Sustainable Events Canterbury (SEC) is a collaborative framework that supports event organisers to reduce waste and promote responsible packaging, supported by Christchurch City Council and Selwyn District Council through guidance and tools.

Register your event for the Sustainable Events Canterbury project

Sustainable Events Canterbury (SEC) combines the legacy of Christchurch City Council’s Composting Food Packaging at Events (CFPE) initiative with Selwyn District Council’s Selwyn Events Sustainably programme. It was designed to support events that want to reduce landfill waste by using compostable packaging and effective sorting systems.

This model is now self-managed by event organisers and waste providers.

Events that choose to participate can operate a closed-loop system, where food is served in packaging that meets composting requirements. Waste is collected in three streams:

  • Green: Food scraps and compostable packaging, which must meet local composting requirements. 
  • Yellow: Clean cardboard, plastic bottles, drink cans, glass bottles.
  • Red: Landfill waste, including all lids and non-recyclables. 

Some events choose to add bin ambassadors or signage to support public education and help event attendees use the correct bins. After the event, most waste is hand-sorted by the waste contractor or staff/volunteers to reduce contamination and ensure compost and recycling are accepted.

Not all compostable products are actually compostable in all composting facilities. Event organisers must ensure vendors select packaging that meets current composting requirements - check with your waste provider or local composting facility before buying. 

For all technical packaging, bin, and sorting questions, please speak with your chosen waste management provider.

If you want to divert waste from your event to recycling and compost, you can talk to our events development team via eventsdevelopment@ccc.govt.nz or talk to your waste management provider.

Participating in this project offers a fantastic opportunity for event organisers to make a positive impact on the environment.

As event organisers, we have a shared responsibility to minimise our events' environmental footprint. By embracing sustainable practices, you'll enhance the culture of your event, demonstrating leadership in sustainable event management and encouraging attendees to join the movement.

With the Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw now in effect, it’s essential for events to address waste management proactively.

Engaging in sustainable practices can also boost your chances of securing funding and sponsorship, and help build your reputation within the industry. Plus, by participating, you'll be supporting local businesses and contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.

For more details on how to get involved, please refer to the Sustainable Events Canterbury: Organisers Guide [PDF, 150 KB].

If you're ready to take the next step, simply complete the online application(external link).

Canterbury Event Waste Sustainability Guide [PDF, 1.3 MB]

In Christchurch, our vision is to create a more vibrant city through memorable events. We recognise the value these events provide to our community, but we’re also aware of the negative impacts that waste generated at events can have on our natural environment.

In line with circular economy thinking, we're taking action to minimise these impacts through sustainable event management practices.

Approved compostable packaging, as listed in the exhibitor guide below, is sent to local facilities in Christchurch and Selwyn based on the event location. These facilities can only accept packaging that meets international composting standards and other local requirements.

Since many products on the market claim to be compostable without proper standards in New Zealand, our initiative only endorses packaging that has been thoroughly vetted.

Please note that due to recent changes to what can be accepted at the facilities our list of approved packaging has been updated. Composting standards and requirements do change occasionally, so the list may change again as new developments occur.

Exhibitors, which include food vendors, stall holders or caterers who have participated in this project in the past, will be notified of any changes to the approved packaging list via email.

The recent changes to the list of approved packaging include the removal of products which contain intentionally added PFAS, the removal of products which had expired certificates, and the removal of products which contain coloured inks, including napkins and straws.

For the complete list of approved packaging and conditions for food vendors, please refer to the Sustainable Events Canterbury Exhibitor Guide [PDF, 600 KB].

While approved compostable packaging used at events can be purchased by the public or taken home, it must be disposed of in your red bin at home.

In a controlled event setting, these products are managed effectively. However, if placed in your green bin at home, they cannot be differentiated from non-compostable items, which can interfere with the composting process. Therefore, all event-related food packaging should go into your red bin at home.

At present, only events in Christchurch and Selwyn participating in this project can commercially compost their food and packaging waste. Other cities in New Zealand might have different requirements and standards for compost processing.

More information on what can go in your green bin at home.

Image credit: Without Waste.