Case Study - Sydney Cricket Ground

Sydney Cricket Ground partnered with City Return and Earn to implement a comprehensive recycling program for large-scale events. This case study explores how the initiative has improved waste management practices, promoted sustainability, and introduced new earnings in exchange for recycled beverage containers at this renowned sports venue.

Background

Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is one of the most iconic sports venues in Australia, hosting a variety of large-scale events including cricket matches, football games, concerts, and more. These events attract thousands of attendees, leading to a significant volume of used beverage containers and other recyclable materials. To manage this waste effectively and promote sustainability, City Return and Earn partnered with SCG to implement a comprehensive recycling program.

Challenge

The primary challenge faced by SCG was managing the high volume of waste generated during large-scale events. Ensuring efficient recycling and minimising landfill waste were essential to maintaining the venue's environmental standards and enhancing the attendee experience. With events happening regularly, SCG needed a flexible and reliable waste management solution.

Solution

City Return and Earn, with the assistance of Clean Vibes, proposed a comprehensive recycling strategy for SCG. This included deploying Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) bins, large bulka bags, and other container holding solutions across the venue. To ensure timely collection and processing of recyclables, City Return and Earn utilised their dedicated fleet of collection trucks to schedule daily, weekly, or as-required pickups and swapovers. The CDS scheme is very interesting for SCG as all beverage containers such as aluminium cans and plastic water bottles are recycled and refunded 10c per item to SCG, which generates significant earnings given the number of events and attendees at this venue.

Implementation

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

1. Collaborative Planning: City Return and Earn worked closely with SCG event organisers to identify optimal locations for recycling points within the venue. Considerations included foot traffic, accessibility, and event-specific needs.
2. Infrastructure Setup: Specialised CDS bins and large bulka bags were delivered and strategically placed throughout the venue. 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 recyclable materials. City Return and Earn managed the pickups and swapovers, ensuring that all collected containers were processed efficiently.

Results

While specific data is still being gathered, the initial results indicate significant environmental and operational benefits:

• Waste Diversion: The implementation of the recycling program has facilitated the diversion of beverage containers from landfills, contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction.
• Convenience and Accessibility: SCG now has an efficient waste management and recycling system in place, promoting sustainable practices among attendees.
• Financial Incentives: The venue benefits from the financial returns generated through recycling 10c per eligible container, demonstrating the economic advantages of effective waste management.