It’s time to implement reusables at Australian venues

The elimination of single-use plastics across all major Australia sports and entertainment venues and the co-ordinated strategic adoption of reusables will deliver significant environmental, operational and commercial benefits according to an independent study conducted by Quayclean Australia.

Quayclean, the leading provider of cleaning, hygiene, and waste services to major Australian venues, has drawn on decades of operational experience, international venue study tours and targeted research to demonstrate how reusable systems can provide a viable pathway to waste reduction, enhance materials circularity, produce cost efficiencies, and deliver stronger environmental performance.

The White Paper titled “From Single Use to Sustainable” found 40-50 million single use plastic cups are discarded annually at Australian sports and entertainment venues which mostly ends up in landfill.

Australians generate nearly four million tonnes of plastic waste annually and this amount is set to double by 2050 without significant intervention threatening Australia’s legislated goal of net-zero emissions.

Quayclean Chief Executive, Mark Piwkowski, said the time is now for all Australian venues and events, together with state and territory governments, to move quickly and decisively with widespread meaningful change and deliver improved environmental, social and sustainability outcomes.

“Leading overseas venues have reported outstanding results since adopting reusable systems and this Paper demonstrates that, supported by best practices, proven financial models and multi-stakeholder collaboration, that reusable systems offer a credible pathway to deliver Australia’s commitments to reduce plastic consumption and environmental harm,” said Piwkowski.

“The facts reveal that reusable systems will cut waste generation, out-perform single-use on environmental metrics and be cost positive over time where logistics and washing are optimised and single-use avoidance is counted as a saving.

“Sydney Showgrounds, RAC Arena and Optus Stadium in Perth have switched to reusable cups while several others have trialled reusable cups in specific patron areas without committing to permanent change,” he added.

“Without steadfast positive action, Australian venues will fall further behind with global environmental initiatives particularly as the eyes of the world will be firmly placed on Australia leading towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Piwkowski.

Piwkowski said Australian venues can spearhead action and change by advancing environmental solutions regardless of the pace of governmental policy reform.

“Over 22.9 million spectators attended 1809 events at 213 venues across Australia last year. By adopting and promoting reusables, these venues and events can become catalysts for environmental change by educating the millions of attendees about the benefits of reusables,” he added.

Further information: Greg Campbell, PRISM Strategic Communications, Ph: 0418 239 139

Quayclean manages cleaning, hygiene, and waste services at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park, Marvel Stadium, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Cricket Ground, Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium, Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, Adelaide Oval, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Gabba and Cbus Super Stadium