Wolfpack football’s tailgate recycling program underway for 2014 season

WE Recycle volunteers donating their time during a recent football tailgate.
WE Recycle volunteers donating their time during a recent football tailgate.

After recycling a record 60 tons during last season’s home football games, the Wolfpack is off to another great start in the 2014 season.

Sponsored by Waste Industries since 2003, NC State’s WE Recycle program promotes recycling among football fans at Carter-Finley Stadium and the surrounding tailgate lots during home football games.

New this year, Wolfpack fans who recycle are now eligible to win prizes.  As WE Recycle and WITH (Wolfpack in The House) volunteersdistribute clear recycling bags in the tailgate lots during the three hours before kickoff, they will also give away t-shirts and a $100 gift card, courtesy of Coca-Cola and Harris Teeter.

“We are so glad to be a part of this hugely successful program,” said Lauren Steele, Senior VP of Corporate Affairs for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. “Coca-Cola is 100% committed to being responsible environmental stewards, and this program is in line with our mission of helping create a cleaner, greener environment in the communities we serve.”

Recycling bins are available throughout tailgating lots, outside the stadium gates and inside the stadium. Or fans may use WE Recycle bags, which can be obtained from volunteers or bag dispenser stations located throughout the tailgate lots. Simply fill the bag, tie it closed and leave it on the ground for pick up. All bags will be collected by a contractor following each game.

Last year the WE Recycle program increased its recycling rate by 91 percent, adding to a total of more than 255 tons of recyclables that have been diverted from the landfill since the program’s launch in 2003.

WE Recycle is a collaboration of Waste Industries, NC State Athletics, NC State’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Office, Coca-Cola and Harris Teeter.