The University of Michigan fans can now proclaim they are among the nation’s “leaders and best” at college football gameday recycling.

 

Wolverine fans who attended the Nov. 2 game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks helped achieve the largest recycling event in the University of Michigan history.

 

Together, they collected a new record of more than 22 tons of recyclable materials at pre- and postgame tailgate parties and during the game inside the stadium as part of the school’s second-ever Recycle Bowl.

 

On any given Saturday during a Wolverine football game, the more than 111,000 people who filter in and out of Michigan Stadium generate approximately 6.5 tons of recyclable materials, such as cardboard pizza boxes, aluminum cans and plastic bottles and containers. They also produce approximately 2 tons of compost, including specially designed compostable food trays, napkins, coffee lids, soda cups, cheese cups and lids, deli wraps, popcorn bags, spoons, forks, knives, straws and food waste that Michigan Athletics serves to patrons through its Michigan Stadium food and beverage vendors.

 

Recyclable plastics collected from the 2024 Recycle Bowl will be turned into new water bottles and distributed free to fans attending the Michigan vs. Michigan State basketball game on Feb. 21 in Ann Arbor