How to make events more sustainable: A guide to zero-waste gatherings
From food festivals to corporate conferences, events of all sizes often generate a significant environmental footprint. Single-use plastics, food waste, and poor recycling habits can turn a successful gathering into an ecological burden. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With thoughtful planning and expert waste management, any event can become more sustainable. even zero-waste.
At Cawleys, we’ve been helping event organisers across the UK reduce waste and increase recycling for over 75 years. Whether you’re hosting a local fundraiser or a multi-day festival, here’s your complete guide to planning a zero-waste event.
Why Sustainable Events Matter
Traditional events can leave behind tonnes of waste - much of it destined for landfill. Consider this:
The average UK festival generates 23,500 tonnes of waste annually, much of which isn’t recycled
Disposable cups, plates, banners and promotional material often end up as litter or contamination
The good news? Sustainable event planning is not only achievable but also offers key benefits:
Reduced environmental impact and lower carbon footprint
Cost savings on waste disposal and materials
Enhanced reputation and appeal to eco-conscious attendees and sponsors
By adopting a zero-waste approach, you show leadership on climate action and contribute to a circular economy,
Steps to Plan a Zero-Waste Event
1. Choose a Sustainable Value
Start by selecting a venue with built-in sustainability measures:
Recycling and composting stations
Energy-efficient lighting
Water refill stations
Accessibility to public transport
Where possible, choose local or outdoor spaces to reduce travel emissions.
2. Work with Green Vendors
Partner with suppliers who prioritise sustainability. Ask:
Do they use recyclable or compostable packaging?
Can they offer reusable serving items?
What’s their policy on food waste or unused inventory?
Build these expectations into vendor contracts for accountability.
3. Go Paperless Where Possible
Use digital invitations and ticketing platforms
Replace paper brochures with QR codes linking to online programmes
If printing is essential, use recycled paper and vegetable-based inks
4. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are a major culprit at events. Instead:
Provide reusable or compostable cutlery, cups and plates
Offer waste refill stations to eliminate plastic bottles
Ban plastic straws, bags and balloons
5. Set Up Waste Segregation Stations
Proper waste disposal is critical to any zero-waste event. Here’s how:
Use clearly labelled bins for recycling, compost and general waste
Include images to help guests sort items correctly
Place staff or volunteers nearby to assist and avoid contamination
Need help? Cawleys offers event bin hire with expert guidance on best practices for segregation and signage.
6. Plan Eco-Friendly Transport
Encourage attendees to reduce their travel emissions:
Promote public transport routes on your website
Offer bike parking or cycle incentives
Use electric or hybrid vehicles for staff and equipment transport
Provide a lift-sharing hub or group travel app
7. Minimise Décor Waste
It’s tempting to go all-out with event décor, but many materials are wasteful. Try:
Renting or reusing décor items
Using natural or compostable decorations
Avoiding glitter, synthetic confetti and plastic bunting
Opting for LED lights and battery-free tech where possible
Post-Event Waste Audit: Measure What Matters
Once the event wraps up, don’t forget the follow through:
Conduct a waste audit to understand how much was recycled, composted or sent to landfill
Share your success metrics with attendees and stakeholders
Use learning to improve future events
Cawleys can help you assess waste streams and generate custom reports, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
Real Impact with Cawleys
From one-day conferences to multi-day festivals, we’ve helped countless clients take control of their event waste. Our tailored services include:
Pre-event waste consultations
On-site waste sorting solutions
Clear signage and bin hire
Food waste collections
Hazardous waste handling (for larger or specialist events)
Plan Your Next Sustainable Event With Cawleys
Ready to make your event greener and cleaner? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to book a free event waste consultation or learn more about our event waste management services.
Together, let’s create memorable events - without the mess!