Question 1

How far in advance should we plan a collection event?

Accepted Answer

Ideally 6-8 weeks for a full-scale community event (permitting can take 2-4 weeks). Corporate campus events with fewer regulatory requirements can be organized in 3-4 weeks. Earth Day events should be booked by early March.

Question 2

What permits are needed?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by location. Typical needs include: temporary event permits from the city, traffic management plans for public roads, hazardous waste collection permits (if accepting batteries, chemicals, or paint), and liability insurance certificates. We handle all permit applications.

Question 3

How many people can an event handle?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the site layout and materials collected. A single-lane drive-through typically processes 100-150 vehicles per hour. Multi-lane setups handle 300+. We design the traffic flow to minimize wait times — target is under 10 minutes per vehicle.

Question 4

Can we collect hazardous materials at an event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with proper permitting. We hold temporary hazardous waste collection permits and staff events with trained hazmat personnel. Common items: batteries, paint, solvents, fluorescent tubes, and household chemicals.

Question 5

What does the impact report include?

Accepted Answer

Total weight collected by material type, number of participants/vehicles, diversion rate, estimated environmental impact (CO2 avoided, water saved, energy conserved), and comparison to previous events if applicable. Photos and media coverage summary included.

Question 6

Can you provide on-site document shredding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our mobile shredding trucks are a popular addition to collection events. Participants watch their documents get shredded in real time. We provide Certificates of Destruction for businesses bringing confidential materials.

Question 7

What happens to collected materials?

Accepted Answer

Everything is transported to certified processing facilities after the event. Electronics go through R2/e-Stewards processors. Batteries and hazmat go to licensed TSDFs. Paper goes to mills. We provide processing documentation for every material stream.

Question 8

How much does a collection event cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary based on duration, staffing needs, materials collected, and processing fees. A basic 4-hour corporate event starts around $3,000-5,000. Full-day community events with hazmat capabilities run $8,000-15,000. Municipal events can be structured as fee-based or sponsor-funded.

Collection Events — Frequently Asked Questions