Spilt milk logo
Back to all case studies

Case Study - Spilt Milk

Enhancing recycling efforts22 June 2024
Spilt Milk stage

Spilt Milk is a vibrant music festival in Australia, known for its eclectic mix of music, arts, and food. This case study explores how City Return and Earn, with support from Clean Vibes, improved waste management and recycling practices at the 2023 event.

Background

City Return and Earn focuses on efficient recycling of eligible containers. At Spilt Milk 2023, they facilitated the return of 93,498 containers, generating a cash refund of $9,349.90 for the festival.

Staff collecting bags full of recyclable drinks

Challenge

Spilt Milk needed a reliable solution to manage the high volume of waste generated by thousands of festival-goers. Ensuring effective recycling and minimising landfill waste were primary goals.

Solution

City Return and Earn, in collaboration with Clean Vibes, implemented a robust recycling strategy. This involved setting up designated recycling points, educating attendees, and ensuring regular collection and processing of recyclable materials.

Implementation

The implementation of the City Return and Earn program within Qantas airport lounges involved several key steps:

  1. Collaborative planning: City Return and Earn worked closely with festival organisers to identify optimal recycling points.
  2. Infrastructure setup: Specialised recycling bins and clear signage were installed to guide attendees.
  3. Logistics and Collection: City Return and Earn managed the collection of recyclable containers, ensuring they were processed and refunded.
Recyclable station at Spilt Milk event with eventgoers

Results

The collaboration yielded significant benefits:

  1. Recycling Success: 93,498 containers were recycled, generating $9,349.90 in refunds.
  2. Environmental Impact: Effective recycling significantly reduced landfill waste.
  3. Festival Enhancement: Improved waste management practices enhanced the overall festival experience.

Conclusion

The partnership between Spilt Milk, City Return and Earn, and Clean Vibes has set a benchmark for sustainable event management. By prioritising recycling and efficient waste collection, this initiative not only reduced the festival's environmental footprint but also demonstrated that festivals can generate revenue from waste. This case study highlights the value of strategic collaborations in achieving sustainability goals while creating financial incentives for environmental responsibility.

Take Action Today for a Greener Tomorrow

Join us in our mission to reduce environmental impact and build a greener community for generations to come.

Contact us