Stadiums in Queensland, Australia, are trialing alternatives to single-use drinking cups – and includes aluminium cups

The trials are underway in Brisbane, Townsville, and Gold Coast stadiums.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the first innings of Stadiums Queensland’s reusable drink container trials was this weekend’s Brisbane Heat Big Bash games at The Gabba.

“We know enjoying a cold beer is a big part of the world-class event experience at a Queensland stadium, but we want it to also be sustainable,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“The reusable drink container trial is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting Queensland’s great lifestyle and our unique environment for future generations.

“We’re evaluating three options including polypropylene plastic and aluminium cups, and canned beverages which can be used over and over again or recycled.   

“Up to 10,000 reusable cups will be served at The Gabba and Queensland Country Bank Stadium with spectators encouraged to return used containers to designated collection points inside the venue for offsite cleaning.

“The trial is about investigating a scalable and cost-effective system to deliver a reusable drink container solution that works for spectators, Queensland’s stadium venues, and the environment.

“With less than a decade to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this is an opportunity see how Queensland could lead the nation for sustainable stadium sporting experiences.”          

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Stadiums Queensland trials were a positive next step as we continue our war on waste.

“Every year, Queensland stadium venues use more than 1.5 million disposable drinking cups, each taking an estimated 450 years to breakdown in landfill.

“This trial will help inform future opportunities to roll out of reusable drink containers, as well as highlight options for future local manufacturing,” Ms Scanlon said.

“We are committed to addressing the impact of harmful plastic pollution on our environment.

“The stadium trials will build on our single use plastic bag and straw bans, the successful ‘Containers for Change’ program and our $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund.”