The simplest way to measure your event’s impact on reducing single-use plastic is by quantifying a baseline and tracking changes. Aim to collect data before you implement your reusable switches and after.  ​Baseline data is a snapshot of your starting point. If you have data on how much waste was produced from your previous events, this is your ‘baseline’.  Data you will need includes: • Weight and/or cubic meterage (m3) of waste produced by the following streams: • General waste • Recycling • Compost • If available, the weight and/or cubic meterage (m3) of single-use plastic items in the above waste streams • The types of single-use plastic allowed at your previous events If you don’t have data from previous events, proceed straight to step 2.

Waste audits gather quantitative data by counting and weighing single-use cups and other discarded foodware items. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/6a1af1_b095de3d5c1042aea7179c688925af31/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Here is one we completed, to show you the process. If you don’t already have baseline data from your previous events and your event is recurring, you can complete an initial waste audit/s at your next event to establish this.  Waste audits work best with a clear process that has been agreed upon with relevant stakeholders. For example, your waste manager can coordinate with the cleaners to ensure rubbish bags from designated food service areas are placed in the audit area. After the audit, the bags can be left for cleaners to remove at a scheduled time. Create a schedule for waste audits for the duration of your event and share with all relevant stakeholders. We recommend daily audits - depending on the size, duration and patronage of your event. We have provided several resources to assist you: • Instructions and on preparing and conducting waste audits.(https://6a1af1d4-26ca-42e0-b119-d6cae0a4076b.usrfiles.com/ugd/6a1af1_7976e02c96c044e5930d6c1b7222b4a6.docx) • A template  (JSEA), to identify and mitigate risks. • A template Waste Audit Data Sheet, (https://6a1af1d4-26ca-42e0-b119-d6cae0a4076b.usrfiles.com/ugd/6a1af1_74b83d6a8cba4ea9bf3a907c4466c404.docx)to record the data during the audit • A Waste Audit Data Tracker (https://6a1af1d4-26ca-42e0-b119-d6cae0a4076b.usrfiles.com/ugd/6a1af1_03524934ba08405c856c1aaf9061aeeb.xlsx)- a spreadsheet to record the data from each audit into. You can find them in the Downloads section below. You should also consider the following logistics when planning your waste audit: • Location - a place that is not accessible by attendees, with enough space to complete the waste audit works best. • Staff - depending on the size of your event, you will need multiple staff to assist with the process. • Bin collection schedule - conduct your waste audit on a schedule that works for your cleaning staff.

A method you can use to quantify how many reusable items are used at your event is to physically count them as they are returned for wash-up.  A simple method for counting reusable items is as follows: 1. Set up a designated area to count your reusable cups and/or foodware Choose a clear, flat surface near the wash-up area to sort and count your reusables. Keep it dry, clean and tidy. Set up tubs, crates, or trays for each item type to ensure everything is sorted correctly.  Have a compost bin within reach to dispose of any food waste left inside reusable foodware items. 1. Sort reusables as they arrive As volunteers or staff bring in used items, separate them immediately into categories (e.g., cups, bowls, plates, lids, cutlery). Place any leftover food into the compost bin and empty cups of liquids so items can be stacked neatly. 1. Stack reusables consistently Stack cups or foodware items in piles of 5 or 10 - this makes counting easier. 1. Count the reusables Count each stack of cups or foodware items. Multiply the number by how many items are in each stack. 1. Record your results Record the number of reusables on your data sheet.(https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_3d75c21d434440c7b3328a54bb980668.docx) 1. Wash-up reusables and redistribute Continue with your wash-up process. 1. Repeat with every new batch of used cups or foodware items Repeat the process when you receive more used cups and/or foodware items. Record your results again on your data sheet.(https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_3d75c21d434440c7b3328a54bb980668.docx) 1. Keep a record of your results  Enter your daily tally into your data tracker (https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_9e19b674570d437489eb63cdfd7ae6cf.xlsx)at the end of the day. This helps keep all your data in one place and makes data analysis easier. Aim to conduct these counts throughout the entirety of your event. We have provided several documents to assist you: • A template Reusables Wash-up Data Sheet,(https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_3d75c21d434440c7b3328a54bb980668.docx) to record the data during the survey. • An Reusables Wash-up Data Tracker (https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_bfcc07acb5bb48ab92af62d27718bc77.xlsx)- a spreadsheet to record the data from each day/count into. You can find them in the Downloads section below.

Surveys are designed to gather insights into attendee’s attitudes, opinions, and behaviours regarding reusable cups and foodware. They help gather qualitative data about your project’s success and provide valuable qualitative data to guide your reusable switches.  For example, you might learn that visitors prefer metal over ceramic cups, helping you to select a reusable cup design that everyone will enjoy. Comparing ongoing survey data reveals trends, patterns, and changes over the length of your project. Use this analysis to evaluate your success. The easiest way to survey guests is a short, closed questionnaire via an electronic survey system at your event, or by emailing ticket holders after the event. Ensure your delivery methods adhere to the data security and privacy requirements of your organisation.   A template Attendee Survey (https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_b409c141c1634f36a1a7f5ac9708f4f2.docx)is available and can be tailored to suit your event. You can find it in the Downloads section below.

Asking your vendors to set up their POS systems to collect the number of reusable cups and/or containers you provide is an excellent way to streamline the data collection process. There is a way to do this on most modern POS systems; the process will vary between them.  We’ve developed a useful POS Data Collection information sheet (https://84587dc4-1d57-4a4a-b54c-822aa35c75b8.usrfiles.com/ugd/84587d_abaa5eb882c84863900a612fe839d409.docx)to show you how. You can find it in the Downloads section below.