Case Study - Hordern Pavilion

This case study explores how City Return and Earn, with support from Clean Vibes, improved waste management and recycling practices at the Hordern Pavilion, a renowned event venue in Sydney.

Background

City Return and Earn has partnered with the Hordern Pavilion to streamline recycling efforts during various events such as concerts, expositions, and more. This collaboration aims to manage waste efficiently and promote sustainability within the entertainment industry. The Hordern Pavilion, a renowned event venue in Sydney, hosts a diverse range of events that attract large crowds, leading to significant waste generation.

Challenge

The Hordern Pavilion faced challenges in managing the high volume of waste generated by thousands of attendees during its events. Ensuring effective recycling and minimising landfill waste were primary goals. With a variety of events and fluctuating attendance, a flexible and efficient waste management solution was essential.

Solution

City Return and Earn, with the assistance of Clean Vibes, proposed a comprehensive recycling strategy for the Hordern Pavilion. This included placing recycling bins at strategic locations throughout the venue, educating attendees on proper recycling practices, and ensuring regular collection and processing of recyclable items such as cans and plastic bottles. The goal was to create a seamless recycling experience for event-goers, reduce the venue's environmental impact, and generate earnings from recycled eligible containers refunded to the venue, transforming waste into money.

Implementation

The implementation of the City Return and Earn program at the Hordern Pavilion involved several key steps:

1. Collaborative Planning: City Return and Earn worked closely with the Hordern Pavilion's event organisers and Clean Vibes to identify optimal locations for recycling points within the venue. Considerations included foot traffic, accessibility, and event-specific needs.
2. Infrastructure Setup: General wase and specialised recycling bins were delivered and strategically placed throughout the pavilion. Clear instructions were provided to guide attendees in the recycling process.
3. Logistics and Collection: A streamlined process was established for regular collection and transportation of eligible containers such as cans and plastic bottles, which represent a majority of the waste for these types of events. City Return and Earn collected the bins, refunding the venue for all containers picked up and processed at the Mascot depot.

Results

The partnership between City Return and Earn and the Hordern Pavilion has yielded significant environmental and social benefits:

1. Waste Diversion: By integrating recycling practices into event operations, City Return and Earn facilitated the diversion of cans and plastic bottles from landfills, contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction.
2. Convenience and Accessibility: The Hordern Pavilion now has an effective waste management and recycling system in place, promoting sustainable practices thanks to Clean Vibes.
3. Financial Incentives: The venue benefited from the financial returns generated through recycling, earning 10 cents per eligible container, demonstrating the economic advantages of effective waste management.