That's a fantastic and very practical question for anyone organizing events in cities. The short answer is: it depends heavily on the event type and crowd dynamics, but a hybrid strategy often wins. Let's break it down.
Having many small, strategically placed bins is excellent for immediate litter control. At a dense street festival or parade, people won't walk far to dispose of a wrapper. Small bins placed every 20-30 meters prevent the "first piece of litter" effect, where one piece on the ground encourages more. They promote convenience and immediate cleanliness, which is crucial for crowd morale and safety (no one wants to slip on trash). However, they fill up incredibly fast, requiring constant, labor-intensive monitoring and emptying. If neglected, they become overflowing eyesores and defeat their purpose.
On the other hand, fewer, larger, high-capacity bins are logistically simpler. They require fewer collection points and less frequent emptying, reducing operational strain on staff. Placed at key exit points, food courts, or transportation hubs, they capture waste as people naturally move. This can be more efficient for large, spread-out gatherings like concerts in parks. The risk? If they are too few or poorly located, you'll see litter piles around them and trash strewn along the paths leading to them, as people won't carry waste over long distances.
The most effective approach is a combination. Use numerous small bins for high-traffic, "generation zones" like food vendor lines and seating areas for instant capture. Then, supplement them with clearly marked, large-capacity "collection stations" at major exits and central points. This creates a funnel system. Clear signage ("Thank you for using our bins!") and consistent, visible emptying schedules are just as important as the bin itself. Ultimately, the goal isn't just to have containers; it's to design a waste flow system that matches human behavior, keeping spaces clean and safe for everyone.