Freo's Sustainable Events Policy a success

The City of Fremantle’s Sustainable Events Policy has been adopted on a permanent basis after a successful two-year trial.

The policy, which was adopted by Fremantle Council in November 2018, prohibits the use of single-use plastics at City-run events.

The policy prohibits the provision, use, distribution or sale of single-use plastics including straws, cutlery, bottles, cups, plates, containers, bags and cling-wrap at all events produced by the City.

Single-use plastic straws are also banned from events organised by third parties, while event organisers are encouraged not to use other single-use plastics.

Following the completion of the two-year trial period Fremantle Council last week voted to permanently adopt the Sustainable Events Policy without modification.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said the policy was another example of the City leading the way in efforts to reduce waste, promote recycling and protect the environment.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 early last year obviously had an impact on the roll-out of the Sustainable Events Policy because a number of events were cancelled and there was a push back towards single-use items for hygiene reasons,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Even so, we found that on the whole promoters, vendors and caterers understood the intention of the policy and wanted to abide by its requirements.

“Large events like Sets on the Beach, Falls Festival and Laneway Festival were particularly proactive in this area, with 100 per cent of event organisers excluding balloons, plastic straws and polystyrene and Styrofoam containers, while 83 per cent also excluded plastic cutlery, plates and cups, cling wrap and confetti.

“While there is always room for improvement this is an encouraging result which shows that event organisers are becoming more aware of their environmental responsibilities and want to do the right thing.

“Going forward our Sustainable Events Policy will be reinforced by the state government’s Plan for Plastics, which will phase out a wide range of single-use plastics over the next two years.”   

The City of Fremantle’s Sustainable Events Policy also bans the use of balloons and confetti, as well as polystyrene and Styrofoam food containers, and event organisers must provide an easily accessible alternative to bottled water which allows patrons to refill their own water bottles at no charge.

There are also requirements to provide paired and labelled general waste and recycling bins; restrict promotional materials and decorations to those that can be re-used or recycled; promote walking, cycling and public transport options and provide adequate bike parking at large events.