That’s where Panthers Tailgate Recycling Partners are getting involved for the fourth year in a row. Tailgaters get a yellow recycling bag as they enter their usual parking lot prior to the game. Before heading into the stadium, tailgaters are instructed to leave bags (and collapsed cardboard if not in the bag) at the curb to be picked up by the
City of Charlotte’s Solid Waste teams.

At the first preseason home gave versus the Houston Texans on Aug. 11, almost 2,540 pounds was collected – over 35 percent of all the waste generated outside the stadium.

“Not bad for a preseason game -- we are hoping to reach 35 tons of recycling this year,” said Jake Wilson, executive director of Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful, a partner in the project. “Our volunteers cover parking lots all around the stadium, and have handed out cases of the yellow recycling bags. It’s fun and well received by the fans.”

During the final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 17, volunteers from Hands On Charlotte, Re Community, the Panthers organization, and City of Charlotte Solid Waste will be padding the lots surrounding the stadium encouraging the tailgaters to recycle and “Bring it to the Curb.”

Tailgating generates close to 10 tons of waste on most regular-season game days. “This year our goal is to build on the success of last year with increased participation from the fans,” Wilson added. “It’s was tremendous to see the program evolve last year. Now through better education, communication and volunteer participation, we hope to make significant strides again this year.”

Other Panthers Tailgate Recycling Partners include Bojangles’, the City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services, Charlotte Center City Partners and the Carolina Panthers. The partnership hopes to increase awareness and participation by increasing communication and education efforts.

Enjoy being part of the Panthers game day excitement? Volunteer! Join the fun while working for a cleaner, greener Charlotte at the same time. Volunteers are being recruited to assist parking lot operators in distributing extra bags and sharing information with fans about what to recycle and with collection.

• Volunteers are needed for regular home games in November and December afternoon kickoffs. Volunteer commitment is for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
• Volunteers meet at the Hal Marshall Center (free parking). Volunteer coordinators will meet volunteers at the Hal Marshall building and arrange logistics. (700 N. Tryon Street)

Want to know more? Call Jake Wilson, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful, at (704) 432-1772 or (704) 621-7372 (cell), or e-mail: Jake.Wilson@mecklenburgcountync.gov.