How to Recycle Plastic Water Bottles From Sporting Events

Bottled water is routinely sold at sporting events.

Bottled water is a convenient choice at sporting events, often consumed by spectators, players and coaches. Instead of letting plastic water bottles from your local sports venue end up in a landfill, develop a plan to recycle these in your community. Consult with officials before starting any type of collection; facility managers and sports leagues commonly assist such efforts. Once permission is obtained, you may need volunteers -- think fans and friends -- to help with basic tasks to recycle plastic water bottles from sporting events.

Things You'll Need

• Poster board or heavy-duty paper
• Thick felt markers
• Tape, zip ties or other sign-hanging tools
• Collection bins or containers
• Work gloves
• Garbage bags
• Recycling facility

Instructions

1. Make recycling program signs with clear information and bold lettering, using poster board and thick felt markers. Create one set of signs to publicize plastic water bottle recycling at the sports facility. Make a second set of signs with instructions for the collection bins; directions such as "only for #1 plastic water bottles" and "remove bottle caps."

2. Hang recycling program publicity signs with tape or zip ties around the sports complex; display the signs according to directions from the facility manager. Fasten recycling instruction signs securely to the collection bins, again using tape or zip ties.

3. Place water bottle collection bins near garbage cans, in locker rooms and other locations approved by the facility manager.

4. Monitor collection bins throughout each sporting event, and empty bins as they become full. Wear work gloves to place water bottles into clean garbage bags, sort out trash and remove bottle caps. Make a final check of all bins at the end of an event.

5. Take the bags of water bottles to the recycling facility and recycle bottles according to instructions.

6. Check condition of the collection bins throughout the recycling program and change instruction signs as needed. Wash the containers regularly and replace any cracked or broken bins.

Tips & Warnings

• Evaluate the recycling program periodically to determine how it can be modified and improved.

• Publicize recycling rates and positive information about the program to motivate public participation.

References

• N.C. Amateur Sports: Event and Venue Recycling Case Study
• New York Department of Environmental Conservation: Water Bottle Fact Sheet
• Sports Turf Manager's Association: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Resources

• Earth 911: Plastic Recycling Facts