- VenuesLive installs 460 Containers for Change
recycling bins at Optus Stadium
- More than 530 million 10 cent recyclable
containers are lost to landfill annually
- Optus Stadium sells approximately 2.2 million
recyclable drink containers every year
- More than 2 million fans expected to visit Optus
Stadium in the next 12 months
Western Australia's
premier entertainment venue Optus Stadium has installed 460 Containers for
Change recycling bins.
The green 240 litre bins
each hold 240 containers and are located across the stadium's public concourses
and premium terraces as well as operational areas.
Western Australians
send more than 530 million recyclable drinks containers or $53 million worth to
landfill each year, wasting valuable resources such as glass, recyclable
plastics and aluminium. Almost three quarters of these or more than 400 million
are discarded out of home.
VenuesLive has partnered
with environmental company Veolia on the project, which has seen a major
overhaul of the waste infrastructure and signage throughout Optus Stadium.
The complex will now
feature specific bins for drinks containers, recyclables, organics and general
waste, with clear signage and staff on standby to explain the change to patrons
during AFL Round 19 tomorrow.
An estimated 2.2
million recyclable drinks containers are sold by Optus Stadium each year. Approximately
70 per cent of eligible containers purchased at the venue have been recovered
through co-mingled recycling efforts. This initiative is set to see recovery
rates increase to at least 90 per cent.
WA's Container Deposit Scheme has been a huge success. More
than two billion containers have been recycled since Containers for Change
was introduced in October 2020, creating over 800 jobs. The recycling rate of
beverage containers in WA has soared in that time from 34 per cent to 63 per
cent.
More than two million fans are expected to attend Optus
Stadium for major events in the next 12 months including Tottenham Hotspur vs
West Ham United, Coldplay and Pink.
Optus Stadium joins
Perth Airport, AQWA, Kings Park and Rottnest Island among the iconic WA tourism
destinations that have embraced Containers for Change.
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"The
rollout of these Containers for Change recycling bins could not have come at a
better time, as Optus Stadium showcases a huge series of events over the next
eight months.
"Western
Australians are known for their love of sport and live events. This is a huge
opportunity to increase recycling rates among a big audience.
"We hope
the millions of visitors to Optus Stadium each year get behind this initiative
and create new recycling habits."
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"This collaboration
between Containers for Change, VenuesLive and Veolia is a game-changer. It
promotes the importance of recycling and making landfill the last resort.
"Almost
three quarters of drinks containers lost to landfill are discarded by those out
and about. Optus Stadium is to be commended for making these bins available to
improve our recycling habits.
"Don't let your
containers' potential go to waste. Do the right thing, recycle your empties and
help create change."
