About Mandatory Event Recycling and Composting
San Francisco special events are required to include a recycling plan in their event permit application. Events are required to arrange for separate collection of recycling, compost, and landfill streams, and the disposal and processing of those separate streams by a qualified service provider (list of providers coming soon...).
For effective recycling and composting, clearly labeled recycling and composting receptacles must be placed together with any trash receptacles in convenient locations. You can purchase cardboard recycle/compost/landfill containers with pre-printed signage from Recology SF, 415.330.1315.
Food vendors are required to offer food service ware that is approved for San Francisco’s recycling/composting program. This will help minimize the amount of trash your event produces and is an integral part of keeping your refuse bill down. We maintain a current list of supply vendors selling approved food service ware.
Use our Zero Waste Event Checklist to guide you through the process from permits to cleanup. SF Environment staff are available for free consultations, to help create you event diversion plan, and to help you optimize signage and placement. We recommend all San Francisco event producers attend a recycling workshop. Workshops are free and held periodically at City Hall. Please email (environment@sfgov.org) or call 415.355.3747 for more information.
