This black plastic bin is an example of those that appeared at Olympic venues as part of the Sydney 2000 Integrated Waste Management Solution. Its maroon lid and matching sticker indicate that it was intended for the collection of food scraps and paper. Two white shelves, attached to either side of the bin, were designed to support food trays for Olympic spectators as they sorted their rubbish. The bin contributes to the significant collection of Green Games 2000 material, and reflects SOCOG's serious attempt to deliver the inaugural 'Green Games'.

From 1995, SOCOG developed an ambitious environmental agenda to recycle and compost up to 80 per cent of all waste arising from the Sydney 2000 Games. (The remaining 20 per cent would be destined for landfill.) This agenda, called The Sydney 2000 Integrated Waste Management Solution, was part of Sydney's promise to deliver the first eco-friendly Olympic Games.

The Sydney 2000 Integrated Waste Management Solution was an holistic approach to waste management. Disposable products, ranging from food packaging to building materials, would be recyclable or bio-degradable, and waste management stations (three large, colour- coded bins for the collection of biodegradable and recyclable material) would be installed for public use at all Olympic venues. From here, refuse would be taken to extensive bio-waste facilities or to recycling centres built especially for the Games.

Around 5000 tonnes of waste passed through the Sydney's Auburn Waste Transfer Station during each week of the Sydney 2000 Games. Recyclable material was then transferred to a waste management centre at Narellan, and compostable material was sent to a second centre at Eastern Creek. The Eastern Creek Waste Management Centre processed an up to 60 tonnes of compost material during each day of the Games. This material was combined with shredded green waste, turned and watered regularly, and left until May 2001 to ferment. It was then screened for non-degradable material, and prepared for sale at horticultural markets in Sydney.

To supplement this waste management system, SOCOG sought out new ranges of recyclable and biodegradable cutlery and food packaging. Cardboard cups and food containers, paper food wrap, cornstarch cutlery, and sugar-cane fibre plates became standard items at Olympic food outlets. After use, they were deposited in maroon bins at waste stations, and transferred to Eastern Creek for composting. Cardboard boxes were also stationed around administrative areas to collect general waste and recyclable materials.

Approximately 5000 tonnes of waste passed through the Sydney's Auburn Waste Transfer Station during each week of the Sydney 2000 Games. From here, recyclable material was transferred to a waste management centre at Narellan, and compostable material was sent to a second centre at Eastern Creek. The Eastern Creek Waste Management Centre processed an up to 60 tonnes of compost material during each day of the Games. This material was combined with shredded green waste, turned and watered regularly, and left until May 2001 to ferment. At this time, it was screened for any non- degradable material, and prepared for sale at horticultural markets around Sydney.

Designed by Green Games 2000 as part of the Sydney 2000 Integrated Waste Management Solution.

Made for SOCOG for use at the Sydney 2000 Games

Unused

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Recycling bin, 'Food, paper', plastic, laminated chipboard, metal, Green Games, Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, made for SOCOG c.2000

Bin, rectangular shaped, holes in top third for access to insert, curved semi-circular top, hinged door at the back, two white shelves attached to front and back by two steel brackets, Waterproof chipboard frame with black laminated covering, stainless steel inserts, aluminium base/tray, perspex cover over lid. The insert is missing. Maroon label stuck on lid with white text: 'Food| Paper/ Aliments| Paper', with symbols of plate, apple core, cup in 3 boxes, recycling symbol, 'Sydney 2000' logo. The same label but laminated is taped onto front of bin below insert.

Made: 2000

2001/84/540

2000

1350 mm

650 mm

1120 mm