- 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 billioncontainers 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.
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
