Waste Reduction Accomplishment Certification for Special Events

This certification process is designed to recognize and document efforts by Event Organizers to minimize the amount of solid waste going to landfills and facilitate environmentally friendly events. 

Zero Waste Pittsburgh (ZWP) fully recognizes that there are many components to holding a fully “green” event. These include environmentally sound practices related to transportation, energy, water, procurement and air pollution as well as others. ZWP’s Waste Reduction Accomplishment Certification (WRAC) is solely focused on waste reduction, recycling and composting efforts. Visit ZWP’s website for guides on going beyond waste management in special events.

WRAC for Special Events Overview:

• *Provide for the collection and recycling of plastic, glass and metal containers (10 points)

• *Provide for collection and recycling of corrugated cardboard (10 points)

• *Document the types, quantities and/or volumes of materials collected and recycled or composted and identify processor, hauler or drop-off location
  (10 points)

• *Utilize signage to make participants aware of how they can participate in the event’s recycling, waste minimization and/or composting efforts (10 points)

• *Comply with all State and local recycling/waste minimization regulations and ordinances (10 points)

• Provide for collection and composting (or other beneficial use) of all food waste (20 points)

• Purchase and use items, supplies and materials made with recycled content (10 points)

• Limit the number or eliminate the use of single use beverage containers (15 points)

• Utilize compostable and/or reusable serviceware for entire event (25 points)

• Purchase and use recyclable items (i.e. plastics #s 1 & 2) instead of Styrofoam, polystyrene and other non-recyclable materials (15 points)

• Deploy bulk dispensers for beverages and condiments- event/caterer. (15 points)

• Include signage, displays or other means to educate event participants about the importance of recycling, waste minimization and composting (20 points)

• Offer paperless check in/out (15 points)

• Exclude handouts or print all handouts double-sided. Use paper that is at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. (Includes invitations, programs, and flyers) (15 points)

• Save name badges/tents and directional, food and beverage, and other generic signs for reuse. (15 points)

• Offer only consumable or environmentally friendly giveaways in participant gift bags (25 points)

• Utilize staff at waste collection points to ensure proper sorting of recycling and/or compostables. (Small-15 points, Medium- 20 points, Large- 25 points)

• Innovation Points: Events can earn up to 15 additional points for a waste reduction initiative not listed above, subject to approval by ZWP staff evaluator.

* Denotes a mandatory requirement

Certification Levels:
Each of the WRAC requirements is assigned a point value. Certification levels are achieved by Event Organizers providing documentation of attainment of point totals based on the following levels:

Platinum: 250 or more points

Gold: 180 – 245 points

Silver: 115 – 175 points

Bronze: 50 – 110 points

Event Certification Registration Fees:

Large Event: Event with 500 or more participants and/or that takes place over 3 or more days
Large Annual Event
First year - $250
Re-certification - $125

Large one-time Event - $200

Medium Event: Event with 250 or more participants and/or that takes place for one or two days
Medium Annual Event
First year - $150
Re-certification - $75

Medium one-time Event - $100

Small Event: Event with less than 250 participants and takes place on only one day
Small Annual Event
First year - $125
Re-certification - $60

Small one-time Event - $75

Certification Process:
The Event Organizer must register the event with and submit appropriate registration fee to ZWP at least 45 days prior to the Event date, or in the case of multiple day events, the event start date. ZWP will provide the following:

• WRAC event registration form
• WRAC requirements checklist/ documentation form

Upon completion of the recycling, waste minimization and/or composting activities or no later than 30 days from the event end date, which ever comes first, the Event Organizer must submit the completed documentation form to ZWP. Once the information on the completed documentation form has been confirmed by ZWP, a certificate noting the certification level achieved by the event will be issued to the Event Organizer. Contact Us today to register your event!