Understanding the types and amounts of waste your Club produces is the first step towards reducing it.

The ‘ASSESS’ step helps Clubs identify where waste is generated, how it is currently managed and where improvements can be made. This may include matchdays, training sessions, facility activities and events.

Assessment does not need to be complex. Simple questionnaires, walk-around audits and observations can provide valuable insight, even where Clubs do not control waste contracts directly.

Resources in this section will help Clubs:

• Highlight opportunities to reduce waste at source.
• Identify main waste streams, including general waste, recycling and food waste.
• Understand current waste segregation and bin placement.
• Identify single-use items commonly used at the Club.

Once waste streams are understood, Clubs can identify actions that will have the greatest impact.

This step encourages Clubs to think about waste across different areas of Club activity and apply the 4R principles when choosing actions.

Clubs may identify actions such as:

• Improving recycling options in shared or local authority facilities.
• Improving waste segregation and signage.
• Reducing or eliminating single-use plastic bottles and cups.
• Introducing reusable or refillable alternatives.
• Running kit, boot or equipment swap schemes.
• Sustainable purchasing and procurement.
• Reducing food waste and improving catering practices.
• Reusing or repurposing advertising boards, signage and event materials.
• Working with suppliers to reduce packaging.

The ‘ACT’ stage focuses on putting waste reduction plans into practice.

Clubs can select a small number of priority actions that align with their facilities, events and resources. Some actions may be quick wins, while others may require planning or coordination with suppliers or venue owners.

This section supports Clubs to:

• Develop a simple waste action plan.
• Assign responsibilities within the Together Greener Team.
• Introduce new practices gradually.
• Track progress and challenges.

Clubs are encouraged to focus on reducing waste first, then reusing and recycling where possible, and recovering value from remaining waste streams.

Clear communication is key to changing behaviours around waste.

Players, volunteers and supporters need clear guidance on what to do with waste, particularly on busy matchdays. Positive messaging helps reinforce new habits and reduces contamination in recycling streams.

This section provides guidance and resources to help Clubs:

• Communicate waste changes clearly and consistently.
• Use signage and prompts to support correct waste disposal.
• Promote reuse initiatives such as refillable bottles or gear swaps.
• Celebrate progress and successes.

Effective communication helps embed circular thinking into everyday Club culture.

Reviewing waste actions helps clubs understand what has worked and where further improvements are needed.

This step focuses on monitoring waste reduction, recycling performance and behaviour change. Reviewing can be simple and based on observation, feedback and available data.

Clubs are encouraged to:

• Review waste actions and outcomes.
• Reflect on reductions in waste and improvements in segregation.
• Capture learning to inform future actions.
• Update Together Greener Goals as the Club progresses.

Regular review supports continuous improvement and helps Clubs move further along the circular economy journey.