Every year, festival fields across the UK are left littered with abandoned tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear. While most people see this as a massive waste problem, Dean Betts saw an opportunity. The founder of Circular Camping, Dean is on a mission to repurpose this discarded equipment and turn it into sustainable solutions, all while creating a sense of community among festival-goers.
Dean’s journey started in an unexpected way. He recalls, “I heard an article on Radio 4 about the camping waste problem at the Isle of Wight Festival and thought, oh, free stock!” With a background in media and creative writing and a stint in outdoor retail, he launched Circular Camping in 2013. His goal was simple: collect, clean, and resell camping gear left behind at festivals.
Circular Camping has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Dean faced numerous challenges, from navigating health and safety regulations to convincing festival organisers to let him on site. But his persistence paid off, and now Circular Camping is a fixture at major festivals like Download and Bearded Theory. “We provide equipment that has been used before, typically salvaged from festival campsites, or items that we buy by the lorry load, like customer returns,” says Dean.
One of the standout features of Circular Camping is its unique volunteer programme. Unlike typical festival volunteer roles that might clash with the main attractions, Circular Camping’s positions are front-loaded. Volunteers help set up campsites before the festival begins, then enjoy the event with only light duties afterwards. “Our guys tend to get most of the actual festival off to go and enjoy themselves,” Dean explains. This model not only fosters a strong community spirit but also ensures the team is ready to help with pack-down and salvage operations post-event.
Dean’s innovative approach is making waves in the festival community. By focusing on sustainability and the circular economy, Circular Camping is setting a new standard for how festivals can operate. Partnering with festivals that prioritise sustainability is crucial for the company. “We want to work with festivals that have a similar vision and want to properly prioritise sustainability,” Dean emphasises.
Looking ahead, Dean envisions Circular Camping expanding its impact by collaborating with more festivals and eco-friendly brands. “We’re exploring partnerships that can help us scale our operations and reach a broader audience,” he notes. This includes working with designers to create new products from salvaged materials and enhancing their pre-pitched tent services to accommodate festival-goers with diverse needs.
Dean’s innovative approach is making waves in the festival community. By focusing on sustainability and the circular economy, Circular Camping is setting a new standard for how festivals can operate. Partnering with festivals that prioritise sustainability is crucial for the company. “We want to work with festivals that have a similar vision and want to properly prioritise sustainability,” Dean emphasises.
The impact of Circular Camping’s work is evident. Festivals are cleaner, less waste ends up in landfills, and festival-goers have a chance to be part of a meaningful cause. Dean shares a particularly memorable moment: “At Download last year, someone found two massive dildos. We put the photos online, and some people claimed them!” It’s these unexpected and often humorous discoveries that keep the job interesting and engaging.
Circular Camping is always looking to innovate. They are exploring new ideas such as pre-pitched tents for people with mobility issues and collaborations with designers to turn scrap tent fabric into new products. “We’re trying to add a pre-pitch service for access customers at Download, for example,” Dean notes.
As Circular Camping continues to grow, Dean invites festival-goers and sustainability enthusiasts to join their efforts. Volunteers can enjoy unique festival experiences while helping reduce environmental impact. “We want to work hard and play hard,” Dean says. For more information or to get involved, visit Circular Camping.
Dean Betts’ story with Circular Camping highlights the importance of sustainability in the festival industry. By addressing the waste problem directly, Circular Camping is making festivals greener, more responsible, and a lot more fun.
Check out the UK Festival Podcast to hear more about Circular Camping’s journey.
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