Should Concerts and Festivals Be Required To Go Zero Waste?
Introduction>>
Concerts and festivals create unforgettable moments ? and massive piles of trash. Plastic cups, food containers, and signs often end up in landfills. This raises a key question: Should event organizers be required to run zero-waste events, with strict rules on what enters, how it’s reused, and what gets recycled or composted?
Constructive Debater 1 Loren
We should make zero waste mandatory to push concerts and festivals to overhaul their systems, not just add more recycling bins. Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. proves this is achievable. After banning single-use plastic bottles, it expanded refill stations and required vendors to use compostable containers, drastically cutting waste. Some events partner with local composting and washing services, so cups, cutlery, and food boxes are reused or turned into soil. If major festivals adopt zero-waste rules, they can set an example for smaller events and prove that celebrating and protecting the planet can go hand in hand.
Constructive Debater 2 Olivia
Strict zero-waste rules can backfire because they are costly. Smaller community festivals often can’t afford reusable cup systems, extra staff, or required audits when they’re already struggling to pay artists and security. If every item must meet strict standards, vendors may raise prices, and ticket costs can rise. Many cities also lack composting or washing facilities, forcing organizers to ship waste elsewhere, which increases emissions. A flexible approach ? one that supports local capacity and gradual improvements ? can reduce trash without placing unfair burdens on small organizers or attendees.
Rebuttal Debater 1 Loren
Those concerns are valid, but strong zero-waste standards can make things easier for smaller festivals. If governments or festival networks provide shared guidelines and negotiate bulk contracts for reusable cups and food containers, small events can opt in without having to redesign everything from scratch. Costs can also drop when millions of items are reused instead of being purchased new each year. And zero-waste rules don’t need to be all-or-nothing. Starting with the worst offenders, like single-use plastic bottles, keeps the transition realistic and affordable.
Rebuttal Debater 2 Olivia
While zero-waste systems sound ideal, they assume that all festivals operate under the same conditions. Many rely on temporary venues, volunteer staff, or unpredictable weather, which makes managing reusable items difficult. Large festivals may have the influence to negotiate contracts, but small organizers often lack storage space for collected materials or the ability to track returns. And even well-designed programs fail if attendees don’t follow the rules. Without addressing these limitations, mandatory zero-waste policies risk creating standards that only look good on paper but fail in real settings.
Judge’s Comments
Both sides raised strong points on zero-waste standards. Loren painted a vivid picture of eco-friendly festivals, while Olivia kept it grounded with real-world challenges. What do you think?
May For The Junior Times junior/1764139498/1613368104
1. Why do festivals generate so much waste during large events?
2. How can zero waste rules positively influence major festival operations?
3. What challenges do small festivals face when adopting zero waste?
4. How did banning single-use plastic bottles reduce festival waste effectively?
1. Do you personally bring reusable items when attending music festivals?
2. How would prices affect your support for zero waste festivals?
3. Would zero waste policies change how you enjoy outdoor events?
4. Have you noticed waste problems at concerts you have attended before?
Introduction>>
Rebuttal Debater 1 Loren 
