State of Origin I was still a win for Queensland, despite the loss on the field, with the event marking four million containers from eight Stadiums Queensland venues, including Suncorp Stadium, recycled through Containers for Change.
The large-scale effort, part of the Containers for Change initiative, encourages recycling through 10-cent refunds for eligible drink containers from thousands of fans, many of whom actively used the clearly marked recycling bins placed throughout the venue.
Community and Environmental Gains
Across the eight major Stadiums Queensland venues, which include Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, The Gabba, and others, the scheme has now seen more than 229 tonnes of container waste diverted from landfill. Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive Todd Harris said the response from attendees has been encouraging, with strong participation at every major event.
The environmental benefits are also measurable. Recycling the four million containers collected during the game has been calculated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 289 cars off the road for a year.
Natalie Roach, Chief Executive of Container Exchange—the group behind Containers for Change—stated that recycling at stadiums is especially important, since containers used outside the home are more likely to end up as litter or in landfill. By placing well-marked bins throughout the venue, it has become easier for Queenslanders to do the right thing without extra effort.
Funds Flow Back Into Queensland
Beyond the environmental impact, the program has also created real benefits for local charities and community groups. Since its launch in 2018, Containers for Change has returned more than $1 billion in refunds to Queenslanders, including $17 million that went directly to not-for-profits and grassroots groups.
Queensland’s Minister for Sport, Tim Mander, acknowledged the role fans played during the match at Suncorp, noting that while the team may not have won the game, the crowd delivered a different kind of victory by supporting recycling efforts. He described the scheme as a practical way for sports venues to give back to the state—not only through environmental action but also by returning value to communities in need.
A Long-Term Win for Stadiums and Fans
The program’s success at Suncorp Stadium is part of a wider trend across Stadiums Queensland’s facilities, which welcomed a record-breaking 5.8 million visitors in the 2023–24 financial year. With each major event generating thousands of drink containers, the impact of continued recycling adds up quickly.
Officials say this isn’t just a short-term campaign. It’s part of a longer-term commitment to sustainability in sport and entertainment, making sure that the excitement of major games doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.
Published 4-June-2025
