City of Munich: Oktoberfest

The City of Munich has transformed Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, into a global example of sustainable waste management. Whether it's a beer or a wine mug - over six million visitors drink and eat entirely from reusable containers on the 38 hectares of the Oktoberfest. The key to success is the reusable requirement laid down in the Munich waste regulations, which applies to all events in public spaces. Since the early 1990s, measures to reduce waste have focused on banning disposable tableware and cutlery, encouraging reusable systems for beverage bottles as well as for transport containers, and optimizing recycling efforts. These initiatives have reduced of ten times waste per visitor, demonstrating how an event of such a large scale can implement effective waste reduction strategies while maintaining tradition.