Zero Waste Event Certification

Zero Waste Event Certification provides a recognition and verification pathway for event organizers that plan, implement, document, and demonstrate Zero Waste practices before, during, and after an event.

Zero Waste Canada provides the event certification framework, review process, verification requirements, and final recognition or certification decisions. HSR Zero Waste supports applicants with readiness review, documentation preparation, process guidance, and certification support.

When Should You Start?

Event organizers should begin the certification process as early as possible.

We recommend starting 6 to 12 months before the event whenever possible. This gives the event team time to plan properly, set vendor expectations, prepare attendee communications, organize collection systems, develop tracking methods, and make improvements before the event takes place.

A minimum of 3 months before the event is recommended for events seeking pre-event recognition or certification support. Shorter timelines may still be reviewed, but may limit the level of planning, support, verification, and recognition available.

Event Recognition and Certification Pathway

All events begin with On the Road to Zero Waste Recognition as the first step in the Zero Waste Event Certification process.

On the Road Recognition may be awarded before an event when the organizer has developed a Zero Waste event plan, established reduction and reuse priorities, prepared vendor and attendee communications, and put tracking and diversion systems in place.

After the event, the organizer submits the required documentation, including event tracking reports, waste audit results where applicable, diversion results, photos, communications, and a post-event summary or case study.

If the event meets the applicable certification criteria, including required planning, documentation, verification, and performance outcomes such as 90% or greater diversion from landfill and incineration where applicable, the event may then receive Zero Waste Event Certification.

If the event does not yet meet the full certification criteria or diversion targets, it may retain or receive On the Road to Zero Waste Recognition based on the planning, implementation, documentation, and progress achieved. This recognition can support post-event communications and help the organizer build toward stronger performance at the next event.

Certification Review and Verification

Zero Waste Event Certification is reviewed against Zero Waste Canada’s event certification criteria, including planning, reduction and reuse efforts, attendee and vendor engagement, material tracking, post-event reporting, and verified diversion from landfill and incineration.

Final recognition or certification is issued by Zero Waste Canada based on the event’s submitted documentation, verification process, and demonstrated level of progress.

Who Gets Certified and Why?

Events of different sizes, formats, and sectors can work toward Zero Waste Event Certification.

This may include conferences, trade shows, festivals, fairs, sports events, corporate events, community events, cultural events, public celebrations, outdoor gatherings, meetings, conventions, and venue-hosted events.

Common motivations include:

• Reducing event waste and improving material management
• Strengthening vendor, attendee, staff, and volunteer engagement
• Supporting sustainability goals and event planning standards
• Improving tracking, reporting, and post-event evaluation
• Demonstrating leadership in event sustainability
• Meeting expectations from clients, sponsors, venues, partners, or the community
• Building a stronger values-based event brand
• Using a structured framework for measurable event improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of events can apply?

Zero Waste Event Certification can apply to conferences, trade shows, festivals, sports events, corporate events, community events, public celebrations, outdoor gatherings, meetings, conventions, and other event formats.

When should we start the certification process?

We recommend starting 6 to 12 months before the event whenever possible. A minimum of 3 months before the event is recommended for events seeking pre-event recognition or certification support.

What recognition can an event receive?

All events begin with On the Road to Zero Waste Recognition as the first step. Events that meet the applicable certification criteria after documentation and verification review may receive Zero Waste Event Certification. Events that make meaningful progress but have not yet meet full certification criteria will receive or maintain On the Road Recognition.

Can recurring certified events promote a future event as Zero Waste Certified?

Recurring events that have previously achieved Zero Waste Event Certification may be eligible to promote a future event as Zero Waste Certified before the event, provided the event returns to the same venue and uses a materially consistent Zero Waste event plan, operating model, vendor requirements, communication plan, collection system, and tracking process.

How do I get started?

Start by booking an introductory call. The support team will review your event type, timeline, current planning status, and readiness for recognition or certification.