Events
Important information and resources for event organizers.
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Information for Event Organizers
As of February 2023, the Economic and Workforce Development Department processes special event permit applications. For more information, including special event permit applications, please visit: https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/apply-for-a-special-events-permit
Make a zero waste plan
Before the Event:
- Sign up for service with a waste hauler. Landfill and compost service must be provided by the franchise hauler, Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC). Recycle service can be provided through WMAC or a different company. See Open Market Recycle Service Providers.
- Throughout the event footprint, provide waste stations for attendees with compost/recycle/landfill in triad. Ensure they are properly colored and labeled: green/compost, blue/recycle, and gray or black/landfill.
- Print (in color) and laminate premade waste station signage (see Quick Links) or make your own.
- Contract with an event greening company (see list) or train your volunteers in proper sorting and waste station monitoring.
- Notify vendors that they must sort waste generated within their booths. Events may provide compost/recycle/landfill containers with required colors/labels for booths, or vendors may bring their own.
- Choose reusable foodware, utensils, and table coverings. Reusable beverage cups will be required for events with more than 500 attendees starting July 1, 2025. Learn more about the requirements here.
- If using compostable foodware, choose BPI-certified compostable fiber-based products, free of high-priority toxic chemicals, such as PFAS. “Compostable” plastics or “bioplastics” are not allowed.
- Contact food recovery organizations to set up donation of surplus edible food.
- Work with waste haulers to ensure you order sufficient trash, recycle, and compost service for your event.
- Consider using hydration stations where guests can refill their water bottles or cups to cut down on single-use waste.
At the Event:
- Remind vendors to flatten all boxes to avoid overfilling recycle bins.
- Make announcements to guests to remind them how to properly compost, recycle, and landfill their waste.
- Monitor your waste stations to ensure materials are ending up in the correct container and that containers are not overflowing.
After the Event:
- Ensure recyclables are tossed loose (unbagged) into the recycle bin: plastic bags are a prohibited contaminant and jam recycling machinery.
- Ensure compostables are tossed loose (unbagged) into the compost bin or in untied, clear plastic bags only.
- Donate leftover edible food.
Are you planning an event at a rented City-owned facility?
Download the City of Oakland Facilities Rental brochure for requirements.
Need Technical Assistance?
Quick Links
- Special Event Permit Application
- Event Waste Hauling Service Rates
- Flyer: Oakland Event Organizer Requirements
- Flyer: Event Vendor Requirements
- City of Oakland Facilities Rental Brochure
- City of Oakland Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance
- BPI Certified Compostable Products Website
- Mayor/Council Debris Box Request Form
- List of Recycle Service Providers
- Food Recovery Organizations in Alameda County
- Oakland Event Waste Station Signs
Event Greeners
Local companies and nonprofits to assist you in your zero waste event:
- Clean Vibes : (828) 738-3817
- Green Mary: (707) 548-7582
- Race to Zero Waste
- Rotation Community Services
- San Francisco Conservation Corps
- Waste Busters: (510) 473-2087
Additional Resources
Food Donation Resources
Search for a food recovery organization that matches your event needs here.
Reusable Foodware, Dishwashing Service, and Hydration Station Providers:
Visit StopWaste’s list of companies providing reusables for events or Upstream’s Reuse Business Directory.