Waste Reduction Planning and Implementation for Owners/Operators

Steps to Developing a Good Waste Reduction Plan

Developing a waste reduction plan provides an opportunity to redesign processes to create less waste and thereby increase efficiency. It is also a chance to renegotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors to take back or reduce the wastes for which you now pay to dispose. 

CalRecycle’s Solid Waste Reduction Guide for Venues and Special Events is a step-by-step guide to assist venue and event owner/operators plan and implement a waste reduction program.

Basic Steps

1. Policy. Planning for waste reduction starts at the top. A visible commitment from your venue or event and well-defined plan are the keys to implementing a successful waste reduction plan. Adopt a waste reduction policy. Examples of policies:

   Industry groups and associations have developed model voluntary planning guidelines for waste reduction and environmental programs. They include:

   • National Ski Areas Association “Sustainable Slopes“
   • Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA)–Sample environmental policies and objectives
2. Goal. Commit to a specific waste reduction goal.
3. Plan. Develop an action plan. The following are resources to assist you in developing a waste reduction plan:
   • Sample waste prevention action plan published by CalRecycle.
4. Information. Manage and track information such as regular reports on tonnage amounts, program costs, and savings.
5. Staff. Assign and train staff. Designate roles and responsibilities of the waste diversion staff team, provide a training schedule, and staff motivational tools.
6. Analyze. Perform a waste analysis to identify recyclable materials and current waste collection practices.
7. Space. Designate spaces on the property to be used for collecting all recyclable materials generated on the premises. The Recycling Space Allocation Guide was developed to assist local agencies in developing recycling space allocation ordinances.
8. Handling. Identify how recyclable materials will be handled (e.g., on-site collection and processing, off-site transport).
9. Reduce. Identify opportunities for waste reduction through the reuse of materials and conscientious purchasing. See the CalRecycle publication: Waste Reduction Through Business Purchasing.
10. Budget. Budget financial resources and develop a timeline for implementation.
11. Evaluate. Periodically evaluate your programs and modify your plan as needed. Track your program using CalRecycle’s suggested data sheet. Owners/operators should return the completed data sheet as requested by their local jurisdiction.