Carolina Panthers Engage Fans to Set New Recycling Record

The Carolina Panthers, in the 18th season of their team recycling program, set a new waste diversion record in their sixth season of providing recycling to the fans tailgating outside of Bank of America Stadium. The recycling initiative, which was spearheaded by the Panthers and Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful, includes Bojangles, Center City Partners, the City of Charlotte Solid Waste, and the various parking lot operators as partners. In 2014, the Panthers collected over 45 tons of recycling outside the stadium, in addition to diverting 83 tons of recycling and food waste from inside the venue.

A large part of the program’s success has been due to volunteer engagement with tailgaters and fans. As awareness has spread, the program has gained popularity. “We have terrific fans that come to Bank of America Stadium and a dedicated group of folks that have worked together to put this program in place,” said Scott Paul, Director of Stadium Operations. “Our fans have bought into the recycling program at the parking lots around the stadium so much so that they now approach our volunteers to ask for the yellow Bojangles recycling bag.”