Mandatory Zero Waste Event Training

This workshop will cover updates on new requirements for events, a review of San Francisco's zero waste ordinances, an overview of the events auditing process, and best practices to promote sustainability at your event. Learn how to comply with zero waste event requirements, introduce reusable foodware at your events and network with other event producers & vendors!

Event producers must attend a Zero Waste Events Training. SF Environment has two Zero Waste Event Trainings scheduled for 2024. 

Please plan accordingly and reserve your ticket(s) now on Eventbrite. 

If you cannot attend a mandatory Zero Waste Events Training before your event date, please email freddy.coronado@sfgov.org 

Who Should Attend:

• Event producers, caterers, clean-up crews, and other vendors
• Applicants of street closure permits with SFMTA
• Applicants of facility use permits with the Recreation and Park Department or any other City of San Francisco permitting agencies**

Concepts covered include:

• Mandatory Composting and Recycling requirements
• Event food ware, packaged water, and hydration stations
• Recology event services and debris box rentals
• Separation compliance (Sorting and contamination protocols)
• Event greening services
• Food waste reduction and food recovery at events
• Discussion on single-use and reusable foodware at events
• Implementation of the 10% reusable cup requirement (Effective 2020)
• Zero Waste Resources for Event Producers
• Implications of a failed event refuse audit

Implications of a Failed Event Refuse Audit:

Please take proactive action to ensure proper recycling and composting separation and waste reduction at your event to prevent a failed refuse audit. Event producers with failed refuse audits are subject to the implications below: 

• Removal of Diversion Discount (Recovery Discount): The recovery discount is a cost reduction based on an event's recycling and composting rate. In instances of excessive contamination, the recovery discount will be revoked. 
• Submit Zero Waste Event Plan: The Zero Waste Event Plan is a worksheet outlining a corrective course of action. The Plan must be submitted to freddy.coronado@sfgov.org at least 7 days in advance of the event producer's next event. You can access the Zero Waste Plan here.

**This training is required for all event producers applying for permits through SF Recreation and Parks Department, Port of SF, SFMTA or any other City of San Francisco agency. Event producers wanting to know how to comply with SF legislation related to events are also invited.

All attendees will receive a Zero Waste Event Certification. Networking opportunities following the training.

Contact the Zero Waste team or call (415) 355-3700 for more information.

Additional Resources
Create your own recycling and composting signs
Zero Waste Checklist for Events 
Restroom Paper Towel Compost Sticker (PDF)
Approved Recyclable and Compostable Food Service Ware (PDF)

Please contact the Zero Waste team or call (415) 355-3700 for more information.