zero waste eventS
We are here to help your event towards Zero Waste
Waiheke Resources Trust (WRT)’s Zero Waste Event service makes sure event waste is recycled, composted or avoided altogether. Our Zero Waste approach is designing an event that generates less waste, and/or the right kind of waste for reuse. It also involves educating patrons and raising environmental awareness about waste minimisation.
We do this through initiatives such as Good To Go (G2G), which started in 2020. G2G was launched to remove single-use tableware from the Saturday Ostend Market. That is where you will find us every week!
Why Zero Waste?
Single-use and compostable packaging usually contains plastic, which gets contaminated when food or beverages are served in it. Waiheke does not have a commercial composting facility, so they end up in our landfill. Zero Waste aims to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfills.
What we provide
We provide knowledge and resources, and your event attendees can divert their waste from landfills in an easy and accessible manner.
Our Goal
We aim to turn Waiheke into a completely reusable island. G2G seeks to eliminate single-use packaging by providing reusable plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and cutlery, as well as a waste stream system for events. We want to build a sustainable, supportive ‘waste-not’ community.
How does it work?
We are a community-based organisation, and our staff are assisted by enthusiastic volunteers. We provide a service for events so that no matter if you’re buying a pastry, a paella, juice or coffee, there is a zero-waste option. We promote using reusable plates and cups and separating trash properly. We use reusable plates that we bring to food vendors before the event. They sell their food on our plates, which people bring to our station to be washed and dried, and distributed back to the vendors.
Get involved
If you are looking to get on-the-ground experience with our Zero Waste initiatives within the Waiheke community, we are always looking for more hands to help out. Our Good to Go team can be found at the Ostend market every Saturday. Be sure to check it out, and if it’s something you want to get involved with, get in touch with us! We can’t wait to work with you to make Waiheke a better and greener place.
The Zero Waste Events Kit is free to borrow
Perfect for event organisers, our waste station kit includes 𝗔𝗟𝗟 the necessary items to ensure your event produces less landfill and run a more sustainable event.
With support from Auckland Council, we’re helping Waiheke reduce event waste one gathering at a time—making sustainable practices simple, practical, and available to every event organiser on the island.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
“WRT’s Zero Waste Station at WilderFest 2024 was a huge benefit for the event and went far beyond waste diversion. Having the station and team there encompassed education and community engagement, highlighting the responsibility event organisers, traders and individuals have to minimise their environmental impact when putting on and attending events. Integrating zero-waste practices into community events acts as a powerful catalyst for positive change.”
Saïda, WilderFest 2024
Since 2022 we have…
diverted
single-use serveware
saved
kg of carbon from entering the landfill
Inquiry Form
Connect with our Zero Waste Manager
Zoe O’Farrell
Zero Waste Events initiative is funded by
Related resources
Support Us
Starting today, we can create a more sustainable tomorrow. Support our mahi so that we can deliver a brighter, more climate resilient future to all those living on and visiting Waiheke Island.
Volunteers and internships
There are plenty of volunteering options to choose from and if you’re more of an indoors person, you can help in the Kai Conscious kitchen and WRT offices.
Our services
Whether you are a visitor to Waiheke or a resident, life can be a little different from living in a city so we share ideas and information to help you live more sustainably and in tune with the island. We have guidance on conservation, reducing and managing waste.