Inspired by feedback from more than 1,000 community members surveyed by Belgravia Leisure, the organisation is cutting waste like never before. Reducing plastic and landfill waste was identified as the top environmental priority and the organisation responded. 

Now, from coffee grounds to containers and even wristbands, Belgravia Leisure venues across Australia and New Zealand are putting waste reduction into action as part of the company’s 2025–2030 Sustainability Plan. 

Waste reduction isn’t new for Belgravia Leisure. The team began phasing out plastic straws, bags and cutlery in 2019 ahead of the national bans being introduced in Australia and New Zealand. 

Focus has now expanded to other waste streams like containers, wristbands and even coffee grounds, forming part of a broader commitment to reducing waste and emissions through the 2025–2030 plan.

Alexia Morgan, Belgravia Group Manager of Environment and Sustainability, recently spoke at Get Connected 2025 and the Royal Life Saving Safer Places to Swimposium about cutting waste and the urgent need to cut carbon emissions from aquatic and recreation venues.

Alexia highlighted the importance of tracking energy use and running venues more efficiently, noting that it’s not just about how buildings are designed but also how they’re operated day to day.

Alexia speaking at Get Connected 2025.

“It’s encouraging to see our sustainability objectives being put into practice across Belgravia Leisure venues. Waste audits, clearer signage and local initiatives like wristband and container recycling are good examples of how the plan is being applied in real ways at our venues day to day.”

The results are already visible. A few examples include Belgravia Leisure’s Head Office diverting an average of 78% of its waste from landfill this year. Ocean Beach Tourist Park has stopped almost 35,000 containers from ending up in landfill, whilst at the same time raising around $3,500 for local charities through the Container Deposit Scheme.

Whitlam Leisure Centre is introducing recycling drop-off boxes for spa and sauna wristbands, and Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Keilor East Leisure Centre are partnering with Reground to capture and recycle coffee grounds. 

To support these efforts, Belgravia Leisure is introducing new universal signage across venues to help community members separate waste correctly. The signs use photos of actual products sold in venue, making it easier for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to know which items go in which bins.

The work doesn’t stop there. The organisation has launched “Waste Month” across its venues, rolling out toolbox talks, team tips and practical actions to keep waste reduction front of mind. By sharing knowledge and building everyday habits, teams are making waste reduction a shared responsibility and seeing real results across local communities.

Belgravia Leisure’s sustainability plan runs through to 2030, with every action – from coffee grounds to containers – helping reduce waste, lower emissions and make a positive difference in local communities.

Find out more about Belgravia Leisure’s approach to sustainability here.

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