UofM Students Launch Recycling Program at Liberty Bowl Tailgating Locations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Funded by a grant from the University of Memphis Green Fee Allocation Committee, the University of Memphis will offer recycling in tailgate locations at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium during home games in 2019 thanks to a proposal submitted by three UofM students. Megan Lomenick, Courtney Heinritz and Felipe Rocha researched and submitted a proposal to add the service in 2019. Rocha served last year as a graduate assistant in the Athletic Operations area and is currently serving in the Tiger Scholarship Fund.

Despite over 8,500 parking spaces over 15 acres, there has not been a UofM-coordinated recycling effort available for fans tailgating at the Liberty Bowl in previous years. In a normal Memphis game, there is enough trash generated to fill two 30-yard dumpster bins.

"What an amazing opportunity for students here at the UofM to see a need, create a plan and take the steps to secure funding and get this project in action," Interim Athletic Director Allie Prescott said.

The students estimated that 50 total recycling bins would be needed, and secured $7,950 to cover the cost of the bins, trash bags and additional products needed to move the recyclables.

Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines, paper containers, and cardboard will all be accepted for recycling.

The University of Memphis' Sustainable Campus Fee, commonly known as the Green Fee, began in 2007. All full-time students pay a $10 fee each fall and spring semester and that fee is used to support projects and practice to make campus more energy efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable. In the spring of each year, the Green Fee Committee, with representation from students, faculty and administration, invites proposals for use of the fee. The committee then makes recommendations for funding, which must be approved by the president. All students, faculty and staff are free to submit proposals on how the fee could be used.

Previous projects on the Memphis campus have included alternative fuel utility vehicles, water bottle filling stations, food recovery and composting and sprayable solar cells for low-cost campus lighting. Projects on the Lambuth campus have included a UofM Lambuth recycling program, solar powered USB plug-in umbrellas and hydration stations.

University of Memphis Athletics

UofM Students Launch Recycling Program at Liberty Bowl Tailgating Locations

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