Updated Special Event Guidelines were approved by the Mayor and City Commission on April 10, 2019.
The adopted special event guidelines include the following sustainability and environmental measures / regulations:
INCLUDE AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY ENHANCEMENTS
New standards to prohibit plastic straws / stir sticks, glass, Styrofoam, plastic bags, and to promote biodegradable products, reusable utensils, alternative fuel sources, bicycle valet services, and car-pooling.
. Environment & Sustainability These items listed below are intended to help preserve the health and welfare of the City of Miami Beach’s coastal areas.
The City of Miami Beach supports sustainable practices at all events with a goal to reduce waste generation and divert waste to recycling. In order to achieve this goal, special events must follow the below guidelines:
• The use of any expanded polystyrene (commonly referred to as “Styrofoam”), glass containers and plastic straws and stirs materials are prohibited by City code.
• Applicants shall not vend or offer glass containers, plastic lids, plastic straws, plastic beverage stirrers, plastic sandwich containers, packaged condiments, and/or packaged seasonings.
• No plastic bags should be distributed during special events. Instead the applicant should use paper or reusable bags (materials can vary, such as calico, cotton, recycled PET, hemp, jute and others).
• The applicant shall pursue the use of service material, including cups and napkins, made of biodegradable or recycled material. All serving dishes/containers, food, beverages, condiments necessary to include biodegradable tableware; plates, bowls, hot and cold cups, flatware, wooden coffee stirrers, etc., when reusable food ware or food services articles are not feasible.
• The City encourages the use of unbleached, non-coated, recycled-content, paper food service articles and other fiber-based food service articles as the most environmentally preferable alternatives when the use of reusable food ware is not feasible.
• The applicant is encouraged to not use or provide any type of straws. If the use of straws is requested, please use paper or bamboo or stainless steel or copper reusable straws or other kinds of reusable materials. The use of plastic straws is prohibited by City Code.
• The applicant shall consider greenhouse gas emissions when deploying generators for power and use an alternative fuel or solar powered generator or equipment. An alternative fuel is defined as biodiesel, compressed natural gas, propane or solar. Special Events Requirements and Guidelines 27
• The applicant is encouraged to use composting toilets and toilets that conserve water.
• Applicant is encouraged to provide amenities for bicyclists by including any one of the following: bike racks, bike valet services or a designated secure area for bicycle parking.
• Applicant shall within their event broadcasts, promote carpooling, bicycling, walking and usage of public transit.
• The applicant shall clean up all zip ties and screws at the time of installation /clipping
• The applicant is encouraged to procure local food in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel, as well as support the local economy.
• The applicant is encouraged to procure food with biodegradable, recyclable and/or minimum packaging.
• Applicants are encouraged to reduce the amount of packaging in general and use either recycled packaging materials or packaging that does not contain packaging inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, and additives with levels of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium in packaging inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, and additives equal to or greater than 100 parts per million.
• Applicants shall not intentionally release or organize the release of any number of balloons or sky lanterns. The release of these items into the atmosphere poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals. Balloon releases are also prohibited per Florida Statute 379.233.
• Storm drains and connections to open bodies of water shall be protected if special event is discharging any material that may impact the Biscayne Bay (glitter, disposable cups, confetti, etc.). As part of the events Sanitation Plan:
• Submit a recycling/waste plan to the Sanitation Division and E&S Dept. for review and approval: Waste plan must address the following: number of receptacles, planned bins location (recycling and waste bins should be paired), items to be recycled, outreach methods to reduce recycling contamination.
• Bin designs should meet the recommended designs for permanent bins within the recycling assessment including: specialized lids clear and visible messaging on all recycling bins. At a minimum, “cans and bottles” should be listed.
• Trash and recycling bins should always be required in areas where bottle or can beverages are served (i.e. bars or similar beverage stands).
• Applicants shall be responsible for removing all litter and shall be responsible for removing all refuse and waste generated by their operation. All litter, refuse, and waste shall be removed from City property for proper disposal at their expense. The City shall charge for the costs of special clean up necessary should the Applicant fail to reasonably perform.
• Beach Clean Up’s – Special consideration including waiving application fees, and vehicle beach accesses passes will be given to small groups and non-profit organizations that organize env