Millions of Plastic Bottles Emptied into Returnable Cups: “Zero Waste” Commitment Faces Daunting Challenges

The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee (COJOP) set a goal of “zero waste and zero single-use plastics” in its 2020 pledge, “Our Commitment to Paris 2024.” The reality of the event has shown that achieving this ambitious goal is proving to be challenging. Although reusable cups have been introduced, most of them are still being filled with contents from plastic bottles, which are discarded after being emptied, reflecting the practical difficulties of reaching the environmental targets.

Social media has been abuzz with discussions about this issue. Environmental organizations, such as France Nature Environnement (FNE), have expressed concerns about the number of plastic bottles expected to be used during the Games, highlighting the significant challenge of achieving zero waste. FNE has pointed out that Paris 2024 is facing a “greenwashing” challenge, meaning that despite the stated environmental commitments, there are substantial implementation challenges and shortcomings.

In addition to installing 1,200 water dispensers, Paris 2024 has set up 700 soda dispensers at all competition sites to provide beverages. COJOP explains that due to technical limitations or site characteristics at some temporary venues, it was not possible to install drink dispensers, leading to the use of recycled plastic bottles. This situation highlights the challenges of achieving environmental goals within the constraints of venue and technical conditions.

“In France, about 25% of recyclable plastics are actually recycled, while we ensure a 100% recycling rate”

The organizers of Paris 2024

to franceinfo

According to COJOP, of the nine million drinks sold by June 2024, 6.4 million came from plastic bottles. Paris 2024 stated in an August 5, 2024, email that the total number of beverages sold to the public had reached 15.8 million units. It is worth noting that the exclusive rights to distribute beverages during the Olympics were awarded to Coca-Cola, a major sponsor of the event.

Despite the challenges faced in achieving the “zero waste” goal, Paris 2024 continues to adjust and work towards its environmental objectives. The organizers decided to revise their goal a month before the Games, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the Games to half of the average levels of London 2012 and Rio 2016. Additionally, while plastic bottles are recyclable, the energy required for recycling and the limited number of times they can be recycled pose further challenges.

Ultimately, drinks are being served in “ecocups,” reusable cups made from the same material. A total of 13 million ecocups were produced, which spectators can purchase for a two-euro deposit and return at refreshment stands. Although there are concerns that some spectators may keep the cups as souvenirs, this measure reflects Paris 2024’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

Another aspect of the initiative is the distribution of four million plastic bottles directly to athletes. COJOP cites public health needs, such as preventing doping by sabotage, as a reason for bypassing French laws that have prohibited the free distribution of plastic bottles in public places since 2021. This measure highlights the challenge of balancing public health requirements with environmental commitments.

Despite these difficulties, Paris 2024 remains dedicated to its environmental promises. Sponsor Coca-Cola is actively supporting these initiatives, working together to advance global plastic recycling and reduce single-use plastic. Through these efforts, Paris 2024 continues to make progress in its environmental goals, showcasing the commitment and determination of global major events to achieve sustainability.