SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
HOW WE ARE STRIVING FOR CHANGE
Sustainability at Ballina RSL
Practical action today. Better outcomes for tomorrow.
At Ballina RSL, sustainability is about practical action. We are working to reduce waste, improve resource use and make responsible choices that benefit our members, our community and the environment.
Through active recycling, resource recovery and reuse programs, we are diverting materials from landfill, giving items a second life and building stronger systems for future ESG reporting.
Our Approach
Sustainability at Ballina RSL is guided by three practical commitments:
1. Reduce what we waste
We are working to divert materials from landfill through better recycling, reuse and resource recovery systems.
2. Measure what matters
As our ESG reporting develops, we are building stronger systems to track environmental outcomes and report on them clearly.
3. Make sustainability part of everyday decisions
From operational programs to community partnerships, we are embedding sustainability into the way we work, purchase, communicate and plan for the future.
Working Together
Our sustainability work is being developed collaboratively across the Club, with a shared focus on practical action, reliable data and long-term impact.
We are especially grateful for the contribution of Sarah Rozario, our Sustainability Officer, whose passion, initiative and practical knowledge are helping drive key environmental programs, supplier conversations and operational data collection across the Club.
Sarah’s work is helping lay the foundations for a more structured and measurable sustainability approach, supporting our broader ESG reporting and communications framework.
Guided By Our Values
At Ballina RSL, our values of Service, People, Action, Respect and Kindness guide the way we operate.
Sustainability is part of that responsibility.
Together, we are building a better future for our Club, our members and our community.
Active Sustainability Programs
Green Waste Management
We manage green waste responsibly by diverting organic materials from landfill and supporting more sustainable processing pathways. This helps reduce unnecessary waste and supports the return of nutrients to the earth.
Co-Mingled Recycling
Recycling is available throughout the Club to help capture bottles, cans, cardboard and packaging. Our co-mingled recycling program supports better sorting, processing and waste diversion.
Glass Crushing
Our on-site glass crushing program helps reduce glass volume and supports the repurposing of glass into new materials and products. This is a practical circular economy initiative that delivers measurable environmental benefits.
Paper Recycling
We actively reduce and responsibly manage paper waste across the Club, ensuring recyclable paper and cardboard materials are diverted from landfill wherever possible.
E-Waste Recycling
Electronic waste is collected and recycled so that valuable materials can be recovered or reused responsibly, helping prevent harmful waste from entering landfill.
Sustainability Initiatives
Furniture Rehoming
When furniture, fixtures or equipment are no longer required, we look for opportunities to donate, repurpose or rehome items wherever possible.
This gives pre-loved furniture a second life, reduces landfill and creates opportunities to support community organisations, local groups and others who may benefit from quality items.
Single-Use Cup Free Ballina
Ballina RSL has been single use coffee cup free (SUC-Free) since July 2024, and is proud to support a transition away from single-use coffee cups, by making reusable systems part of everyday community life.
As part of our commitment to sustainability we have installed solar panels to supplement our power needs
We now have a battery recycling station for members and guests to recycle batteries and keep them out of landfill