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Sustainability

Zero Waste Wolfpack Wraps Up an Impactful 2024 Season

December 10, 2024
Zero Waste Wolfpack student volunteers at football game

The 2024 football season at Carter-Finley Stadium was more than victories – it was also a big win for sustainability thanks to the Zero Waste Wolfpack program. Across seven games, the program rallied fans, volunteers and partners to achieve impressive results in waste diversion and recycling.  

This season, 76,667 pounds of recycling and 18,185 pounds of compost were collected, keeping a staggering amount of waste out of landfills. Key highlights include:  

  • 68,040 pounds of stadium recycling  
  • 7,140 pounds of tailgate recycling  
  • 706 pounds of plastic film collected  

With the help of 247 volunteers, including eight dedicated student interns, the program logged 988 volunteer hours. This year also featured a new partnership with The Great Raleigh Cleanup, which collected over 17,000 aluminum cans for recycling, with proceeds rebated and reinvested into the program  

“The amount of waste produced at these types of events is insane, and to know that we could divert literal tons of it is amazing,” shared senior engineering student intern Najier Torrence, who plays a key role in the program’s success. “I’m looking forward to our efforts being contagious and inspiring people to make more sustainable choices.”

The program also hosted two post-game Sunday sorts, giving volunteers a hands-on role in maximizing waste diversion. The result? A 13% year-over-year increase in waste diversion.

“I loved collaborating with the many teams at Carter-Finley that come together to promote zero-waste initiatives,” said program coordinator Meredith Smith. “Every game day was an exciting chance to make a positive impact while soaking in the high energy of Wolfpack fans. I look forward to building on these efforts and expanding operations next season!”  

The Zero Waste Wolfpack program continues to show how small actions add up to big change, proving that Wolfpack Nation is leading the way in sustainable sports.  

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