Stadiums' Plastic Waste: A Major Environmental Concern

With large crowds, come large amounts of waste. Stadiums, which can host over 100,000 people, are no exception. The average college football game produces 50 to 100 tons of waste, while an NFL game generates 80,000 pounds of trash. This waste includes plastic cups, plastic bottles, plastic food containers, and souvenir items. While stadiums have implemented recycling and waste diversion programs, the question remains: how much plastic waste does the average stadium produce?

Plastic cups

The average stadium that hosts 300 events a year uses 5.4 million single-use cups, creating 63.75 tons of plastic waste. If these cups were replaced with reusable polypropylene cups, used 300 times before disposal, waste would be reduced to less than one ton, and eliminated entirely if the cups were recycled.

The average number of plastic cups used at all NFL games in a season is 18,293,088, enough to fill around 33 football fields. Stadium concerts also generate significant plastic cup waste, with an average of 40,000 cups used per concert. As an example, the AT&T stadium, the third-largest NFL stadium in the US, hosted five big concerts in 2018, generating approximately 239,151 plastic cups as waste.

To reduce plastic waste, some stadiums have switched to alternatives like bioplastic, aluminum single-use cups, and reusable cups. Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, became the first major sports arena to adopt single-use aluminum cups in 2019. While aluminum is recyclable, a 2021 report found that single-use aluminum cups are extremely carbon-intensive, requiring 46% more energy and 86% more carbon dioxide to produce than single-use plastic cups.

Stadiums with effective waste management systems in place can significantly reduce their environmental impact. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles have diverted 99% of their stadium waste from landfills through green energy procurement, energy conservation, recycling, and composting. Similarly, Ohio Stadium, the largest stadium in the US, consistently diverts over 90% of its game-day waste from landfills through effective waste stream separation.

Plastic bottles

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles are commonly used for water and other beverages. While PET bottles are recyclable, the recycling rate for these bottles is low, with only about 25% being recycled in the United States as of 2018. The remaining bottles end up in landfills or the natural environment, contributing to plastic pollution.

The switch from plastic to aluminum bottles and cans has been observed in some stadiums over the past decade. Aluminum is highly recyclable, but it is also energy-intensive to produce. Reusable containers are another alternative that some venues are adopting, encouraging fans to "hand wash and refill" their containers.

To reduce plastic bottle waste, stadiums can implement recycling programs and provide easily accessible recycling containers for fans. Educating fans about proper waste disposal through signage and other means can also help increase recycling rates and reduce contamination. Additionally, stadiums can work with concessionaires to use recyclable materials and packaging, reducing the overall plastic waste generated.

By taking these steps, stadiums can significantly reduce their plastic bottle waste, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Food containers

Plastic food containers are a significant source of plastic waste in stadiums. Polystyrene, or "PS", is a common material used for food containers in stadiums due to its lightweight and easy-to-use nature. However, polystyrene is hazardous to both the environment and human health. Its ultra-lightweight nature causes PS containers to break easily, allowing particles to spread into the environment, including water bodies. Additionally, PS particles can migrate into food, contaminating it with styrene, a known carcinogen.

Stadiums with large seating capacities can generate significant amounts of waste, and food containers contribute to this waste stream. The consistent output of waste from various sources within stadiums, such as restaurants, concession stands, and seating areas, emphasizes the need for effective waste management and recycling practices. Some stadiums have implemented initiatives to reduce plastic waste, such as transitioning to reusable containers, offering incentives for returning empty containers, and providing clear recycling instructions to fans.

One notable example is the Cincinnati Bengals' concept of having a post-game recyclable material clean-up crew before the regular waste clean-up crew, using clear collection bags for recyclables. Other stadiums, like the Cleveland Browns, have partnered with programs like PureCycle to recycle polypropylene containers generated by concessions into an "ultra-pure" resin for new products. These initiatives demonstrate a growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste and a commitment to reducing it.

While some stadiums are making progress, the overall impact of food containers on stadium plastic waste is significant. The high volume of containers used during events, coupled with the hazardous nature of the materials used, contributes to the environmental and health concerns associated with stadium waste. Implementing sustainable practices, such as those mentioned above, is crucial to reducing the plastic waste generated by food containers in stadiums.

To address the issue of plastic food containers in stadiums, a combination of strategies can be employed. Firstly, stadiums can transition to using compostable or recyclable materials for food containers, as demonstrated by the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis during the 2018 Super Bowl. They achieved a 90% waste diversion rate by using compostable food containers and providing clear recycling instructions to fans.

Additionally, stadiums can encourage fans to bring their own reusable containers for food and drinks, reducing the reliance on single-use plastic containers. Educating fans about the impact of plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives can also help reduce the environmental footprint of food containers in stadiums. By implementing these strategies and working towards reducing plastic waste, stadiums can play a crucial role in contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Cardboard packaging

Stadiums are large venues that host major events, including sporting events and concerts, which can attract crowds of over 100,000 people. With such large crowds, it is no surprise that stadiums produce a significant amount of waste, including plastic waste. While plastic cups, bottles, and food containers are common sources of plastic waste in stadiums, cardboard packaging also contributes significantly to the overall waste stream.

To optimize cardboard recycling in stadiums, it is recommended to separate cardboard from other waste streams. Staff should break down the cardboard and collect it separately. Providing clear signage on containers and recycling bins is essential to educating fans on proper waste disposal and increasing recycling rates while avoiding contamination.

Some stadiums have successfully implemented recycling programs for cardboard and other materials. For example, the University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium recycles cardboard, plastic cups, water bottles, and other waste, achieving a 15% recycling rate for the 15 tons of waste generated per game. The Cleveland Indians have installed recycling bins for beverages and recycle all paper and cardboard products, while the Seattle Mariners recycle cardboard along with various other materials, keeping 226 tons of waste out of landfills annually.

By focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and composting, stadiums can significantly reduce their environmental impact and set new standards for sustainability. Implementing effective waste management programs can also result in substantial cost savings for stadiums, as recycling and composting can reduce disposal fees and divert waste from landfills. Overall, addressing cardboard packaging waste through recycling and sustainable practices is a crucial aspect of stadium waste management.

Recycling initiatives

Stadiums are increasingly adopting new technologies and tactics to improve their waste management practices and reduce their environmental footprint. Here are some recycling initiatives that can be implemented by stadiums to minimise plastic waste:

• Provide recycling bins and clear signage: Ensure there is a sufficient number of recycling bins throughout the stadium, including in concourse areas, hallways, and near restrooms. Place recycling bins for plastic bottles and aluminium cans in all public areas, and clearly label them with signs or graphics to indicate what materials can be recycled. Clear signage and education are crucial to encouraging fans to recycle properly.
• Partner with concessionaires: Concession stands can be a significant source of plastic waste, especially from food and beverage packaging. Stadiums can work with concessionaires to use recyclable or compostable packaging and to separate and collect recyclable materials, such as cardboard and plastic containers.
• Implement reusable options: Instead of single-use plastic cups and bottles, stadiums can offer reusable stainless steel or polypropylene cups. Creating new systems to facilitate the reuse of these cups, such as washing stations or return programs, can significantly reduce plastic waste.
• Tailgate recycling: Tailgating areas can generate large amounts of plastic waste, especially from beverages. Stadiums can provide recycling bags to attendees as they enter the parking lot and place recycling bins next to trash cans in these areas to encourage the proper disposal of recyclables.
• Post-event cleanup: While it may be labour-intensive, a post-event pickup of recyclables from the seating area can be an efficient way to recover recyclable materials. The Cincinnati Bengals, for example, have a post-game recyclable material clean-up crew that enters the stands before the waste clean-up crew to collect discarded containers.
• Promote fan participation: Educate fans about the importance of recycling and how to properly sort their waste. Use printed programs, loudspeaker announcements, and big screens to advertise the location of recycling bins and encourage sustainable practices.

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