Waste management can be defined as the collection, transport, processing, recycling and disposal of waste materials. The term usually relates to materials produced by human activity and is generally undertaken to reduce their effect on health, the environment or aesthetics.

Good waste management practices ensure the minimization and recovery of waste produced. Waste reduction is one of the most important principles in a waste management plan. Developing effective strategies to reduce the amount of waste generated in the lead-up and during the event are essential. Waste minimization applies to all areas of event production including promotional, collateral, stallholder giveaways and food vendor packaging.

By appointing a waste management coordinator, successful planning and implementation can occur by identifying where potential waste can be reduced or recovered. The waste management coordinator can work with the events crew and contractors to coordinate the various waste management strategies for the event. The waste management coordinator can also work closely with the venue operators as this will make the task of implementing effective waste management plans a much easier task.

To develop a waste management plan, event organizers may consider adopting an accredited criterion for a waste management plan. There are different accreditations that exist. Selecting an appropriate accreditation criterion for an event depends on the size, type and resources of the event. The waste management coordinator should source these accredited plans and determine whether they are appropriate to implement into the respective event or it may be more appropriate to setup a custom made plan for the event itself.

By on-selling waste resources generated at the event to commercial recyclers, cost reductions can be achieved through implementing a waste recovery system.