Zero Waste Wolfpack: Scoring Big for Sustainability

NC State Athletics is scoring big for sustainability with the  Zero Waste Wolfpack program at Carter-Finley Stadium. 

At the recent Sustainable Wolfpack football game, 12,113 lbs of recycling and 4,410 lbs of compost was collected. The compost collected from this single game was more than the total amount collected during the entire 2023 season.

Volunteers, including the Grand Challenges Scholars, played a crucial role by helping fans recycle and compost during the game. Their efforts led to 2,380 lbs of compost being sent to the NC State Compost Facility and Research Cooperative where it will be transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment to grow produce for campus dining halls.

After the game, 36 volunteers returned to Carter-Finley Stadium for a post-game sort of the stadium’s waste. Students from the Sustainability Stewards, Zero Waste Wolves and other community volunteers helped divert another 1,730 lbs of compost away from the landfill.

Meredith Smith, Zero Waste Wolfpack program coordinator, highlights how important teamwork is to the program’s success: “The success of the Zero Waste Wolfpack program stems from collaboration with partners across campus and the community. NC State Athletics, Aramark, Cenplex, student volunteers and many others come together to reduce waste and build a more sustainable future.”

So far this football season, Zero Waste Wolfpack has diverted 10,818 lbs of compost and 44,571 lbs of recycling. They aim to reach a compost goal of 13,000 lbs by the end of the season.

Their efforts have contributed to NC State Athletics earning Front Office Sports’ 2024 Most Sustainable Award and recognition from the City of Raleigh, Carolina Recycling Association, and Green Sports Alliance.

The Wolfpack community is invited to help NC State Athletics strive for zero waste at every home football game by properly sorting their waste on gameday between recycling, compost or landfill. Volunteer opportunities are also available for the final home games on November 2 and 9. No experience is needed — training, free t-shirts and a student organization stipend are provided. 

Zero Waste Wolfpack is a partnership program with GFL Environmental, NC State Athletics, Wolfpack Sports Properties and Waste Reduction and Recycling. Learn more and volunteer at go.ncsu.edu/zerowastewolfpack.