Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia is paving the way for zero-waste initiatives among stadiums across the US. As part of its commitment, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is diverting 90% of waste generated within the stadium away from the landfill. To do so the stadium has outlined its four main initiatives:
During a visit to the stadium, fans are made aware of these initiatives at zero-waste stations set up throughout the facility. The zero-waste stations feature recycling and composting bins and include infographics on how to properly sort the materials before placing them in the correct bin. From here, the materials are taken to the Resource Recovery Room (R3) where they are placed into the appropriate waste stream. Metal and plastic products are sorted to be recycled at a nearby Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). All food waste and other organic material is hauled to Gainesville Waste and Recycling where it is turned into compost. In March 2022, Mercedes-Benz Stadium received its first batch of composted soil generated from stadium waste. The stadium used this soil for its on-site edible landscape and urban garden. Finally, materials such as paint, batteries, and electronic waste that cannot be sent to a MRF or composted are delivered to Atlanta’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM). The CHaRM properly disposes of these materials as well as hazardous waste and bulky items that cannot be recycled through a single stream. By planning ahead, educating consumers, and working with local businesses, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been able to greatly reduce its waste footprint and set an example for facilities like it to follow. More information about the stadium and its sustainability goals can be read here.
CIRT partners with businesses and organizations alike to provide on-demand, location-specific materials recovery information that is both adaptable and actionable. CIRT’s platform identifies products and material types then cross-references this information with recycling areas and location data to make a determination on what is recyclable or recoverable within a specific area. This helps companies, institutions, and facilities similar to Mercedes-Benz Stadium source responsibly, enhance their recyclability efforts, meet ESG and zero-waste goals, and drive down costs associated with landfilling. CIRT is recycling communication for the modern world.
