Recycling a success at Russia 2018 Preliminary Draw - RUSSIA 2018
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| FIFA.com |
Around 20 per cent of the total waste collected during the Preliminary Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ was dispatched for recycling. This number is one of the results achieved following the implementation of a system put in place by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to manage and recycle waste at the main event sites between 13 and 26 July.
Across the various venues for the draw, more than 300 containers were used to collect waste and more than two tonnes of recyclable waste were collected. In total, 655 kg of packaging made from various forms of polyethylene off was sent for recycling, along with 790 kg of cardboard and paper, 350 kg of glass, 107 kg of plastic bottles, 77 kg of organic waste and 6 kg of batteries. In addition, more than three tonnes of decorations will be reused at civic events.
"We're glad that we've managed to achieve the main aim of this project, which is to reduce negative environmental impact, and to show the people who attended the event that we are already giving genuine importance to the World Cup's legacy," says Alexey Sorokin, CEO of the Russia 2018 LOC. "Besides its environmental component, the segregated waste collection project also helps event organisers to spend significantly less on waste disposal".
The project was part of the sustainable development programme drawn up by FIFA and the LOC. Another remarkable initiative involved 200 children from a massed choir, who took part in the Preliminary Draw ceremony alongside singer Polina Gagarina. The kids listened to a lecture on the benefits of separating and processing collected waste. The main idea of the lecture was to raise awareness and encourage the younger generation to take a responsible attitude towards nature and the environment.
“Our previous experiences have shown that waste management is a key aspect for the sustainability of FIFA World Cups. With the positive results of this first recycling programme in Saint Petersburg, we are confident that we are on the right track for the next events that will take place in Russia.” says FIFA’s Head of Sustainability, Federico Addiechi.
More than ten voluntary organisations and businesses from Saint Petersburg took part on a pro bono basis, including the RazDelny Sbor environmental association, Tara.ru, Pasteur Holding, Evolution of Biogas Systems, Saint Petersburg's committee on the use of natural resources, environmental protection and ecological security, and the Vita Animal Rights Centre. Some 75 people contributed as volunteers.