The Zero Waste Sustainability Team works on distributing 25 red bins per tailgate lot for bottles and cans during home games at The Shoe. The bins are designed to prevent users from setting waste on the lid through a sloped design. There is are two small, round holes to distinguish that the bin is intended to place recyclable bottles and cans. Unfortunately, users are unaware that Red Solo cups are not recyclable and they often place them in these bins.
Users often place black, plastic trash bags inside the bins to hold the waste from their tailgate as well. This often leads to food contamination and other non-recyclables being added to the bin. Likewise, the black trash bag signifies to the trash team that this is trash not recyclable materials.
Each bin is a $70 investment and helps divert about 11% of tailgating waste outside the stadium, signifying the plethora of improvement opportunities.