A Greener Future at Manchester Aquatics Centre

The Manchester Aquatics Centre is continuing to build on its commitment to sustainability with a series of initiatives designed to reduce waste, cut down on single-use plastics, and encourage environmentally friendly habits among visitors.

From saving hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles every year to introducing reusable café cups and removing disposable pool shoe covers, the centre says small changes by both staff and customers are making a big difference.

Nearly 900,000 Plastic Bottles Saved Each Year
One of the most significant environmental impacts comes from the Aquatics Centre’s water fountains. Customers who refill their bottles rather than purchasing bottled water are helping dramatically reduce plastic waste.

On average, 2,394 plastic bottles are saved every 24 hours through the use of the centre’s refill stations. Over the course of a year, this amounts to just under 900,000 bottles prevented from being used and potentially ending up in landfill or the environment.

The Aquatics Centre is encouraging all visitors to continue bringing reusable water bottles when they come to swim, train or work out, helping to keep the number of plastic bottles used at the facility as low as possible.

New Reusable “Bee Cups” Arrive
Another new sustainability initiative has arrived at the Aquatics Centre café in the form of reusable “Bee Cups.” Introduced in collaboration with the university, the cups are designed to replace disposable takeaway cups and reduce single-use waste generated at the café.

The cups can be washed and reused multiple times, helping cut down on the number of single-use cups that would otherwise be thrown away each day. By choosing a Bee Cup when ordering drinks, customers are helping the centre take another step toward its goal of becoming a more environmentally responsible facility.

Visitors who would like to know more about how the Bee Cup system works can speak to a member of the café team. Staff say they are always happy to explain the scheme and help customers take part.

Phasing Out Disposable Pool Shoe Covers
Another important change took place last summer when the Aquatics Centre removed all disposable pool shoe covers from the building.

These covers are widely used in leisure centres but are considered one of the most problematic single-use plastics in the sector. Many facilities use hundreds of thousands of pairs each year, with the vast majority ending up in landfill after a single use.

To reduce this waste, the Aquatics Centre now asks visitors to bring their own slides, sandals or flip-flops if they plan to walk around the poolside areas.

For those who arrive without appropriate footwear, the centre also offers pool shoes for purchase at the front desk. Staff say the footwear is both practical and stylish, available in a distinctive red colour that has already proven popular with customers.

Working Toward a Greener Future
The Aquatics Centre says these initiatives form part of a wider effort to operate more sustainably and reduce the environmental impact of its daily operations. By focusing on practical changes—such as reducing plastic use and encouraging reusable alternatives—the centre hopes to create a culture of sustainability that benefits both visitors and the wider community.

Staff believe the success of these initiatives relies heavily on the support of customers who are willing to make small changes during their visits, whether that means bringing a reusable water bottle, choosing a Bee Cup in the café, or wearing their own poolside footwear.

Community Ideas Welcome
As the centre continues to explore new ways to improve its environmental performance, customers are also being invited to contribute ideas.

Anyone with suggestions on how the facility could become even more sustainable is encouraged to get in touch with the team by emailing manchesteraquaticscentre@gll.org.

With strong community support and continued innovation, the Manchester Aquatics Centre hopes to build on its progress and play its part in creating a cleaner, greener future. 🌍💧