Mt Smart launches recycling system at Warriors games

Mt Smart Stadium is launching a new recycling initiative at Vodafone Warriors games that will reduce rubbish going to landfill and send an important recycling message to sports fans.

Mt Smart Operations Manager Rachel O'Gorman says the initiative is part of a Towards Zero Waste recycling system being trialled for Rugby World Cup 2011 preparations.

"Other stadiums from around New Zealand will be looking at how effective our system is and how they might use it at their grounds," says Ms O'Gorman.

On Saturday night, when the Warriors take on the Cronulla Sharks in their first home game of the NRL season, volunteers will show rugby league fans how to dispose of their rubbish in a more thoughtful way.

"We've been working with our food providers on compostable and recyclable packaging and we'll be offering people the opportunity to sort their rubbish into three bins - one for compost, one for recycling and a third for waste," says Ms O'Gorman.

Twenty-three recycling stations will be located throughout the stadium.

These bins will be well-signposted and the recycling and compost bins will have yellow and green colour-coded lids. Volunteers will be stationed by the bins to help people to sort their rubbish correctly.

Most waste will be able to be recycled or composted - all plastic drink bottles can be placed in the plastic recycling bins, and all food scraps and almost all food packaging can be placed in the compost bins.

"Our on-site caterers have changed the packaging they use for their hot and fresh food items to compostable packaging," says Ms O'Gorman. "Only a few items will still need to be sent to landfill, such as plastic sauce and chippie packets, and chocolate and pie wrappers."

A separate recycling system will be introduced back-of-house in the kitchens, retail units, bars and corporate areas. In these areas bins will be available for compostable waste, recyclable plastic and glass bottles, and cardboard. Waste-to-landfill bins will also be provided for other waste unable to be diverted.