure a Recyclables container always accompanies a Garbage container. In food service areas, add a Food Scraps container to each station.
Strategic Placement
Place collection stations in high-traffic areas: near restrooms, food stands, entrances, and exits.
Consistent Containers
Place collection containers in the same order and use consistent signage.
Monitor Containers
Monitor containers throughout the day, sort contents and empty as needed to reduce contamination.
Sort and Dispose of Your Waste Materials Correctly
Provide clearly marked collection containers for Garbage, Recyclables (bottles and cans) and Food Scraps (food waste and food soiled paper). Have signage to indicate what items belong in each container.