WE Recycle

WE Recycle

WE Recycle promotes Wolfpack Excellence by encouraging zero waste practices for Wolfpack fans at Carter-Finley Stadium. Since 2003, more than 1,110, 537 lbs. of cans, bottles, and mixed recycling has been collected from Carter-Finley Stadium and the surrounding tailgating lots.

WE Recycle is a partnership with GFL Environmental, Coca-Cola, NC State AthleticsWolfpack Sports Properties, and Waste Reduction and Recycling.

WE Recycle and Carter-Finley Composts are integral to Zero Waste Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium, a strategic operational and educational program that strives for zero waste within NC State Athletics.

 

WE Recycle Impact

In 2019, 74,531 pounds of cans, bottles, and mixed recycling were collected from each of the seven home football games from both the tailgating lots and inside of Carter-Finley Stadium. Tailgate recycling is predominantly made of cans, bottles, and cardboard. These materials are also collected on the concourse, to be combined with other back-of-house recyclable materials such as shipping boxes, pallets, and rigid plastics. The graph below shows the breakdown of recycling collected between the stadium and the surrounding tailgating lots.

Since 2015, 581 volunteers have walked the tailgate lots of Carter-Finley Stadium and passed out recycling bags to fans.

Volunteer

Sign Up

  • Fill out the volunteer form, Zero Waste Wolfpack: Volunteer Sign Up
  • Each person must sign up individually
  • Volunteer slots are on a first come, first serve basis
  • Only those selected will receive an email confirming attendance, game ticket, and parking pass info
  • Volunteers do not need to be affiliated with NC State University (students, faculty, and staff are welcome to volunteer with friends and family).
  • Volunteers under the age of 18 must submit a signed waiver and have an adult chaperone in attendance at all times.
  • Have a group of 10 or more? Please contact us!

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Engage & interact with fans by providing recycling bags to tailgaters for 2.5-3 hours prior to each home game
  • Provide instructions to fans on what can and cannot be recycled
  • Pass out koozies and other promotional items to those who display great recycling behaviors
  • Each volunteer will have a “buddy” to walk and work with through the tailgating lots with
  • Volunteers should be prepared to do a lot of walking while carrying a backpack of supplies (please let us know ahead of time if you require any special accommodations)
  • Click here for more information on gameday

WE Recycle History

  • Tailgate recycling at home football games was started by a Caldwell Fellow in 2003 in coordination with WRR.
  • The program was originally called “Chuck It” Recycling, after the former head coach Chuck Amato. A "chuck wagon" would roll through the lots collecting empty bottles and cans from tailgaters preparing for a Pack Football win.
  • After the departure of coach Chuck Amato the effort was rebranded to “WE Recycle”, short for Wolfpack Excellence.
  • In 2003, the program received the “Most Innovative Program” award by the Carolina Recycling Association.