![Reading Festival has laid out its Look Out For The Planet pledge ahead of its return next week, bringing measures set to promote sustainability. Picture: Luke Dyson [LukeDyson.com]](https://wokingham.today/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Img1871502-360x180.jpg)
Reading Borough Council is joining forces with Festival Republic to tackle the environmental effects of the festival.
A climate emergency was declared by the council back in 2019 and it committed to carbon neutrality by 2030.
Together with Festival Republic, it is urging festival goers to say no to single-use plastics and make use of refillable water bottles and water points at the event.
Refundable deposits are also in use for any bottles and cups bought on site, redeemable at refund points in the main arena.
It is also urging those who are camping to take tents home with them, as the majority of abandoned tents end up in landfill.
It also reminds attendees that the event uses a ‘three bin’ system, with compostable waste, recyclable waste, and general waste separated into three bins.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety, said: “People come to Reading Festival to have a good time, and we are delighted with the long relationship we have with Festival Republic and the positive notoriety and focus the festival brings our town.
“What we are not eager to see, is the negative notoriety that seems to follow after the event is held. We know that Festival Republic understands our concerns and we are pleased to see their continuing work and initiatives in encouraging their participants to think seriously about their impact on the environment while they are here.
She said the council wanted visitors to the town to embrace its climate emergency goals, and to “play their part in achieving those aims along with us.”
“We happily support the ways in which Festival Republic and the volunteers within our community seek to encourage that response.
“We will continue to scrutinise the situation, alongside working with the organisers, who are ultimately responsible for their own waste management policies, to ensure that everyone is minimising their impact on the environment.”
Reading Festival takes place at Little John’s Farm, Richfield Avenue, from Friday to Sunday, August 26-28
