Lafayette participates in national competition to reduce waste at sporting events

On Oct. 29, Lafayette College participated in Game Day Football Challenge, a national competition to decrease waste at sporting events, hosted by Campus Race To Zero Waste in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation.

Through many initiatives, including this challenge, Lafayette is striving toward having a zero waste stadium, a goal that is supported by athletics, facilities, dining, and the Office of Sustainability.

More than 30 volunteers—including Eco Reps, student environmental leaders, and Sustainability Interns—engaged with fans to help educate about recycling and provide giveaways to the crowd. 

After the game, volunteers conducted a waste audit to analyze trash and recycling habits at the game. Final calculations from the audit determined that 61% of the waste generated at the game could be diverted from the landfill, as it was recyclable or compostable.

Volunteers also calculated a contamination rate in the recycling of around 53%, most of which was a result of food and liquids in the recycling. These results, among others, will help inform future infrastructure and messaging to fans and the campus community about proper waste procedures.

Compared to 2021, there were significant improvements to the waste composition, which may be attributed to the infrastructure and engagement initiatives. This year’s Game Day Challenge had 30% less contamination in the recycling stream and collected 30% more recyclables in the proper recycling stream than in 2021. There was also 4% less recyclables in the trash stream.

As outlined in the College’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), we’ve set a goal to divert 60% of Lafayette’s waste away from landfills by 2035. Learn more about sustainability at Lafayette.