Racecourse operator turfs out single-use plastic cups

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) — operator of Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens, Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park racecourses — has partnered with re-usable beverage cup supplier WISE – It’s In Your Hands to prevent more than 500,000 single-use disposable plastic cups from ending up in landfill. Effective immediately, WISE will supply re-usable beverage cups to all public areas at the four racecourses.

The agreement includes major race days such as the $14 million The Everest at Royal Randwick in October and the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens next March.

ATC Hospitality Services Manager Greg Isnard said, “With WISE, the ATC is moving forward in the fight against plastic waste and we are proud to join the long list of stadiums and entertainment venues all around the world that want to put a stop to single-use plastics.

“Due to our liquor licence and restrictions, we have to use plastics for service in our public bars, and that means tens of thousands of single-use plastic cups during carnival,” Isnard said.

WISE co-founder Craig Lovett said the company was delighted the ATC has joined the fight against plastic waste.

“There is no future in single-use disposable plastic beverage cups and the ATC has agreed they should be replaced with WISE re-usable cups,” Lovett said.

“Venues across Australia have a responsibility to eliminate the use of toxic single-use disposable plastic cups, and the agreement with the ATC is another significant breakthrough towards eradicating these environmental hazards.

“In Australia, over 60 million single-use cups are used each year and the majority either end up as landfill in waste dumps or pollute rivers, harbours and oceans. This is why we believe all single-use disposable plastic cups should be removed from all major sports and events and [replaced] with re-usable cups,” he added.

“Furthermore, our research has shown patrons prefer to drink from our attractive and sturdier re-usable cups rather than flimsy single-use cups,” he said.

At ATC racecourses, customers can purchase their first drink in a re-usable cup and pay a one-off $2 fee for use of the cup. When they purchase subsequent drinks, the beverage is poured into a fresh, new cup at no further charge and there are unlimited free exchanges. WISE cups can be washed up to 500 times.

At the end of the race day, customers can return their cup to the bar for a $1 refund or donate the amount to the ATC Foundation, which offers grants to support national charitable organisations working to benefit the community across a wide range of sectors and endeavours.

Image courtesy of WISE — It's in Your Hands.