Ohio State Cleans Up Michigan in Game Day Waste Rivalry

The intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan extends beyond the football field to encompass a competition in environmental sustainability, specifically managing game day waste. Ohio State University recently secured national titles by diverting an impressive 94% of waste from landfills during home football games last season. This achievement surpassed the University of Michigan's diversion rate of 79% in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste challenge.

Both universities engage armies of volunteers, including students, to collect and sort mountains of trash. These efforts focus on separating recyclables from compostable materials like food scraps and biodegradable serviceware. At Michigan, this compost is even utilized at the campus farm to grow produce served back in the stadium, creating a circular system.

Student involvement is paramount, with volunteers educating fans on proper sorting techniques. This hands-on participation underscores the tangible impact of waste reduction, offering a visible aspect of sustainability. Officials from both institutions emphasize the importance of these initiatives in promoting sustainable practices not just at stadiums but also in fans' everyday lives.