Special Events Waste Plan

All waste containers must be ordered through and provided by the EPO Division. Permanent trash and recycling receptacles at parks and City facilities are not available for event use and should not be factored into your planning. If the event is held for two or more consecutive days, be sure to include the schedule of ongoing collection service.

EPO offers the following equipment:

Dumpsters: Available in 2- and 3-cubic-yard sizes.

• 2cy: Trash, Recycling, and Organics
• 3cy: Trash and Recycling only
  
  

Roll-Off Boxes: 40 cubic yard boxes available for Trash and Recycling.

Metal Pop-Up Event Racks: Available for trash, recycling, and organics. No rental fee applies.
Note: 50-gallon clear bags are not included and must be sourced separately.

To request assistance determining the right quantity and type of containers for your event, contact the EPO Division at (310) 253-6400.

Note: An equipment rental agreement must be signed by the event operator or organizer to ensure all equipment is returned in good condition.

As of September 1, 2021, events must comply with the Waste Reduction Ordinance, which prohibits the sale, use and distribution of most polystyrene foam products and requires that single-use plastic straws and utensils only be provided as accommodation for a person with a disability.

Vendor Participation Rules

If your event includes vendors, you are required to share waste reduction rules with all participating vendors in advance. Key requirements include:

• No single-use plastic bags, straws, Styrofoam, or non-recyclable plastics
• Use of compostable and recyclable products where possible
• Inclusion of a waste reduction clause in all vendor contracts and supplier agreements
• Cooperation with food waste composting collection on-site
  
  

Vendors serving or distributing food at large events must also support edible food recovery efforts. Visit Waste Reduction  to review our full Waste Reduction Ordinance.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, large events with 2,000 or more attendees per day that charge admission or are operated by a local agency must enter into a written agreement with a food recovery organization or service and arrange for them to collect the surplus edible food or accept edible food to be self-hauled to their facility.

Events must separate all edible food from what would otherwise be thrown away. Food previously served cannot be donated. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to ensure that the event and any food facilities operating within the event comply with the requirements. 

For local organizations you can partner with check out Food Recovery Organizations and Services.

Tips For Success

• Separate all edible food from what would otherwise be thrown away. Food previously served or hot foods held on a mobile food truck or cart cannot be donated.
• Examine food for spoilage and check packages for holes, broken seals or dented/bulging cans.
• Store food safely in sanitary, food-grade containers. Store hot food at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above, cold food at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and frozen food below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ensure any food facilities operating within the event comply with all requirements.
• Maintain records of food recovery organization(s) utilized, copies of contracts/ agreements, types of food recovered, and total pounds recovered from the event.
• Liability Protections—Federal and California state laws protect food donors from liability.

The event organizer is responsible for ensuring all waste and recycling are properly disposed of during the event and immediately after it concludes. We strongly recommend organizing a dedicated cleanup crew from your staff and volunteers before the event begins.

A few things to keep in mind:

• If the City is required to dispatch street sweeper services to address trash and debris left after your event, the permit holder will be billed for those services Wastewater must never be directed into storm drains.
• Street-level drains flow directly to Ballona Creek and the ocean, and are designed for rainwater only