• Expanded Polystyrene and Disposable Food Container Regulations - Municipal Code Section 8.06
• Single-Use Plastic Bottles/Cups Regulations - Municipal Code Section 8.07
• SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) Ordinance 2008-3, all City permitted events must place adequate recycling containers throughout the event venue. Recycle and landfill receptacles must be placed next to one another. Recycle receptacles must be clearly identified and shall display a list of the types of recyclable materials accepted.
• AB 1276 Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments law requires food vendors to provide single-use utensils and condiments only upon customer request and prohibits bundling or packaging that prevents customers from selecting only the items they need.
• AB 2176 The California Large Venues and Large Events Recycling law requires large venue facilities and large events in each city and county to plan for solid waste reduction and report information regarding their waste reduction efforts to their local jurisdiction.
• SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) requires organics/food waste collection in City facilities and large venues/events.
  • Large venue and event organizers must also contact the IWMA (805-782-8530) to arrange for edible food recovery compliance. 

Download and Save

Click the image below to download, save and share with event organizers and food and beverage vendors.

Download and Print

Click the image below to download and print at event waste stations. The "Stop! Think & Sort image may be printed on 24"x36" A-frame signage and placed at waste station near the event dining area.

The State of California requires large events to plan for solid waste reduction and report information regarding their waste reduction efforts to their local jurisdiction.

A Large Event is defined as: Serves an average of more than 2,000 individuals per day of operation (both people attending the event and those working at it--including volunteers--are included in this number) and charges an admission price or is run by a local agency.

Download - Large Event Recycling & Disposal Plan

• 14 days before the event: Email a completed Recycling & Disposal Plan to RecycleRight@slocity.org, including the set-up day(s) for the event. Any large venue or event must plan for the removal, disposal, and diversion of, and reporting of all recyclables, organics (including food waste) and solid waste. It is required that 50% of all materials be diverted from landfills. Each event is required to account for all materials removed from the event venue site.
  • Large venue and event organizers must also contact the IWMA (805-782-8530) to arrange for edible food recovery compliance. 

• 10 days after the event: Email a copy of the San Luis Garbage invoice(s) demonstrating 50% diversion based on service levels, and/or submit copies of self-haul weight tickets from each landfill and/or recycling facility demonstrating 50% diversion based on total tonnage to RecycleRight@slocity.org. 

Recycle Roll-off Container Signage - To support large events with proper recycling practices, the SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) provides recycling banners for roll-off containers designated for mixed recyclables. Event coordinators can contact IWMA at (805) 782-8530 to arrange for banner pickup or delivery.

Successful event waste reduction and contamination prevention practices include providing waste station volunteers to coach event participants on proper sorting. To support this effort, the City has created a training video that offers universal messaging and additional guidance to event organizers. This video ensures consistent communication and helps streamline waste management practices at various events.