Home Page
mail Contact Us
notifications About Our New Website
Menu Close
City of Sacramento
Main Menu Close Menu
mail Contact
Search Close
Translate

Use the menus above to navigate by City Departments or Categories.

You can also use the Search function below to find specific content on our site.

Department
Community Development
Department
Community Response
Department
Convention and Cultural Services
Department
Finance
Department
Fire Department
Department
Human Resources
Department
Information Technology
Department
Mayor and Council
Department
Office of Public Safety Accountability
Department
Office of the City Attorney
Department
Office of the City Auditor
Department
Office of the City Clerk
Department
Office of the City Manager
Department
Office of the City Treasurer
Department
Police Department
Department
Public Works
Department
Utilities
Department
Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment
Category
hiking Activities
Arts & Culture
Camps
Classes & Group Activities
Community Centers
Events & Entertainment
Sports
Swimming
Category
pets Animals & Pets
Animals & Pets
Category
domain_add Building & Planning
Construction
Inspections
Planning
Property Lines & Surveying
Zoning
Category
store Business
Business
Cannabis
Economic Development
Innovation
Suppliers & Vendors
Category
account_tree City Administration
Accountability & Oversight
Boards & Commissions
City Attorney
City Manager
City Structure & Policies
Customer Service
Elections
Mayor & City Council
Transparency
Category
category City Assets & Data
City Buildings & Property
City Vehicles
Records
Transparency
Category
explore City Regions
Council Districts
Neighborhoods
Property Lines & Surveying
Zoning
Category
diversity_4 Community Support
Accessibility
Community Centers
Community Engagement
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Homelessness
Housing
Older Adults
Volunteering
Youth
Category
theater_comedy Culture & History
Arts & Culture
Events & Entertainment
Sacramento History
Category
business_center Employment
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Employees & Retirees
Employment
Volunteering
Workforce Development
Category
directions Infrastructure
Bridges
Drinking Water
Information Technology
Infrastructure Finance
Stormwater & Flooding
Streets & Roads
Trails
Wastewater & Sewer
Category
gavel Law, Code & Compliance
Code Enforcement
Inspections
Law & Code
Permits
Category
payments Money
Accounting
City Budget
Claims, Rebates & Discounts
Debt Management
Economic Development
Grants
Infrastructure Finance
Investment & Cash Management
Payments & Fees
Taxes
Category
park Outdoors & Sustainability
Bicycles
Boating
Camps
Climate & Sustainability
Parks
Scooters
Sports
Swimming
Trails
Trees
Weather
Category
local_police Safety
Alternative Response
Crime
Emergency Management
Emergency Response
Fire
Inspections
Police Department
Prevention & Personal Safety
Stormwater & Flooding
Weather
Category
directions_car Transportation
Bicycles
Boating
Driving
Electric Vehicles
Parking
Public Transportation
Scooters
Traffic
Walking
Category
delete_sweep Utility Services
Drinking Water
Recycling
Trash
Wastewater & Sewer
Back to categories Back to Departments

Search for content

Search
Use the search box at the top to perform your search.
Commercial Waste Services

Special Event Waste Management

sunset at festival with people milling around open_in_full

If you are planning an event in Sacramento, you may be required to submit a waste management plan to comply with City Code 13.24.460 and state diversion laws. This page explains who needs to submit, what to include, and how to send your documents correctly.

Special Event Waste Management Requirements

Who needs to submit

  • Events with 500 or more people (including staff, vendors, and volunteers) must submit a Waste Management Plan. 
  • Events with 2,000 or more people that charge admission or participation fees must also submit a Post-Event Diversion Report within 60 days after the event.

Deadlines

  • Waste Management Plan: 30 days before the event 
  • Post-Event Diversion Report: 60 days after the event

Reminder: Submit ONE complete packet with your plan, map, and proof of service. Incomplete packets will not be reviewed and will be rejected.

Downloadable Forms

Cover Sheet & Checklist Download
Cover Sheet & Checklist
Waste Management Plan Download
Waste Management Plan
Event Waste Requirements Download
Event Waste Requirements
Post-Event Diversion Report Download
Post-Event Diversion Report
Staff assisting customer on the phone and using a computer station open_in_full

Assistance available

City staff are happy to meet with event organizers in advance of the waste plan submission to answer questions and provide advice on best practices.

Contact us at
wastecompliance@cityofsacramento.org
or 916-808-4846.

How to submit

All required materials must be submitted together in one complete packet. Do not send separate files in multiple emails.

Send your packet to: wastecompliance@cityofsacramento.org

Your packet must include:

  1. Cover sheet and checklist
  2. Completed Waste Plan (fillable PDF) 
  3. Event site map showing:
    All guest receptacles (trash, recycling, organics if food is present)
    Any bins or roll-offs used by staff or vendors oFood areas and restrooms
    Labels or a legend for clarity 
  4. Proof of service for each waste stream (such as signed hauler agreements, self-haul confirmation, or back-haul contact information) 

Submissions missing required documents will be rejected. Permits are not issued until a complete packet is approved.

Step-by-Step

1. Determine if your event qualifies
  • 500 or more people = Waste Plan required
  • 2,000 or more paid attendees = Post-event report required
  • If food is served or allowed, organics collection is required.

2. Plan your service
  • Trash and recycling are mandatory for all events.
  • Organics bins are required when food is involved.
  • Co-locate bins and use state-mandated colors (black/gray for trash, blue for recycling, green for organics).

3. Assemble your packet
  • Use the cover sheet to make sure all required documents are included.
  • Include your map and proof of service.
  • Sign and date the certification statement.

4. Submit the packet
  • Email the entire packet to wastecompliance@cityofsacramento.org
  • Submit at least 30 days before your event.

5. On-site requirements
  • Place bins as shown on your map.
  • Keep access clear for haulers.
  • Monitor bins to prevent overflow.
  • Use approved colors and signage.

6. After the event (if applicable)
  • Submit the Post-Event Diversion Report within 60 days if required.

Timeline Overview 
TimeframeAction
30 days before eventSubmit complete packet
Review periodCity review and approval
Event dayImplement your service plan
60 days after eventSubmit post-event report if required

Common mistakes

  • Sending documents in separate emails 
  • Forgetting to include a site map 
  • Not labeling all bin locations on the map 
  • Missing signed hauler agreements or proof of service 
  • Submitting after the deadline 
  • Colocation of garbage and recycling 

Use the cover sheet checklist to make sure everything is included before you send it.

Enforcement

City staff may inspect events to verify compliance. Failure to submit a complete packet on time may result in permit delays, loss of eligibility for future events, or fines.

City Code 13.24.460 applies to all special events.

Reminder: Submit ONE complete packet with your plan, map, and proof of service. Incomplete packets will not be reviewed and will be rejected.

More

Container Requirements and Signage at Special Events
Required Services for Special Events
Waste Requirements for Mobile and Temporary Food Vending

ON THIS PAGE