Western Australia’s RAC Arena is on track to become one of the greenest and most sustainable in the country, with a mission to streamline its waste management process with an aim to have a landfill diversion rate of 70 per cent.
Since the start of the year, new data shows that RAC Arena has diverted more than 120,000 containers as part of the Containers for Change program, recycled more than 34 tonnes of cardboard and glass, and diverted almost 38 tonnes of organics and compostable packaging from landfill.
Michael Scott, RAC Arena’s general manager, says that the venue’s environmental practices all form part of a bigger global picture.
“Together with our international ASM Global network, we’re working towards an ambitious plan to transform the live entertainment industry,” explains Scott.
“ASM Global Acts, the Group’s corporate social responsibility platform, has the goal to convert its 350+ strong venue portfolio into the most sustainable on the planet, and we couldn’t do it without wonderful partners like WRITE Solutions and BioPak.”
The organic and compostable packaging composted equates to eliminating 72,067kg of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, and is the equivalent to powering one household for 6434 days.
Working on a sustainability roadmap with Perth-based sustainability consulting experts WRITE Solutions, the arena has adopted reusable cups in their retail bars, swapped single-use plastic packaging for compostable alternatives from BioPak, and installed additional green bins across the venue to capture organic food waste.
“Our mission is to change people’s perceptions of waste and working with a venue like RAC Arena provides us the perfect platform,” said Daragh Maher, managing director at WRITE Solutions.
“RAC Arena is always open to our new suggestions and ideas to reduce waste and when possible, to eliminate altogether.
“By increasing recycling options for patrons, and with a strong focus on education, together we are changing perception of waste, and hopefully impacting a large audience across Perth.
“This isn’t just about making an impact at this venue, we are hoping people who attend the arena take away some practical tips that provide a positive impact across WA and beyond.”
Gary Smith, CEO of BioPak, says the company is delighted to be working with RAC Arena and WRITE Solutions in finding innovative ways to help divert food waste and compostable packaging from landfill.
“We hope RAC Arena can be a benchmark and example for other arenas and entertainment venues throughout Australia to follow, championing circularity and addressing a sustainable action plan that considers the wider impact and footprint on the environment,” Smith said.
Achievements to date:
- Organics: 37,930kg of organics and compostable packaging, which equates to eliminating 72,067kg CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, or the equivalent to powering one household for 6434 days.
- Containers for Change: 120,731 containers recycled and over $9,860.30 donated to charity.
- Cardboard: 7860kg of cardboard has been recycled.
- Glass: 8910kg of glass has been recycled.
- Co-mingle: 17,300kg of co-mingle recycling.
