University of Washington to Add GreenDrop Recycling Stations at Sports Venues

The University of Washington Athletic Department is working with Pacific Cascade Corp. and using its GreenDrop Recycling Stations to increase its waste diversion at its primary sports venues.

The Seattle-based university said in a news release the addition of the recycling stations will help with its sustainability plans at Alaska Airlines Arena and the newly renovated Husky Stadium. The venues combined attract more than 730,000 guests annually.

Vancouver, Wash.-based Pacific Cascade’s GreenDrop Recycling Stations aim to allow users to easily sort recyclables and compostable items to keep them out of landfills.

"Partnering with GreenDrop allows our Athletic Department to incorporate a convenient waste-diversion system that patrons can easily utilize without increasing operational costs," said Carter Henderson, assistant athletic director.

The stations have been used by the Portland Trail Blazers at its main office and the Rose Garden Arena. The arena’s landfill diversion rate increased to 90 percent in 2011 from 38 percent in 2007.