AusLeisure

The Return and Earn Machine at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool in Western Sydney has achieved a massive milestone with the collection of its 10 millionth container, saving 600,000 kilograms of waste previously destined for landfill.

In just three and a half years, the scheme’s container collections have collected and recycled enough waste to fill 63 garbage trucks and raised funds for local community programs.

Belgravia Leisure’s Group Manager, Alexia Morgan explained “the environmental impact of the Return and Earn program at Whitlam Leisure Centre is outstanding, and has resulted in savings in water use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and waste to landfill savings.

“In fact, this milestone has avoided 1.206 million carbon emissions which is equivalent to taking 446 cars off the road for a year.”

Advising that he was impressed at the 10 million milestone and equally pleased funds were being channelled to under-represented local groups, Liverpool City Council Mayor, Ned Mannoun commented “it’s a win-win all around. We help the environment, and we help locals. I love it.

“The biggest congratulations go to everyone in our community for their efforts in bringing these containers to the Whitlam Centre for recycling. It’s fantastic that our community is proving that Liverpool locals care about our environment.

“The scheme has seen locals deposit a whopping 335,000 containers every month, with the option to collect a refund of 10 cents per container or to donate the 10 cents to a nominated charity, school, sporting club or community.”

A steering committee comprising of representatives from the City of Liverpool and Belgravia representatives work with the community to identify how the funds are dispersed.

Mayor Mannoun said that to date, $50,000 has been raised supporting over 1,030 programs including:

•  An after-school care program for disadvantaged youth
•  A Gandangara Marumali Learn to Swim program for First Nations youth
•  A breakfast and FIT program for people experiencing disadvantage
•  A social pickleball program for seniors and youth
•  A refugee / CALD mums and bubs program
•  An after-school Learn to Swim program for the CALD community, First Nations and low-income families
•  An Afghan Women on the Move Learn to Swim program
•  A recreation and sports day for CALD youth
•  A Gandangara Family Appreciation Day for First Nations peoples
•  Capoeira (Afro-Brazillian inspired) marital arts for adults and children
•  Youth community hubs

The Whitlam Leisure Centre is partnering with TOMRA, technology partner for Return and Earn on-site.

James Dorney, Chief Executive of TOMRA Cleanaway network operator for Return and Earn and operator for CDS Vic West Zone, also applauded the milestone, adding “achievements like this milestone can only occur through collaboration to deliver a vision. Belgravia Leisure’s support of Return and Earn is a shining example of how container deposit schemes can be harnessed to deliver positive, environmental, economic, and social outcomes.”

Image: Belgravia Leisure staff at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool.

Related Articles

31st August 2023 - Experience Co advises of success in recycling old staff uniforms

7th August 2023 - Belgravia Group’s Geoff Lord inspired by immersion therapy

21st July 2023 - VenuesLive and Veolia collaboratie to install 460 new recycling bins at Perth’s Optus Stadium

10th July 2023 - Belgravia Leisure urges parents to prioritise childrens’ swimming lessons

7th July 2023 - Belgravia Leisure to introduce innovative immersion therapy services across the country

6th July 2023 - Belgravia Leisure looks to hire up to 1,500 lifeguards and swim teachers ahead of summer

4th July 2023 - Belgravia Leisure awarded contract to manage Dubbo’s Aquatic Leisure Centres

14th April 2023 - Belgravia Leisure Learn to Swim Program engages Liverpool’s Indigenous Youth

28th March 2023 - Camatic unveils world’s first recycled plastic stadium seat

29th January 2023 - Soft Plastic Recycling should be too big to fail

2nd October 2022 - New sport equipment recycling scheme looks to collaborate with sport and recreation facilities

3rd June 2022 - Whitlam Leisure Centre to host Taekwondo Australian team selections

30th May 2022 - Replas recycled park seating installed in Bendigo play space

23rd March 2022 - Quayclean team to educate Sydney Olympic Park visitors on correct recycling

16th May 2022 - Belgravia Leisure explains move away from single-use plastics

16th March 2022 - Replas recycled picnic tables to be installed in Melbourne parks

13th December 2021 - Queensland Government invests $2.1 billion in recycling programs

12th August 2021 - ASGA Save Our Soles initiative receives funding to recycle sports shoes

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.