Turning Panthers Tailgaters Into Recyclers
How much trash can tens of thousands of parking-lot partiers (typically known as “tailgaters”) generate before each Carolina Panthers game, and how do you get them to stop thinking about football just long enough to recycle a bottle, can or cardboard?
That’s where Panthers Tailgate Recycling Partners get involved. 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 Special Services teams.
Tailgating generates close to 10 tons of waste on most game days. “This year our goal is to build on the success of last year with increased participation from the fans,” Wilson said. “It was tremendous to see the program evolve last year. Now through better education, communication and volunteer participation, we hope to make significant strides this year. We know we can.”
2012 Tailgate Recycling Results
| Team Played |
Tons Recycled |
| Houston Texans |
1.27
|
| Miami Dolphins |
.9
|
| New Orleans Saints |
3.48
|
| New York Giants |
3.06
|
| Seattle Seahawks |
2.83
|
| Dallas Cowboys |
5.27
|
| Denver Broncos |
3.43
|
| Tampa Bay Bucs |
1.97
|
| Atlanta Falcons |
2.74
|
| Oakland Raiders |
2.47
|
| Belk Bowl |
1.99
|
Panthers Tailgate Recycling Partners include Bojangles’
(who gives gift cards to recognize the best tailgate recyclers), the City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services/Special Services, Charlotte Center City Partners and the Carolina Panthers. The partnership hopes to increase awareness and participation by increasing communication and education efforts. Parking lot operators are bolstering their in-house communication with game day operators in an effort to get more bags out to tailgaters. Volunteers are also being recruited to assist parking lot operators in distributing extra bags and sharing information with fans about what to recycle and collection.
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 which start September 16th and have a 1:00pm kickoff. Volunteer commitment is from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Volunteers meet at the Hal Marshal Center (free parking). Volunteer coordinators will meet volunteers at the Hal Marshal building and arrange logistics. (700 N. Tryon Street)
Want to know more? Contact Jake Wilson, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful,
via email or call
704-432-1772 or
704-621-7372 (cell).