The Washington Nationals and Recycle Track Systems, Inc. (RTS) have announced a multi-year partnership, resulting in initiatives aimed at reducing waste at Nationals Park. The sustainability plan will combine recycling, food-waste composting, educational material and staff training to increase the amount of materials diverted from landfill disposal.
As part of the multi-layered waste reduction program, RTS will leverage their innovative tracking capabilities to effectively measure the ballpark’s sustainability practices with the goal to reduce waste stream contamination as well as increase operational efficiencies. This includes technology that ensures recyclables and organics are being properly distributed to the designated facility, as well as data on diversion rates.
“The Nationals have been at the forefront of sustainability as the first MLB stadium to receive LEED certification,” said Greg Lettieri, Co-Founder and CEO of Recycle Track Systems. “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.”
As a sponsor of the Nationals, RTS will receive in-park digital and permanent signage, including signage within the Nationals bullpen. Additionally, RTS will receive branding on all waste receptacles and will create an educational pre-game video, encouraging fans to develop better recycling and composting habits.
“We have worked hard from the very beginning to make Nationals Park an environmentally responsible member of the D.C. community,” said Alan H. Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer, Lerner Sports. “Our collaboration with RTS will enhance the visibility of our sustainability efforts and provide concrete ways for our fans to support these initiatives.”
This is the fourth sports venue RTS has partnered with including Barclays Center, Citi Field and the soon-to-be completed Audi Field, home to D.C. United.
At this year’s Winter Classic, RTS worked with the NHL and Citi Field, where the game was played, to divert from a landfill nearly 18,000 square feet of wood used to construct the hockey rink as well as rolls of un-used synthetic snow. Working with local resources, RTS successfully donated the material to New York Material for the Arts (MAFTA) where it continues to live on in the community.