Waste Management


Auditing The Supply Chain For Reuse Opportunities: Their Profit Shouldn’t Be Your Problem


The first step towards sustainable waste management begins with making sure it doesn’t get through the door. A comprehensive audit of all materials entering the stadium, from food and beverage packaging to delivery packaging, merchandising and event-specific consumables should identify opportunities for reuse - an activity that sits higher up the waste hierarchy, and which will also feature prominently in Government policy


following the release of the Circular Economy Strategy for England (due out in the Autumn).


⚽ Environmental: What is the true environmental benefit of the proposed action? For instance, is a reusable cup scheme genuinely more impactful than a highly efficient recycling program for single- use cups, considering washing and transport?


⚽ Economic: What are the upfront costs, ongoing operational expenses, and potential savings or revenue generation


associated


with the initiative? Reuse schemes, while potentially requiring initial investment, can lead to significant long-term savings on waste disposal fees and material procurement.


⚽ Practical: Can the new system be easily integrated into existing event day operations? Will staff and spectators adopt the changes effectively? Simplicity and clear communication are key to practical success.


Bin There? Or What About There?


Waste operators and FMs alike know that there is definitely a sweet spot for bin placements and simply putting the food waste bins near the outlets makes perfect sense. Reducing the ‘cognitive load’ on your average spectator is key because nobody is going to take too long in deciding where to offload their unwanted rubbish. If the paper and card receptacle is closer, that unwanted chilli is probably heading there, rendering the correctly disposed of paper unusable.


So, whilst clear labels, visual clues and simple design will all contribute to getting the right items in the right bins, educating staff to guide compliant behaviour and helping attendees to make the right decisions through on-site communication campaigns will make an even bigger difference.


One such campaign by Exeter Chiefs has enabled them to make impressive strides in their sustainability efforts at Sandy Park by leveraging the star-power of popular players to nudge crowds into recycling correctly. The video footage played throughout the game simply explains the ‘why’ behind the ask and links good practice by fans to great performance by the club.


Of course, this can only work if the ask isn’t too inconvenient, so clearly marked recycling stations are strategically placed around the stadium, focussing on high traffic areas, with clearly labelled food waste, DMR and general waste receptacles. Sandy Park were also early adopters of the Deposit Return Scheme, asking spectators to pay £1 for a cup and reclaim it on its return. This single initiative saved 330,000 single use cups from entering the waste stream in just one season.


Assessing TEEP Implications For Improved Reuse And Recycling


Any proposed change to your waste management operation though will always require a thorough assessment of the Technical, Environmental, Economic,


and Practical (TEEP)


FSM


implications. This framework ensures that solutions are not only environmentally sound but also feasible and cost-effective within the stadium's operational context and your waste partner should undertake this process with you.


⚽ Technical: Does the stadium have the necessary


infrastructure (e.g., space for sorting and compactors, storage for reusable items) to implement new reuse or recycling schemes? Are there technological solutions available to aid in waste tracking or material handling?


The Economic And Legislative Imperative Of Aiming Higher


Simpler recycling will expand to cover domestic dwellings next year and together with the deposit return scheme will see the general public becoming increasingly aware of the role they play in waste creation.


Ultimately though, achieving sustainable waste management in sports stadia demands a decisive, integrated approach which goes beyond basic recycling. By aggressively pursuing reuse opportunities within the supply chain, embedding the principles of Simpler Recycling, employing the TEEP framework for every change, and consistently elevating practices higher up the waste hierarchy, you will not only ensure compliance but also unlock substantial economic efficiencies, significantly bolster environmental performance, and position your stadium as a beacon of green innovation for years to come.


FSM 25


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