How Recycling Is Fuelling The Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Despite the name Tokyo 2020 is taking place right now in 2021. The much-loved games were postponed due to COVID-19 last year, and now the athletes are battling it out in scorching Tokyo to take home the gold. Although this year, that gold medal is looking a little different. Tokyo 2020 has set out to be the greenest-ever Olympic tournament, with organisers hoping the entire event will not emit more than 2.93 million tonnes of CO2. If they meet this target, the games will be greener than the London 2012 Olympics which emitted 3.3 million tonnes. As experts in recycling equipment, we are thrilled to learn about how recycling is fuelling the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Athletes On Cardboard Beds

Organisers have gone to extreme lengths to ensure the event is sustainable, and even have all the athletes from across the world sleeping on cardboard beds. These innovative beds have been designed to handle weights up to 200 kilograms and are going to be completely recycled when the games finish. While jumping on the beds is strictly off limits this year, some athletes have already commented that the cardboard structures are surprisingly comfortable for a good night’s rest after training. As well as 18,000 cardboard beds, the mattresses on them are also fully recyclable.

Powered By Renewable Energy

All of the electricity used at the games is being powered from renewable sources. Solar, biomass and hydro energy are all contributing to the historic event, helping keep the emissions to a minimum. Not only that, but every single light bulb in the Olympic village and the stadiums across Tokyo are using LED bulbs.

Recycled Gold, Silver And Bronze

Thousands of athletes are competing to get their hands on a gold medal during Tokyo 2020, but some of them might have handled that exact same piece of gold before! Many of the medals this year are made from recycled metals, and the organisers sourced 6.2 million old mobile phones to recover the precious materials. They managed to yield 2,200kg of bronze, 3,500kg of silver and 32kg of gold, which was enough to produce 5,000 Olympic medals.

And it isn’t just the medals that are recycled, but the podiums the athletes stand on to receive them. This year, the podiums have been created from recycled plastic which was donated by members of the public and recovered from the ocean. When the event is over, these podiums are set to be recycled into bottles for sponsor Proctor & Gamble products, and also donated for education purposes.

Every Little Detail

Organisers of Tokyo 2020 have gone all out on their efforts for sustainability this year, with so many little details going towards the cause. They have sourced zero emission transport including autonomous battery shuttles, hydrogen powered forklifts and fuel-cell buses to deliver the games. The Olympic torch was created from aluminium waste which came from temporary housing that was built after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. All officials in the game can be seen sporting uniforms made from polyester which was been created from recycled bottles.

If you are feeling inspired by the recycling efforts of Tokyo 2020, then speak with our team today and find out how our recycling machinery could help your business.