Whenever large groups of people get together, they'll probably produce large amounts of trash and waste. If you are planning a neighborhood block party, a community concert or any other large gathering, especially one that involves food and beverages, you need a plan to keep the area clean and to deal with the refuse. While managing the garbage isn't fun or glamorous, it's still an important part of event planning. Here are some things to address in your waste management plan.

1. Small trash and recycling receptacles

Be sure to provide an adequate number of receptacles for waste. Make it easy for people by having separate bins for trash and recyclable materials such as water bottles, paper/plastic food containers, and sheets of paper. Label each one clearly so and give examples of what goes into each. For example, you need to specify that food scraps, diapers, and wet napkins don't go in the same barrels as bottles, cans, and dry paper or cardboard. 

2. Manpower to empty the containers

Once the bags or barrels are filled to capacity, the trash will overflow. It not only looks terrible, but it's that much harder to clean up. Furthermore, even the most environmentally-conscious event goers won't be able to dispose of their trash properly when the containers are overfilled. Make sure you have enough manpower to monitor the containers, empty the barrels or change the bags frequently. If you can't get enough volunteers, consider offering perks such as gift cards to local businesses or hiring temp workers. It's easy to underestimate how much waste will be produced, so designate someone to stay on top of this task to keep litter and debris from scattering about the venue.  

3. Roll off containers or dumpsters

The contents of the small containers need to be collected and placed in a secure container so the waste can be transported away quickly and cleanly. Dumpsters may even be required by your municipality as a condition for your event permit because they keep animals from tearing through the trash and keep refuse contained and out of sight. If you are separating your trash from recyclables, you'll need a separate dumpster for each. You may also need to designate staff to sort paper from plastic recyclables, or to separate bottles that can be returned for the deposit.

Managing trash and waste at community gatherings takes advanced planning, manpower, and a proactive stance. If your event involves food and beverage containers or even printed matter such as programs, schedules or informational flyers, you'll need to estimate how many of these things will be disposed of by attendees and plan accordingly. For help in estimating and managing the volume of garbage and recyclable materials, contact the sanitation experts at a roll off container company – they can recommend the correct size and number of containers and the best way to handle the refuse the event will produce.