This blog has been updated with new resources as of September 2024. Read the newer version here.
For more information on how to build an exceptional recycling program for your amusement park, click here.
With thousands of daily visitors, hundreds of food vendors, and unpredictable weather, creating an effective recycling program can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled 8 essential resources to help you improve your amusement park’s recycling program!
From standardizing your program to adding more recycling stations and reducing contamination, these strategies are common in the recycling community. While they’re proven methods, each comes with its own set of challenges—and that’s where your expertise makes the difference!
The team at Busch Systems has put together this list of 8 free resources to help you run a world-class recycling and waste management program at your park. If you know of additional resources, please share them in the comments, and we’ll add them to the list. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference when you want to sharpen your recycling and waste management skills.
Sustainability in Theme Parks [Blog]~15 min read.
Why should an amusement or theme park care about sustainability? When you’re in the early stages of making changes to your waste management program, it is important to consider why these changes are important, and how you can be as sustainable as possible. Check out this short blog for 5 quick tips on how to improve sustainability within your park while also improving your guest experience.
Amusement Parks Waste Recycling Considerations and Equipment [Webpage]~25 min read.
If you’re looking into major changes with your waste and recycling program, this guide is extremely helpful in listing the equipment you will need. It even includes a list of tips and examples of major amusement parks that follow these guidelines.
Public Space Recycling- A Review of Better Practices [Blog]~20 min read.
Recycling in any public space can be challenging, it can be extremely difficult to get guests on board with your program. Check out this blog by CIF that outlines 4 important lessons when it comes to implementing a recycling program and how you can effectively communicate your recycling program!
Walt Disney World Environmental Sustainability [Webpage]~25 min read.
Disney World in Florida is one of the world’s largest and globally recognized parks, so who better to learn from? Take a look at some of their environmental initiatives, including recycling. They may have some techniques that you can borrow to implement at your park!
Taking Action on Waste Info Sheets [Webpage]~25 min read.
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Plan) in the UK provides a few quick fact sheets to help reduce waste in various sectors, which includes hotels, restaurants and pubs. They are extremely easy reading, and although the numbers are based on UK stats, it still provides some amazing insight that will help address problems within your waste management program, and how to solve them.
How do we address Environmental Sustainability in Entertainment Design? [Blog]~15 min read.
This article outlines a number of sustainable ideas and solutions that are attempting to make amusement parks more eco-friendly. If you’re attempting to make your park more sustainable, consider some of these ideas that are being explored at theme parks around the world!
Effectiveness of prompts and models on food composting by restaurant patrons [Study]~90+ min read.
Introducing an organics stream in public spaces can be challenging but rewarding. This study tested ways to increase composting in food courts and fast-food restaurants using table-top signs and models demonstrating the behavior. It highlights that seeing others compost is far more effective than signs alone, offering practical insight for encouraging participation beyond just bin placement in your waste management program.
Waste Management in Selected National Parks: A Review [Academic Paper]~90+ min read.
Although this paper was written about national parks, many aspects of it ring true with amusement parks as well. The review explains the importance of waste management and how to keep public areas clean, while arguing important factors of educating and communicating effective waste management to the public, or your guests.
And there you have it! Plenty of resources to get your journey to sustainable waste management started. We’ll continue to update this page as we see more great information come down the pipe. And again, if you think we’ve missed some more resources, feel free to comment below.
Stay tuned!
For more information on how to build an exceptional recycling program for your attraction, click here.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
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Start with “Why” – Understand the importance of sustainability and how improvements benefit both your park and your guests.
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Standardize and Expand – Clear procedures, additional recycling stations, and reducing contamination are critical for success.
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Learn from the Best – Look to major parks like Disney World and global examples for strategies you can adapt.
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Equip Wisely – Choosing the right recycling and waste equipment makes programs more effective and easier to manage.
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Engage Guests – Effective communication and interactive strategies (like organics programs) significantly increase participation.
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Use Free Resources – Blogs, guides, fact sheets, and studies provide valuable insights without cost.
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Think Beyond Placement – Success isn’t just about bins—it’s about program design, education, and guest behavior.
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Continuous Improvement – Recycling and waste management programs evolve; keep learning, testing, and refining.
