UConn Huskies Can Recycle More this Football Season

October 18, 2013-- As college football season approaches, devoted Huskies across the state are gearing up in navy, white, red, and gray, while eagerly awaiting upcoming tailgates. Game-goers will test their grills, perfect their barbeque sauces and stock up on supplies for weekly tailgating fun. Before the game, parking lots and campuses will be full of people eating, drinking, and getting ready for kick-off.  Afterwards, lots are left littered and trash cans are left overflowing with food wrappers, chip bags and cups.  This season, students can reduce waste by collecting one of the most ubiquitous tailgate accessories – red Solo cups – and sending them recycling pioneer TerraCycle. 

In a conscious effort to reduce landfill waste, TerraCycle and the Solo Cup Company created the Solo Cup Brigade®, a free recycling program for #6 rigid plastic cups.  For each cup returned, the collector earns points toward charity gifts or cash donations to a school or non-profit organization.  Any fan, student or campus organization can sign up for this program and all shipping costs are pre-paid.  The cups can be recycled into a variety of products, such as playground equipment, waste bins and outdoor furniture.

“At TerraCycle, we are all about having fun, but not at the expense of the planet,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Founder and CEO.  “Through the Solo Cup Brigade, college campuses can easily reduce waste without asking students to completely change their tailgating routine.”

TerraCycle also accepts other items found at a tailgate parties, including chip bags, Kraft Singles wrappers and hummus containers.  Additionally, common dorm items like toothpaste tubes, cosmetic packaging and cereal bags can be sent in, thanks to Colgate, Garnier and Malt-O-Meal.   The programs are ongoing, free to join, and all shipping costs are pre-paid.  Interested parties can learn more at www.terracycle.com.