Does the event section of the URCO ordinance apply to my event?
The event section of the URCO ordinance applies to events permitted to use public property and expecting more than 350 daily attendees. This includes public events, private events, and tournaments.
If your event is anticipated to have more than 350 attendees and will occur in a park, on a street, alley, or sidewalk, on or after September 1, 2026, then URCO applies to your event.
What will I need to provide at my event?
Unless you receive an exemption, you will need to provide trash, recycling, and compost collection at your event.
What materials do I need to recycle?
The licensed recycling hauler that you choose to service your event can provide you with a list of all the materials they accept.
What materials do I need to compost?
Currently, the compost requirement applies to food and food scraps only. However, the licensed compost hauler servicing your event may be able to accept additional materials, such as compostable service ware. Work with your hauler for a full list of compostable items specific to your event.
Am I required to use compostable food ware or service ware?
Currently, you are not required to use compostable products at your event.
How many trash, recycling, and compost bins do I need at my event?
Trash and recycling containers should be paired in a 1:1 ratio, but it is up to each organizer to determine the appropriate number of receptacles. Many factors contribute to the amount of waste being generated at an event, including the number of attendees, duration of the event, number of food and beverage vendors, etc.
Are there particular locations where trash and recycling bins are required?
There are no required locations for trash and recycling bins. Place them where it makes the most sense for your event. Make sure they are collocated!
Are there specific locations where compost bins are required?
Yes! Compost bins need to be placed where there is likely to be food waste. This includes where food is being prepared, near food vendors, and in designated eating areas. To help prevent contamination, compost bins must be paired with a set of trash and recycling containers.
Where do I place compost bins if my event does not have food vendors?
If your event does not have food vendors selling for on-site consumption, you can request an exemption to the compost requirement by submitting a complete exemption request form to your permitting agency.
What do I do if my event has multiple permitted sites and only some have food vendors?
If your event has multiple sites, you can treat each site separately. For example, you have a 2,000-person run that starts in Cheesman Park and ends in Civic Center Park. Food vendors will be at the finish line celebration only. In this case, you would not be required to have composting at the start area in Cheesman but would be required to provide compost collection at the finish area in Civic Center Park.
How should I label my waste collection bins?
Each bin should be labeled with the word Recycle, Compost, or Trash. Recycling bins should also include the chasing arrows symbol. Compost bins should include the apple core symbol. Trash bins should include the trash can symbol.
Is additional signage necessary?
Yes! In addition to labeling collection bins, you are required to post informational signage at each waste station that explains which materials go in each bin. Signage can be picture only or bilingual. Usually, your hauler can provide this type of signage. The City also offers a template that meets the signage requirements.
Do I need to train my vendors and staff?
Yes. Event organizers are responsible for helping staff and vendors understand how to sort waste correctly.
Training may consist of:
- Including waste diversion plan and informational signage in vendor agreements
- Giving vendors a list of accepted and prohibited items for each waste stream
- Reviewing waste sorting during a pre-event vendor/staff meeting
- Providing an on-site sorting demonstration during the event
What is a Waste Diversion Plan?
A Waste Diversion Plan explains how your event will collect trash, recycling and compost. It also explains how you will help staff, vendors and attendees sort waste correctly. Use this form to generate your Waste Diversion Plan.
When is the Waste Diversion Plan due?
The Waste Diversion Plan must be submitted at least 30 days before the first day of your permit.
I cannot find a recycling or compost hauler to service my event, what do I do?
You may request an exemption if you can show that composting or recycling service is not available. You will need to show that you made a good faith effort to find service. To apply for an exemption, submit a complete exemption request form to your permitting agency.
What if my event is too small to need composting?
Events with 1,000 or fewer weekly attendees qualify for a composting exemption. To apply for an exemption, submit a complete exemption request form to your permitting agency.
How do I calculate weekly attendees?
If your event lasts for more than one day, add the daily attendees for each day the event will occur within a one-week timeframe. Examples:
- Event occurs Saturday and Sunday. Each day, 400 attendees are expected. The estimated number of weekly attendees is 800.
- Event occurs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each day 500 attendees are expected. The estimated number of weekly attendees is 1500.
- Event is recurring and takes place every Sunday in July and August. Each Sunday 750 people are expected to attend. The estimated number of weekly attendees is 750.
What if composting is too expensive for my event?
You may request an economic hardship exemption for composting if the cost would make it financially impossible for the event to continue. You will need to provide information to support the request, including quotes from at least two licensed compost haulers. To apply for an exemption, submit a complete exemption request form to your permitting agency.
When are exemption requests due?
Exemption requests must be submitted at least 45 days before the first day of your permit. Exemptions are issued per event. Organizers seeking exemptions for more than one event will need to submit an exemption request for each event.
If I get a composting exemption, do I still need recycling?
Yes. A composting exemption only applies to compost collection. Your event must still provide recycling, trash collection, staff/vendor training, and a Waste Diversion Plan.
How will compliance be checked?
Events with more than 350 attendees will not be issued a permit if they have not submitted a complete Waste Diversion Plan.
What happens if my event does not comply?
Events that do not follow their submitted Waste Diversion Plan may receive violations against their permit in line with existing violation structures.