As per By-Law S-600, the Solid Waste Resource Collection and Disposal By-Law, all events in the Halifax Regional Municipality must provide the necessary containers to allow for the proper separation of waste by visitors and staff at your event.

Halifax Regional Municipality does not supply garbage, organic or recycling containers or collection services for major special events.

It is the sole responsibility and cost of the Event Organizer to secure a contractor to supply properly signed garbage, organics, blue bag recyclables and fibre (paper/cardboard) recycling containers and collection services for these containers.

Solid Waste Resource staff can be contacted for advice on ‘What Goes Where’, staff/volunteer training and suggestions on proper bin placement.  Email wasteless@halifax.ca.

What bins are required? Where do I get them?

• Bins are required for separation of garbage, organics (green carts), paper and blue bag recyclables.
  

• Colour coding bins can make it easier for people using them:
  • Black = Garbage
  • Blue = Recyclables
  • Green = Organics
  • Grey = Paper
    
    

• Bins should be clustered together - never have a stand alone garbage can.

• Depending on the type of event you are holding, your waste hauler or venue may be able to provide you with bins.

• If you wish to purchase bins, you can check the RRFB Nova Scotia Resource list for suppliers.

Staff & Volunteer Training

• Training sessions with samples of the type of waste you expect to be generated can be helpful for cleaning staff.

• Assign some people to a 'Green Team' who will monitor bins and to answer visitors questions about how to sort their waste.

• Use clear bags for all waste to avoid it accidentally going in the wrong bin.

• Have staff check waste stations often to ensure nothing is overflowing - an overflowing recycle bin will cause people to put everything in the garbage.

Vendors

When working with vendors it is important to let them know what is expected.  They should know where their waste goes and how to sort it.  It is a good idea to include this information (along with other 'greening' tips) in your vendor contract.  Sample vendor contract

Signage

The following signs can be downloaded and printed:

Event Greening Sponsorship

RRFB Nova Scotia Community Sponsorship Program

HRM Guidelines

RRFB Nova Scotia will donate up to $500 per event to assist with greening initiatives.  Preference will be given to applications that undertake initiatives based on the following order of importance:

1. Waste reduction (minimizing the creation of waste)
2. Reuse
3. Recycling & composting

• Preference will be given to initiatives that provide ongoing waste reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities such as the purchase of permanent source separation containers or implementation of a program that encourages behavioural change.

• Funding will not be provided to cover the cost of garbage collection.

• A one time only approval will be given to cover the cost of collection of recyclables and organics at special events.

• A one time only approval will be given to cover the rental cost of recycling and organics collection containers.

• Sponsorship funding is limited so resources will be allocated to those events/initiatives with the greatest financial need and highest diversion potential.

Visit the RRFB Nova Scotia website and click on 'Community Sponsorship'.

Applications can be faxed to 490-6690 or emailed to wasteless@halifax.ca.

Other Event Greening Tips