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Mountaineers Play in Zero-Waste Kidd Brewer Stadium

Sept. 3, 2014. To help Appalachian State University  meet its 90 percent waste diversion rate by 2022,  Appalachian Athletics has partnered with the Physical Plant and Office of Sustainability to develop a zero waste stadium plan for the 2014 season.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, fans at the Appalachian vs. Campbell game at Kidd Brewer Stadium will inaugurate the zero waste stadium. Waste collection will consist of 15 zero waste zones to collect compost and recyclables throughout the concourse areas each game day. Disposing of waste in a traditional garbage can will not be an option.

Jennifer Maxwell, university resource conservation specialist, said, “As Appalachian more firmly embraces sustainability and leads in its role as a model sustainable campus, it is inspiring for me to collaborate with departments that are dedicated to fulfilling the zero waste commitment. Athletics and the Physical Plant have fully adopted this opportunity and through this program we will create awareness and educate more than 25,000 football fans about zero waste. In the true sense of community, we will all come together to reduce our impact on the planet.”

The partnering departments worked to ensure that no landfill waste leaves the concourse on game days by negotiating with the concessionaires to use only products that are compostable or recyclable

In 2008, these departments worked together to begin Recycle at the Rock. This  tailgating cleanup and recycling program will continue, keeping with the university’s commitment to zero waste, while the group vastly expands their impact by including composting in their diversion efforts.

Doug Justice, associate athletics director, worked to create vending and cleanup contracts to ensure zero waste measures are in place. Grant Powers, building and environmental supervisor with the Physical Plant, will manage the operation of moving and disposal of recyclables and compost after the games. Maxwell consulted on the project and will provide student staff to manage the zero waste zones in the stadium.

Complete information on Appalachian’s zero waste commitment at zerowaste.appstate.edu.