Recycle Programme
Every medal deserves a second life. The Recycle Programme turns post-event waste into new possibilities — connecting organisers, brands, and athletes through a circular economy approach to create lasting impact together.
Where Unwanted Medals Come From
Every medal begins with a story, but not all make it to the finish line. Through The Repurpose Project, these medals are collected, renewed, and guided back into a sustainable cycle of purpose.
Medal Leftovers from Events
Event organisers often order more medals than needed to ensure no finisher or participants goes home empty-handed. But attendance rarely matches projections, leaving boxes of medals unused. Rather than letting them gather dust or end up discarded, these medals begin a new journey with us.
QC Rejections from Medal Makers
Not every medal passes quality control. Sometimes it’s a plating shade that’s slightly off, a misaligned print, or a surface mark. Instead of becoming waste, these medals are collected and reintroduced into a sustainable cycle.
Athlete Returns
For athletes who join race after race, the medals can pile up — thirty events, thirty medals, and a shelf that can only hold so much. Returning them doesn’t erase their story; it extends it.
How We Collect These Medals
Direct from Organisers
We collaborate with event organisers after their race to collect leftover medals directly from storage or event sites.
Recycling Booths at Events
At selected races and sports expos, our on-ground recycling booths offer participants a chance to drop off medals immediately after finishing their run.
Drop-Off Campaigns
Coming Soon, dedicated collection bins will be available at sports stores, and community spaces — making medal recycling as accessible as returning a bottle.
What Happens Next
Each medal goes through a careful process of renewal — from collection to recycling — ensuring every piece finds a responsible new purpose.
Step 1 — Medal Collection
We gather medals from organisers, partners, and individuals through our collection points and event drives.
Step 2 — Medal Sorting
Our team removes ribbons, checks material types, and separates zinc alloy, steel, and other components for proper handling.
Step 3 — Distribution
Sorted materials are distributed to authorised recycling centres that specialise in responsible metal and plastic recovery.
Step 4 — Recycle & Renewal
Recovered metals are melted down and reformed into raw materials for new industrial or creative use — sometimes even for future medals.
The Measurable Impact of Medal Recycling
Recycling 1,000 kg of zinc-alloy medals does more than recover metal — it saves energy, reduces emissions, and prevents waste from entering landfills. Each recovered kilogram represents a meaningful step toward a circular economy where achievement and environmental responsibility coexist.
Medal Recycle Leaderboard
The Medal Recycle Leaderboard provides a transparent overview of organisations and events actively participating in our recycling programme. Each record reflects verified contributions, measured by the total weight of medals recovered and the corresponding carbon emissions avoided. This data-driven approach highlights the measurable impact of collective sustainability efforts within the sporting and event community.
| Name | Type | Medals Recycled (kg) | Emission Avoided (CO₂) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMG Gymnastics Club | Event Organizer | 362.8 | 0.924 |
| IMU University | Education | 97.4 | 0.248 |
| Pinnacle Sports | Event Organizer | 71.8 | 0.183 |
| Absolute Wellness | Event Organizer | 53.4 | 0.136 |
Last Updated: 27 October 2025
Join the Movement of Meaningful Returns
Be part of a growing network of organisers, corporates, and communities giving medals a measurable second life. Every kilogram collected contributes to reduced waste, lower carbon emissions, and transparent data that supports national ESG reporting efforts. Together, we’re building a culture where celebration and sustainability move in the same direction.
