(links to our FAQs)
FAQs for events, festivals, farmers’ markets, and more
Before you dive in, just remember – you are the experts: you know how festivals and events work; you know the thinking and expectations of your stallholders, presenters, performers, and punters; you know what facilities, infrastructure, waste, and packaging companies exist; you know what does and doesn’t work for you; and you know that the status quo is a massive problem for our earth. We want to hear from you – your brilliant ideas and legitimate reservations – about how, together, we change this wasteful system.
First Things First: What Is s 23 Of The Waste Minimisation Act?
Section 23 is one of 99 sections of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (WMA) - Aotearoa New Zealand’s main law governing waste. Section 23 contains a bunch of pretty magical regulation-making powers. Remember the Government’s bans on plastic shopping bags and micro-beads in personal care products and cleaning products? Both were done using s 23. Actually, those are the only times s 23 has ever been used.
But, s 23 is so much more than a blunt banning tool. It also empowers the Government to implement positive, proactive measures for a less wasteful future, including incentivising and mandating reusables. We want to see the Government use these positive powers too. Read more about s 23.
If the Government decides to adopt the petition’s requests, what will happen?
Changes won’t come overnight - there’s a process. The Takeaway Throwaways petition calls for the Minister to make regulations under s 23. Before the Minister can do this they must consult with those affected, i.e. the public, the hospitality and events industries, the packaging industry, and other groups and organisations. If, after consultation, the Government decides to go ahead, the approach to phase-outs and reuse schemes will need to be designed. Our petition recommends that a Government-mandated working group does this. Such a group would feature key stakeholders, including representatives from the hospitality industry, the disabled community, reusable packaging and serviceware businesses, and zero waste NGOs. Apart from designing the policy, this working group will also need to work out what funding, infrastructure, and systems are required to support the transition to reusables (such as dishwashing/sterilisation facilities, and fleets of reusable crockery and cutlery), and the phase-in period for the regulations. A staged phase-in is likely, including a temporary period where single-use disposables will still be available, but with a compulsory fee attached to them, and so on.
There are international examples of similar regulatory initiatives for events/festivals, such as Flanders’ (Belgium) ban on single-use cups at events. More detailed info on this particular initiative (in Dutch) can be found here, and a summary of various regulatory measures for events in parts of Europe are listed on page 60 of this research report by Eunomia, Leverage Points for Reducing Single-Use Plastics.
What single use items are specifically targeted to be replaced by reusable systems in this campaign?
The petition text encompasses single-use disposable plastic serviceware for food and drink, including those made of degradable, biodegradable or compostable plastic. That will be things like coffee cups with plant plastic (PLA) or oil based plastic lining, cold cups (again, lined or those see-through smoothie and juice cups made from PLA etc), sushi trays, plastic or PLA plastic cup lids, containers, plastic or ‘eco’ plastic cutlery (including eco composites - that can be part plant based and part oil based plastics), sachets, and individual condiment pottles (like those used for butter and sauce etc). Straws are not included in this petition.
What about plastic straws?
We have excluded plastic straws from our list of items proposed for a ban. Some disabled people require plastic straws to drink, making a ban or restrictions on availability discriminatory. No reusable straw currently offers the same accessibility characteristics as a plastic straw. Furthermore, cleaning a straw after use is not always accessible either. These issues are discussed in more detail here, here, and here. Read more about our position on inclusivity here.
A truly accessible establishment would have plastic straws available for customers who need them. Perhaps don’t have a policy of putting straws into drinks automatically though? Give people the choice! Have reusables available for those who can use them, and plastic straws on reserve and on request for those who need them. Or, even a self-serve station with plastic straws and reusables so everyone has the choice.
Making It Work, Large Scale.
Do you run a festival, market or any similar community event? Are you wondering how on god’s green earth you could ever possibly make it work without disposable serviceware? Here are a few common questions and answers for you…
Up until now in Aotearoa New Zealand, the government has kept their hands off this problem – imagine, with well thought out policies and plans, led by waste-free vision and driven by those on the ground, what we could achieve together.
Why do we even need a ban on DISPOSABLE plastic SERVICEWARE AT ALL?
Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of waste production per capita in the world (OECD 2018; World Bank 2018). It may not be as visible as other places, but we’re wasting much more than our fair share of the earth’s resources – we’re just pretty good at shoving it all into holes in the ground. Disposable takeaway packaging and serviceware is a major part of our waste story, and it’s all largely unnecessary; we already have a massive range of alternatives, from BYO cups, containers and cutlery, to deposit/refund systems for reusable serviceware for large scale events. It is vital, however, that the reusable alternatives provided are inclusive and accessible for all people (read our position on inclusion and accessibility).
Aren’t reusables risky and less hygienic than disposable items?
Short answer: no! There is nothing inherently more or less safe and hygienic about reusables compared to single-use - it’s all in having good systems and processes. In fact, reusables can be more hygienic because they usually entail less handling than single-use. In other words, reusables can go straight to the vendor after being freshly sterilised, whereas it’s not possible to know how many hands have touched single-use serviceware along the supply chain.
Still not convinced? Check out these Global Best Practice Guidelines for Reusables’ Hygiene at Events, prepared by the Sustainable Event Alliance (with a little help from us here at Takeaway Throwaways!):
Why Can’t We Use ‘Eco’
Serviceware?
Good question. So, what is wrong with biodegradable/plant based/compostable packaging? A few key problems exist: it’s not always clear whether something is actually compostable; there’s uncertainty around the quality of the resulting compost (could contain toxic residues); composting infrastructure is underdeveloped in Aotearoa New Zealand to deal with large quantities of compostable packaging; and even if everything did get composted to a high standard, the environmental footprint of single-use packaging is often bigger than that of reusable alternatives.
Without disposables available, DOES THAT MEAN EVERYONE HAS TO CARRY A BASKET FULL OF REUSABLE CUPS, PLATES, BOWLS, CUTLERY, STRAWS ETC. WITH THEM ALL THE TIME?
Increasingly, festivals and events around Aotearoa New Zealand are proactively asking attendees to BYO reusable serviceware in order to further the event’s zero waste policies (e.g. Rhythm and Vines, Soundsplash, Splore and more). In general, more and more people are choosing to use BYO reusable serviceware, and there are great ways to encourage and incentivise people to do it. For those who don’t (and perhaps never will) bother, a growing number of enterprises and organisations are providing convenient, accessible, affordable, hygienic, and downright ingenious reuse schemes for events and festivals – and largely all off their own bat. That’s why the Takeaway Throwaways petition is not just about getting single-use serviceware banned; it’s equally important to get the government to incentivise and mandate reusable alternatives, to trigger sophisticated innovation and investment in this space. This is all possible under section 23 of NZ’s Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
So, HOW DOES A REUSE Scheme WORK?
There are many examples of this stuff happening at events and festivals already. In short, customers get their food and drinks on/in reusable serviceware (sometimes with a deposit paid on the item), which they can then return to a drop-off point when finished (and collect their refund if applicable – or if they really want, they can forgo their refund and keep the item as a memento). The items are then washed, sterilised and dried ready for the next round. Some items, like reusable cups, can be kept by punters for the duration of the event and simply rinsed at provided facilities in between refills.
What about at BIG STADIUM EVENTS OR MULTI-DAY FESTIVALS? HOW WOULD WATER USE/GREY WATER BE MANAGED? And having SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES OF SERVICEWARE available FOR BUSY TIMES?
Some reuse schemes provide more than enough reusable cups for an entire event (and just wash them all afterwards in dedicated facilities), while others use mobile washing/sterilisation units to keep a consistent flow of uncontaminated serviceware ready to use. For festivals in rural/isolated locations, on-site treatment of grey water is ideal, but must be done properly. Where this isn’t possible, it can be trucked out for processing at the nearest wastewater treatment plant (but that’s an emissions-heavy option). Give customers incentives to BYO serviceware to reduce the load on washing and processing used items from reuse schemes. Drinking water refill stations are essential.
Remember: the options currently available are only the beginning; with the right policy settings, innovation can be unleashed.
I HELP ORGANISE A MULTI-DAY FESTIVAL. ARE ANY OTHER FESTIVALS DOING THIS STUFF ALREADY?
Definitely, yes, and a few good Aotearoa New Zealand examples too! Check out festivals like WOMAD, Splore, and Evolve (there are bound to be more). They’ve all been running waste-busting initiatives for several years. For example, having reusable cups and water bottles available to eliminate the need for single-use items, and wash stations for plates, bowls, cutlery, and more. Evolve Festival 2020 in Nelson had barely any single-use serviceware at all, thanks to the wash station and mobile sterilisation unit run by Waste No More - Nelson Whakatū. See more details on our alternatives page!
I WORK AT A STADIUM WITH 30,000+ CAPACITY. HAS THIS EVER BEEN TRIED WITH ARENAS LIKE MINE?
Yes! Xgames 2018 at Sydney Showgrounds used 30,000+ Globelet cups. We’ve also heard through the grapevine that one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s major arenas is switching to a permanent reusable cup scheme… watch this space!
I AM SETTING UP THE SCHOOL FAIR OR A COMMUNITY EVENT AND DON’T HAVE THE FUNDS TO HIRE A REUSABLE SERVICEWARE PROVIDER. WHAT CAN I DO?
Get creative! Many schools have put on zero waste events where families are encouraged to bring cups, plates and cutlery from home. The Koha Project is a neat, low cost way for schools or community to fundraise and educate while providing reusable alternatives for drinks. Or you could set up a wash station and grab a bunch of crockery from local second hand shops to use. Depending on where you are in the country, there may be a wash station and set of crockery you can hire for free, such as the ‘Wash Against Waste’ intiatives of Newtown Community & Cultural Centre in Wellington, and Eco Matters in Auckland. There’s no need to go out and buy disposable packaging. See our alternatives page for more ideas.
I Manage A Farmer’s Market
…and I am keen to go zero waste for my food and coffee and cold drink vendors. Is anyone else in Aotearoa New Zealand doing this?
The team at Remarkables Market, Queenstown, began their first season single use cup free in 2019. You can read their story and reach out to uyo for ideas and assistance with creating reuse alternatives.
Many other markets have alternatives in place, like mug libraries and plate wash stations, and retail affordable reusables too. It is vital to discuss your plans with vendors from the very beginning, and provide good notice and some kind of alternative for customers. In our experience, local media will be supportive of this kind of move, so enlist their help to move change forward.
I’ve tried doing this before, but most of my customers/vendors just aren’t keen. How would this campaign change this?
There are legitimate concerns from vendors about losing business, and from consumers about accessibility and affordability of alternatives. That’s why getting Government regulation is crucial; it would level the playing field for businesses (everyone must do it, so no ‘free-riders’ who benefit from using wasteful options), and would kick-start innovation to create convenient, affordable, accessible, and inclusive reusable alternatives.
However, to make these systems work optimally, we need a paradigm shift in how we view the problems. Convenience is no longer a good enough excuse for trashing the planet, especially when the alternatives can be just as convenient when lots of brains work together to provide the solution. And why is convenience such a priority anyway? Wouldn’t we want to create a culture where people recognise the benefits of ‘slowing down’, having a coffee, beer, or meal in reusable serviceware in a relaxed and socially-inviting atmosphere?
Where can i read about active reuse systems and case studies?
These documents give insight into case studies, terminology and benefits of reuse systems that are happening, or under review, internationally:
http://www.isonomia.co.uk/cutting-cups-why-venues-and-events-should-use-deposit-schemes/
https://rethinkplasticalliance.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bffp_rpa_reusable_solutions_report.pdf
Also see our Alternatives for Events for Aotearoa New Zealand examples of reuse schemes and other ideas to go single-use free.
OK, I’M ON BOARD - HOW CAN I BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT?
Play Your Part; get across all the Alternatives that are available (and help us add to the list!); read, sign, and share The Petition, and learn more about it here; get in touch - we want to hear from you! These FAQs and the whole campaign are constantly expanding and changing. Please tell us your ideas and concerns so we can provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical resources possible.
We will be updating all areas of this site very frequently, so please check in again, or contact us directly so we can add your suggestions, answer your questions, or find the people who can.
Resources
Auckland City Council/Eco Matters have an Aotearoa New Zealand specific Zero Waste Event guide online, available to all: https://zerowasteevents.org.nz
They define a Zero Waste event as “one where careful consideration is given to the products used on site and where these end up post event. Planning in this manner may result in items being recycled, composted or avoided altogether. This approach encourages organisers and stallholders to design an event that generates less waste, and/or the right kind of waste for reuse. It also involves educating patrons and raising environmental awareness about waste production and disposal.”
This site also links to case studies, such as Spore Festival, who have adopted a passionate waste reduction initiative since 2016. They diverted 85% of waste from landfill: https://zerowasteevents.org.nz/splore-case-study/