Solid Waste and Restrooms

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION & REMOVAL and WATER USAGE

City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Department, 704-336-2253

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, 704-399-2426

All event organizers are required to provide waste removal services and must restore the event site to its original condition following the conclusion of event activities. The City’s Solid Waste Services Department provides trash and recycling material removal services for most events on public property located within the I-277 loop. Events outside of Center City, and events exclusively held on private property will be required to contract with an outside waste removal services provider.

Trash Removal

Events should provide routine trash removal services throughout the duration of the event. This includes the provision of trash and recycling containers.

Recycled Materials

Event organizers are required to collect and properly dispose of the following recyclable materials: Aluminum/Steel, Cardboard, Glass, and All Plastics except #6.

Food Vendors (Disposal of Oil, Grease & Ash)

Food vendors are required to make arrangements to dispose of any oil, grease and/or ash in a safe and legal manner. For large events, the City will provide oil and grease recycling service to food vendors. The event organizer will be held financially responsible for any grease spills and stains on City streets and sidewalks. The disposal of cooking oil and grease down City storm drains or in tree wells or flower beds is strictly prohibited.

Locations for Dumpsters and Recycling and Trash Removal Fleet

In order to safely provide trash and recycled material removal, locations for dumpsters, recycling trucks and garbage trucks must be provided within the event site. Prior to finalizing the event site plan, event organizers must coordinate these needs with the City’s Solid Waste Services Department.

Additional Requirements

• Due to the extensive clean-up required, the following items are not allowed for use in the event site: stickers or decals (including those distributed to event patrons), streamers, confetti.
• No posters, handbills or similar printed material shall be attached to trees or any public property (light poles, benches, news racks, etc.)
• No banners shall be attached to or strung between light poles, traffic poles, trees, etc.
• Animal waste removal is the sole responsibility of the event organizer.
• Animal Drawn wagons, carriages, or devices must have diapers and accompanied by a cleaning crew to clean up after the animals whether in parades, events, or gatherings

All trash and recycled materials must be removed from the event site prior to the end of permitted time. Failure to do so may result in additional charges.

Water Use & Discharge

Non-Potable and Potable Water

Non-Potable water can be used to fill barricades and tent weights. Event organizers must supply potable water for drinking and cooking activities related to the event. For events in Center City, potable water may be available through City-operated fire hydrants. Charlotte Water Customer Service can coordinate access to potable and non-potable water supply (fees will be applied for each hydrant tap).  All locations needing potable water must be identified on the event site map.

Grey Water

Event organizers are responsible for the collection and proper disposal of grey water (water generated from hand washing, dish washing, etc). The pouring of grey water (including ice) down City storm water drains, in tree wells, flower beds or any landscaped area is strictly prohibited.

Discharge of Waste or Wastewater into Permanent Infrastructure

Any need to discharge waste or wastewater into the permanent City sewer or wastewater infrastructure must be coordinated through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department. Associated permits and fees will apply.

If you are using a vendor other than the City’s Solid Waste Services Department, you must provide a copy of the agreement between your organization and the agency providing the sanitation/recycling services. This agreement letter cannot be a quote or a proposal and must include the following:

• Contact information: Name and number of person responsible during event for services
• Overview of services provided
• Number of staff provided by agency
• Number and size of trash and recycling receptacles provided by the agency
• Date trash & recycling will be removed from event location
• Types of recyclables that will be collected (aluminum, all plastics (except #6), cardboard)
• Description of the signage used to identify recycling bins and promote recycling
• For all events with food vendors, please address your plan to remove any oil, grease or ash generated
• Plan for restoration of the event area

If you are using volunteers for removal and restoration assistance, please provide a list of volunteers and scope of responsibilities, plans for procurement of trash & recycling containers and plans for disposal. Please discuss this plan with the City’s Solid Waste Services Department prior to your event.

RESTROOM PLAN

Event organizers are required to provide an adequate number of temporary toilets for event patrons. A percentage of your restroom facilities must be American Disability Act (ADA) compliant and located in an unobstructed area. All temporary restroom facilities must be clearly labeled on the event site plan.

• If alcoholic beverages are sold/available, add 40% from the base number required.
• The ADA requires, at a minimum, 5% and no less than one accessible unit in each porta potty location and there must be an accessible route to each of these units.
• Your site plan must indicate the location(s) and number of all restroom facilities
• For multi-day events, all portable restrooms must be maintained and restocked as needed
• The temporary restroom vendor is responsible for the collection and proper removal of grey water (from hand-washing). The disposal of grey water down City storm water drains is prohibited.
• Parades, Road Races and Charitable Walks must have restrooms at both marshalling and disband area, and along the course if necessary
• All portable restrooms must be removed at the end of permitted time. Failure to remove them by the end of permitted time may result in significant penalties.
  
  

Restroom Planning Matrix