The Toronto Environmental Alliance has released a new report, Kicking off with reusables: The opportunity of the FIFA World Cup 26™ for Canadian events, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
This report was completed for Environment and Climate Change Canada and outlines the benefits of shifting from single-use to reusable foodware at major sporting events and festivals in Canada, and the opportunity of the the FIFA World Cup 26™ to kick off the shift.
In 2026, Canada, the U.S, and Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup 26™. This high profile international event will put a spotlight on host cities, including Toronto and Vancouver who will host 13 matches between them. This provides an ideal opportunity to leverage the attention, investment and excitement to create sustainable legacies from what could otherwise be an event creating significant waste and climate impacts.
This pivotal moment could prompt a shift from single-use to zero waste reusables at major sports and cultural venues and events.
A key finding from our research is that adopting reusable cups instead of single-use in Toronto and Vancouver for FIFA World Cup 26™ in stadiums and Fan Festivals™ could prevent 2.3 million disposables, avoiding 43.6 tonnes of waste.
The report also reveals important shared learnings from Canadian venues and event organizers who have already begun shifting from single-use to reusable foodware, and from numerous international studies. We also provide case studies to help decision-makers and stakeholders shift to reusables for food and drinks. This includes both short term actions at the upcoming tournament, and the development of lasting infrastructure and policy to support reuse. Finally, we review key policy trends and developments that can accelerate the shift to reuse.
To generate these important findings, TEA interviewed and met with dozens of reuse experts, venues and reuse service providers to understand what’s happening in Canada, and what benefits a shift to reuse could bring to major sports events and beyond.