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!