Closed-loop recycling program implementation

Sydney’s ANZ Stadium has set the precedent for recycling and environmental initiatives among stadiums in NSW by implementing a closed-loop recycling program at its 80,000 seat Homebush Bay site.

The program aims to recycle more than 150 t of recyclable waste by the end of this year, which will save up to 2.3 million L of water.

Alongside the stadium’s on-site water tanks that recycle rain water to flush toilets and irrigate the pitch, and the use of energy-efficient lighting, power and air conditioning, the stadium has now implemented a closed-loop recycling program that will capture all recyclable waste generated by spectators.

The closed-loop program, delivered by Australian company Closed Loop, involves the provision of recyclable packaging to ANZ Stadium caterers, recycling education programs and closed-loop bins placed in public locations and back-of-house areas to capture recyclable and organic food waste.

The company has worked closely with ANZ Stadium’s catering manager to ensure that only recyclable food and beverage packaging are used to serve meals and drinks. This packaging is then captured by the recycling bins located throughout the stadium and recycled into new end-use products.

The closed-loop program uses a mixed recycling approach that allows patrons to place all recyclable materials such as plastic, aluminium, paper and glass in the available closed-loop bins.

The stadium’s switch to recyclable packaging could divert up to 150 t of waste from landfill by the end of this year. This will equate to saving approximately 2.3 million L of water, taking 18 cars permanently off the road, and 120 households switching off their electricity for a year.