IMAX Melbourne
Sustainability behind the scenes and screens
Located at the Melbourne Museum in Carlton, IMAX Melbourne is the largest cinema screen in the Southern Hemisphere. As an independent cinema, IMAX Melbourne presents a powerful mix of educational documentaries and blockbuster feature films, often spotlighting the natural world and the challenges it faces.
Image: Person recycling paper cups at IMAX Melbourne
Sustainability at IMAX Melbourne
As a venue known for screening impactful documentaries on climate, conservation, and the natural world, sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s part of IMAX Melbourne’s identity.
The team understands that their operations produce waste, and they are committed to reducing it in any way they can. Whether it’s through smarter sourcing of packaging or better waste separation, their goal is simple: minimise impact, maximise awareness.
Waste management challenges in a fast-paced environment
Managing waste in a cinema setting isn’t easy, especially when session turnarounds are tight and the flow of patrons varies throughout the day.
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Finding suitable recyclable packaging for items like popcorn boxes has also proven difficult, particularly when working with standard suppliers.
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That’s why the IMAX team took a more focused approach, starting with one of their biggest sources of waste: paper cups.
Image: Simply Cups collection unit at IMAX Melbourne
Paper cup recycling in action
Since soft drinks are a top-selling item at IMAX Melbourne, Simply Cups as a solution was a no brainer. They introduced a multi-bin sorting station at the back of the cinema, allowing guests to separate cups, lids, bottles and cans, plastics, and cardboard before disposal. This hands-on approach not only helps reduce contamination but also empowers guests to take part in the sustainability journey.
151,800+
paper cups saved from landfill
*accurate as of 31st January 2026
Image: Multi-bin sorting station at IMAX Melbourne
Taking steps towards eliminating waste
By actively managing waste and introducing clearer recycling options for guests, IMAX Melbourne is making sustainability a visible and accessible part of the movie-going experience.
This page was last updated in January 2026.