Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Washington Nationals has entered into a partnership with Recycle Track Systems (RTS) in an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated at its Nationals Park home.
RTS, an environmentally-focused waste and recycling management company, will work with officials at the ballpark to establish a sustainability plan that combines recycling, food-waste composting, educational material and staff training.
The main goal of the new project is to increase the amount of materials diverted from landfill disposal, with RTS to utilise its tracking capabilities to measure the ballpark’s sustainability practices to reduce waste stream contamination and improve operational efficiencies.
This approach includes using technology that ensures recyclables and organics are being properly distributed to the designated facility, as well as data on diversion rates.
As part of the arrangement, RTS will benefit from a branding presence inside the ballpark, including digital and permanent signage.
RTS branding will also feature on all waste receptacles and the firm will create an educational video that will be shown before games to educate Nationals fans about recycling and composting habits.
Alan Gottlieb, chief operating officer of Lerner Sports, which owns the Nationals, said: “We have worked hard from the very beginning to make Nationals Park an environmentally responsible member of the D.C. community.
“Our collaboration with RTS will enhance the visibility of our sustainability efforts and provide concrete ways for our fans to support these initiatives.”
Nationals Park becomes the fourth sports venue to begin working with RTS, as the company already has partnerships in place with Barclays Center, Citi Field and the soon-to-be completed Audi Field.
Greg Lettieri, co-founder and chief executive of RTS, added: “The Nationals have been at the forefront of sustainability as the first MLB stadium to receive LEED certification.
“RTS is thrilled to collaborate with Nationals Park and champion waste management and recycling solutions which will lead to a greener impact for many years to come.”
Image: Rudi Riet
