Venues and Events

Activities at venues and events can generate a lot of waste in a short amount of time. The law requires the largest venue facilities and events in each city and county to plan for solid waste reduction and, upon request, report information regarding their waste reduction efforts to their local jurisdiction.

Local Jurisdictions

The venues and events waste reduction law (Public Resources Code 42648) mandates that local jurisdictions report to CalRecycle on a certain percentage of the venues and events that operate within their jurisdictional boundaries.

  • Model Venue/Event Waste Division/Recycling Data Sheet
    Jurisdictions may provide this data sheet to owners/operators of venues and events to assist them in providing data regarding their waste diversion programs. This data must be included in a jurisdiction’s annual report to CalRecycle.
  • Model Letter From a Local Jurisdiction to a Venue or Event
    This sample letter may be customized and used by local jurisdictions to alert owners/operators of venues and events to the mandates and inform them of their reporting obligations. The letter is intended to accompany the Model Venue/Event Waste Division/Recycling Data Sheet. 
  • Pre-Assessment Questionnaire
    If you will be assisting a venue or event with a waste assessment, you may find it useful to provide this questionnaire to the venue or event operator to complete to the best of their ability prior to your on-site assessment. Providing it to the operator in advance of your visit allows them the time they may need to compile the information. Having this completed questionnaire in hand when you arrive on site will save time for both you and the venue or event owner/operator. 

Owners/Operators

Do you own, manage, or oversee waste management at a venue facility, such as a stadium, convention center, or amusement park? Are you the promoter or manager of an event such as a food festival or cultural celebration? If so, have you ever considered the impact of the waste generated at your venue or event and the associated costs?

  • State law mandates large venues and large events, as defined in Public Resources Code Sections 42648 (b) and (c), to plan and implement waste reduction programs.
  • Also included are requirements for specified venues and events to report waste diversion information to the local jurisdiction in which they are located.
  • Venues and events that visibly act to reduce waste can motivate patrons and other businesses to do the same.

Planning and Implementation. Tools and tips help you select programs and develop and implement a waste diversion plan. A step-by-step guide is available to lead you through the process.

Related Links

For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov