This recycled cardboard box was manufactured by the Australian company, Visy, for the collection of general waste at the Olympic Village during the Sydney 2000 Games. Similar boxes were stationed in public and administrative areas of Olympic Park for the collection of non-recyclable materials. Like all Sydney 2000 recycling boxes, this example is colour coded and clearly marked with instructive images, and French and English text. It now reflects SOCOG's promise 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.

Box designed by Visy, and visual elements designed by SOCOG, Sydney c. 2000.

Made by Visy for use at the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic 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.

Box, 'General Waste', cardboard, Green Games, Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, made by Visy c.2000

Box, cardboard. The rectangular recycle box is collapsed and has no lid. The short sides have a white background with outline of Syd the Platypus (Olympic mascot), with text 'You sort it,/ we won't waste it!/ Syd' The long sides have a black background with white text: 'General Waste/ Dechets'. Below text are 3 white boxes; pictures of packaging, disposable nappies, and broken cup.

Made: 2000

2001/84/517

2000

375 mm

285 mm