The NFL aims to recover more than 90 per cent of stadium waste at next weekend’s Super Bowl through recycling and composting.
NFL, PepsiCo and U.S. Bank Stadium partners are teaming up to put on the first zero-waste Super Bowl. The project Rush2Recycle will recover more than 90 per cent – over 40 tonnes – of stadium waste at the Super Bowl LII on Sunday 4 February in Minnesota.
Particular focus will be on recycling bottles and cans, composting organic materials like food waste and service ware, and repurposing items like discarded handbags, signs and construction materials. Rush2Recycle staff will encourage stadium fans to recycle and compost. The waste diversion infrastructure will remain permanently installed at the stadium, leaving a lasting green legacy.
“For 25 years, the NFL has strived to reduce the environmental impact of its events and leave a positive green legacy in host communities,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Through this project, the League and its partners hope to set a new standard of environmental sustainability at the Super Bowl.”
The project will also provide tips to fans nationwide to recycle more and intercept waste at their own Super Bowl parties. PepsiCo and Rush2Recycle ambassador Hines Ward from the Pittsburgh Steelers are launching a social media campaign to showcase recycling MVPs across the country.
“At PepsiCo, we know that developing more sustainable packaging and reusing and recycling materials are key to sustaining our success in the long-term, both as a company and as a society,” said PepsiCo Chairman & CEO Indra Nooyi.
“There’s no grander stage in all of American sports than the Super Bowl, and we look forward to working with our partners to shine a spotlight on the critical importance of recycling and waste reduction.”
Through the NFL’s environmental programme, solid waste from Super Bowl events is being recycled and leftover décor and construction materials will be donated to local organizations for reuse and repurposing. Tens of thousands of pounds of unserved, prepared food from Super Bowl events will be distributed to local shelters and community kitchens. The stadium itself will be powered using “green energy”.
Image credit: Minnesota Vikings
