Stallholder environmental requirements for Council events
Why does Council control waste at events?
The local community wants Council to reduce litter, waste and plastic in waterways.
There is a lot of waste produced at our events, and we are trying to reduce it.
Thank you for helping by carefully choosing the materials you use in your stall.
Who does this apply to?
These requirements apply to all stallholders whether they are providing food, activities, information or other services.
What do stallholders need to do?
Step 1: Reduce packaging and other waste
Single-use packaging and utensils such as plates, cups and cutlery have a big impact on the resources and the environment. Council encourages you to only use packaging if completely necessary.
- Having utensil available as optional to customers rather than giving them out as a default
- Serve food with a serviette or napkin rather than a plate, or skewers or toothpicks instead of cutlery if appropriate
- Serve condiments from one large bottle rather than separately packaged single serves.
Step 2: Remove problem packaging and other materials
Please do not use the "banned items" listed below. These items must not be provided to attendees by our event stallholders.
These materials are prohibited because they:
- Are non-recyclable
- Contribute to waste and litter
- Can pollute waterways and harm wildlife
Alternatives are suggested in the blue column. Note that while plastic glitter cannot be used, biodegradable glitter is accepted.
Step 3: Recycling at events
Inner West Council events have recycling for event patrons. The following items can be recycled in the yellow lid recycling bins:
- Aluminium cans
- Plastic bottles, containers and cups
- Milk and juice cartons
- Paper or cardboard coffee cups (lid removed)
- Newspaper, cardboard and paper
- All plastic takeaway containers (no food scraps)
Note: stallholders should begin to phase-out the use of certain types of compostable packaging, including PLA and Bamboo as they cannot be recycled in our current waste management system at events.
Stormwater pollution
It is an offence to allow any refuse, litter or debris or other matter including but not limited to oils and waste waters into the stormwater system.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, water pollution offences attract on-the-spot fines of up to $1,500.
All stallholders must therefore follow these requirements:
- Do not leave any containers of waste water or oil behind at the end of the event. You are required to collect ALL liquid waste from your operations for appropriate off-site disposal/recycling;
- Do not let any liquid, especially oil, reach the ground. If this happens, quickly contain the liquid with paper towel and dispose of it in the general waste bin;
- Do not allow any materials from your operations to enter the stormwater drain such as packaging or food;
- Ensure that loose items are weighed down, or stored away from the wind to prevent them blowing away and becoming litter; and
- Do not let grease from your cooking equipment drip to the ground. Ensure that you adequately collect and dispose of.
How does Council check on waste?
Council asks stallholders to make a declaration when applying for a stall that packaging, utensils, giveaways and food containers comply with these requirements.
Council also assesses stalls on the day of the event.
Breaches of the environmental requirements may negatively affect stallholder applications for future Council events.
Are there exemptions?
Not usually, but occasionally there is a stallholder who can only use single-use plastic for specific reasons.
If you are in that position, please email Council at least 2 weeks prior to an event with details, and we will assess the circumstances.
Where can stallholders find out more?
If you have any questions regarding event sustainability, please contact Council's Environment Officer, Laura Carey on 9392 5387 or via laura.carey@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.
If you would like to know more about plastic and other types of waste, try these links:
If you would like to reduce waste in your business, start here:
For a limited time, Council is offering free sustainability assessments for local businesses.
If you have already implemented sustainability initiatives and would like to be recognized, check out Council's Business Environment Awards.