A look inside the garbage can: assessing the sustainability and waste management efforts in the 2015 Prince George Canada Winter Games

Abstract

As a form of urban boosterism, cities will host large scale events in hopes of rebranding or garnering national or international attention. In an effort to rebrand and market itself as a 'Winter City', Prince George, BC, Canada hosted the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Even though urban boosterism has historically emphasized the economic impacts of hosting events, there is an increasing consideration of environmental impacts seen in reports from events like the Canada Games and the Olympics. This study assessed how efforts to employ sustainability through waste management were employed within the context of the limitations and challenges specific to Prince George. By conducting a waste audit, this study examined waste types and sources. In addition, participant observation and key interviews were used to provide context and reasoning for the results of the waste audit. Without prioritization and sufficient budgeting, implementing comprehensive waste management presented a unique set of challenges leading to only modest diversion rates. Future events should focus on the local context, including local staff, to be better prepared to prioritize and budget effectively for waste management planning.