Sep 10, 2009

Tailgating Recycling Program Scoring Big Points

Are you a devoted Panthers fan, complete with a tailgating tradition of beer and burgers on the barbecue? If so, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful and several community partners want to make it easier for you to recycle before you head off to your sweet seat in the stadium this season. Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful is teaming up with the Carolina Panthers, Bojangles’, the City of Charlotte’s Solid Waste Services and Center City Partners to combat waste and boost recycling among tailgaters. A pilot recycling program launched August 29 in a four-block area near the Bank of America Stadium at the Panthers’ first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. At the two Panthers preseason home games, more than 2,500 pounds of recyclables were collected – about 15 percent of total material collected. “Our goal to start is to divert 20 percent of this volume, which equates to 4,000 pounds of recyclable bottles and cans that are generated by tailgaters before a typical home game,” says Jake Wilson, executive director of Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful. “We know we can grow from there.” Tailgaters will receive two bags as they enter their usual parking lot. One is designated for trash. The other, a bright yellow bag with the Panthers and Bojangles’ logos, is for all recyclable bottles and cans. Tailgaters will be instructed to leave both bags at the curb for collection by the City of Charlotte before they head into the stadium. Tailgating generates nearly 10 tons of waste on most game days, according to the City of Charlotte. If the program is successful, the footprint of the recycling area will be expanded. Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful is a division of Mecklenburg County that works to empower the residents of Mecklenburg County to take greater responsibility for enhancing their environment.

Categories: Lifestyle