Sustainability and waste management in public events
About this good practice
Several kinds of small to large events take place every year in Almada's coastline, including musical, gastronomic and sports events. Many people come and consequently produce a lot of waste. To minimize this problem, measures are taken that lead to a reduction of waste production and its reuse and recycling, avoiding pollution of the surrounding areas such as the beaches.
These measures include:
- Reuse of promotional materials (tarpaulins) to create cushions that are uses in the rest areas of the events;
- Advice on the use of reusable cups;
- Placement of containers to facilitate the correct separation and disposal of waste.
The municipality, the population and coastal and marine ecosystems benefit from these good practices.
Resources needed
Human resources required to run the practice:
- Sol da Caparica: 56 workers/day
- Caparica Surf Fest: 6 workers/day
- MOGA Festival: 3 workers/day
- Trafaria Com Prova: 4 workers/day
Evidence of success
As a result of the implementation of selective waste collection in public events, the following amounts were sent for recycling:
- Sol da Caparica: 7008.50 kg of Plastic and Metal ; 740 kg of Glass; 2131 kg of Paper
- Caparica Surf Fest: 496 kg of Plastic and Metal; 320 kg of Glass; 124 kg of Paper
- Trafaria Com Prova: 60 kg of Plastic and Metal; 952.5 kg of Glass
Potential for learning or transfer
It is very important to give citizens the opportunity to reduce the impact of their waste production, either by reducing the amount produced or by recycling it. Through these measures, waste can be recovered and marine pollution is minimised. This good practice can be applied in any municipality with or without a coastline.
The biggest challenges are related to the lack of knowledge of the public regarding correct waste sorting. Therefore it´s important to complement these practices with awareness-raising activities.
Further information
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