Gameday Recycling student volunteers pause for a quick photo before distributing recycling bags to tailgaters.
Post Contributed by Joan Hicken, Coordinator, Waste Reduction & Recycling Department
Gameday Recycling is an opportunity for the university to demonstrate to the campus community that recycling and waste reduction activities are not limited to the home. Sporting events generate a large amount of waste, much of which can be recycled.
The Waste Reduction and Recycling Department staff places over 300 recycling bins inside Jordan-Hare Stadium and around campus for fans to recycle their plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Student volunteers pass out recycling bags in tailgate areas before kick-off and may receive a ticket into the game.
Fans are encouraged to recycle with the “Get Caught Recycling” program. At each home game, one lucky winner is caught recycling and receives an autographed football by the head football coach, as well as recognition on the video board.
Tailgaters pose with the Gus Malzahn signed football they won by getting caught recycling at their tailgate.
Auburn University also participates in the GameDay Recycling Challenge, a nationwide competition among universities to reduce and recycle the waste generated at home football games. Auburn’s goal is to become the number one recycler in the SEC!
Fans can improve the Game Day Recycling Program in 2016 by familiarizing themselves with what items are accepted for recycling. For example, plastic bottles and aluminum cans are acceptable, while glass bottles are not. Fans are also encouraged to waste less by carpooling or taking Tiger Transit to the game, and greening their tailgate by buying in bulk, and using reusable items like cups, utensils, plates and tablecloths.
Feel free to reach out to Waste Reduction & Recycling with questions, concerns, or comments via:
Email aureuse@auburn.edu
Twitter @AU_Recycles
Instagram @au_recycles
Facebook /auburnuniversityrecycles
