Game Day Recycling
Be a part of Notre Dame’s efforts to #GoIrish #BeGreen!
Stadium Recycling
Look for green barrels labeled “Recycling” inside the stadium to discard your empty bottles, cups, and cans. Everything else goes in the black barrels marked “Landfill.”
Tailgate Recycling
The tradition of tailgating at Notre Dame has become as popular and as important as attending the game itself with many fans considering tailgating the ultimate game day experience.
If you have a designated tailgating spot: Dispose of your recyclables by placing them in one of the clear bags that is provided to you by our Green Team members at the entrance to designated lots. Anything that can be recycled in our single-stream program can be placed in the clear bags.
Everything else is considered trash and should be placed in the black bag provided to you. You may also use your own black bags. Anything not in a clear bag is considered trash.
Prior to kickoff, leave both bags behind your vehicle and they will be picked up during the game. It is helpful to leave the clear bag untied so staff can easily remove the materials.
If you are walking around the lots and other parts of campus: Dispose of your recyclables in the blue barrels labeled with a recycling symbol. Everything else should go in the white barrels labeled “landfill.”
Tailgating Waste Reduction Tips
To help you score a winning touchdown with your recycling, we’ve come up with a list of our top 5 tips to help make your Game Day tailgate the greenest it can be.
Tip #1: Reusables, Reusables, Reusables
We can’t talk about sustainable tailgating without the word reusables. Consider your options for reusable tablecloths, beverage containers, and drink dispensers. Single-use plastic cups are common for outdoor events. Instead of the classic red solo, consider purchasing aluminum cups for you and your guests, which are sturdier than plastic solo cups, infinitely recyclable, and can even be washed and reused! Reusable serving utensils like plates and silverware should also be in your tailgating supply inventory. Instead of plastic plates and utensils, reach for items that can be washed and used again. If you choose to go with a disposable option, consider items made with biodegradable materials like bamboo.
Tip #2: Have a game plan for your leftovers
Food is a staple for any good tailgate! Often, leftover food remains when the game begins. Think about ways you can minimize food waste by making a game plan for your leftovers. To prevent throwing food away, be sure to bring reusable containers and a cooler that can be stowed away in your vehicle while enjoying the game. This will help ensure your leftovers stay fresh and can be consumed after an Irish victory. Wasted food is the single largest category of material placed in landfills. Help the Fighting Irish fight hunger by feeding people instead of landfills.
Tip #3: Purchase only beverages in containers that are recyclable
We’ve made recycling outside of the stadium convenient and easy for our tailgate fans. We highly encourage you to purchase beverages in containers that can be recycled, like aluminum, glass, or plastics #1-2.
Tip #4: Have something to collect your soiled, reusable dishware in
Try a pop-up hamper to collect your reusable soiled cups, plates, and serving utensils. Having a designated place where your guests can leave their used cups, plates, and serving utensils helps keep your tailgate area neat and tidy, making for an easy clean-up before heading into the game.
Tip #5: Get creative, enjoy your tailgate, but leave no trace
Challenge yourself to be as green as you can when planning your tailgate - or try one new sustainable action each game. Providing clearly designated trash and recycling receptacles for your guests is a great way to keep your tailgate area neat and tidy for easier clean-up. That way, you can get into the stadium in time for kick-off. Leaving nothing behind, including your tailgate accessories like games, chairs, tables, and banner flags, even if they are broken, is one of the best things you can do to ensure everyone has a great tailgate experience.
