It began in 1994 as a protest against the entry fees of the corporate-sponsored New Music West festival.
To make the festival as accessible as possible, all of the shows cost a maximum of $5 and are held at venues within walking distance.
From 2004 to 2008, Music Waste had been organized by Only, who also printed a festival guide featuring absurd, tongue-in-cheek write-ups about the bands performing.
Since 2008, Music Waste has remained entirely non-profit, and is organized by a group of dedicated volunteers.
Music Waste was voted 3rd Best Festival in Vancouver by readers of the Georgia Straight in 2007.