Voiding Waste

Where possible we also try to reuse and repurpose materials to give them a second life. We regularly donate surplus or legacy items, including stadium seating and equipment, to grassroots football clubs and local groups.

Maximising Recycling

Through smarter infrastructure and data-led action we are continually improving our operations to reduce contamination and improve our recycling rates. Some key initiatives here include:

• Data-led waste management: We collect detailed data across all waste streams and transport movements to identify inefficiencies, reduce vehicle trips, and improve carbon performance.
• Real-time contamination checks: At every event, our teams carry out live bin inspections to identify contamination, provide instant feedback, and guide corrective action.
• More recycling bins: We have added more recycling bins to our concourse areas, ensuring clear and consistent disposal options. Guests play a big part in this by making sure the correct bins are used according to their signage.
• Piloting fresh solutions: Not all solutions work for all events. However, we are committed to trialling fresh solutions where we can. For example, across ten nights of Coldplay we trialled an all-aluminium approach to serving drinks. More here.
• Food Waste: All food waste at the stadium is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it is turned into biogas (used as vehicle fuel or introduced back into the National Grid) and a renewable fertiliser for agriculture.
  
  

What about waste that is not recycled?

All general waste is taken to a specialist site in southeast London where it is burned to generate power and heat for the local community. This facility generates power and heat for up to 48,000 homes, and the remaining ash is then used to help build roads, meaning absolutely nothing goes to landfill.

A 100% Recyclable Pitch

The focus on recyclability also extends to the ‘Hallowed Turf’ of Wembley Stadium. The pitch is now 100% recyclable following a meticulous two-year plan to find a suitable solution to recycling modern-day football pitches, which are a hybrid of grass and synthetic plastic. The project is believed to be a first in the world of football. Learn more about our pitch here.

Water

Water use across Wembley is driven primarily by bathroom facilities. To help drive better water efficiency and reduce consumption, toilet systems have been upgraded and low-flush mechanisms installed, reducing water use per flush by 25%. New low-flow taps have also been installed, and water meters help improve our insight into usage patterns.

Our progress to date:

• Our average recycling rates across major events at the stadium is 65%.
• The recycling rate when we hosted the UEFA Champions League Final in 2024 was 70%, up from 42% when we hosted the event in 2013.
• Our highest recycling rate in 2025 was 77%.