A Guide to Event Waste Management

When planning the perfect event, one thing you have to consider is how you will manage the trash. Many people prefer to talk about music or food when planning an event, but we’re a dumpster company; we’re down to talk trash!

We also know that a waste management plan is key to a safe and fun event. A waste management plan is a roadmap that allows you to coordinate how to dispose of accumulated waste in the most sustainable way possible. It can also help you reduce waste by planning ahead for designated recycling areas and trash pickup post-event.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the basics of a waste management plan, ideal trash can locations, and dumpster rentals for events and festivals.

The Basics of a Waste Management Plan

Event Waste Management
While some venues take care of trash, others do not, so it is up to the event planner to figure out what to do with it. A waste management plan’s ultimate goal is to simplify event cleanup and ensure that waste is disposed of responsibly.

The first step is estimating the amount of waste generated at your event. Knowing how many attendees you can expect will give you an idea of what you need for disposal locations and trash bags. The type of event will also influence the amount of trash accumulated.

A 12-foot dumpster should be able to handle the final clean-up for a small event, under 100 people. A good rule of thumb is that one large trash can will supply trash space for 20 people, but an event with high traffic at certain times of day can reduce the effectiveness of your trash cans.

If your event has a plan for vendors or food distribution, you should factor in extra waste bins and bags near the concessions. For those looking to reduce waste, talk to vendors about possibly composting food waste or donating leftovers they will not use.

If you strive for a zero-waste event management strategy, you should also factor in recycling bins to put next to your waste locations. This is especially great if you expect your attendees to consume drinks in cans or bottles.

Establishing Trash Can Locations

The location of your trash and recycling bins is just as essential as having them in the first place. A study by the Allegheny Front on the psychology of littering claims that litter is most common when people do not have places to throw away their trash.

Without easy-to-reach trash locations for event goers, or with full trash cans, waste left behind increases a lot. Leaving garbage behind will lead to longer cleanup times, environmental harm, and potential fines.

According to a National Litter Study Report by Keep America Beautiful, one of the biggest factors in reducing litter is preventing it. You can prevent litter by providing locations where people can throw away trash responsibly.

Where are the best places to put a trash can?

Strategically, the best place to put trash cans is in high-traffic areas. This allows for more trash can visibility for guests and convenience in throwing away waste.

  • Near bathrooms
  • Food and concession stands
  • Exits and entrances
  • Seating or table areas

Rent a Dumpster

Oaks Dumpster
To assist with the waste generated from the event, an event waste management company and a dumpster rental company can help take the waste planning off your hands.

Renting a dumpster for event cleanup gives you a solution for where to put the bagged waste and ensures it will all make it to the landfill. When your trash cans fill up, you have a place to empty the bins to make sure your trash cans are available throughout the event.

A roll-off dumpster is perfect for this solution because it can be brought in to a discreet location where it does not interrupt the event’s ambiance, and then rolled away once the party is over.

Depending on the event’s capacity, you can also choose from different-sized dumpsters. At Oaks Dumpster Rental, we offer small, 12-yard dumpsters to large commercial dumpsters that can be up to 40 yards.

Learn more about residential dumpster services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about dumpster rental for events? We’ve got you covered! Here are some solutions for frequently asked dumpster rental questions.

What size dumpster do I need?

The first thing to know is that dumpsters are measured in square yards. One square yard equals a 3-foot by 3-foot cube. Our dumpster offerings range from 12 yards to 40 yards.

The 12-to 20-yard range is excellent for a smaller house project or a garage cleanout to heavier projects like cleaning out an entire home or removing a carpet.

A dumpster between 30 and 40 yards is mostly used for large projects like home additions, renovations, and window or siding replacements.

For a waste management event, you will have to figure out the amount of people attending and then decide the dumpster size. For a small event, under 100 people, a 12-foot dumpster should be able to handle clean up.

How much is a dumpster rental?

Dumpster rental in Rochester, NY, costs between $560 and $850. The lower end is for smaller dumpster sizes, and the high end is for large dumpster rentals.

The cost of renting a dumpster depends on a few factors. These include the size of the dumpster, how long you need it, the weight of the waste, and where you live.

At Oaks, we serve regions in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The Oaks Dumpster Rental website has pricing for each area and the locations we serve.

Oaks Dumpster Rental: Quality You Can Trust

At Oaks Dumpster Rental, we offer various dumpster sizes to meet your needs. Our dedicated representatives are always here to answer questions so your rental process goes smoothly. Call or contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help.

Author | Jen Burton, General Manager
Oaks Dumpster Rental