The University of Michigan is rolling out reusable cups for some visitors to Michigan Football's "Big House."
Dart Container, based in Mason,which makes SOLO brandparty cups and paper goods, takeout containers and to-go drinks, said the cups have been offered in club areas at the Big House since Sept. 5, when the Wolverines opened the season against Western Michigan University
The reusable cups are washed and returned for future games to support the university's broader efforts to reduce waste and expand reuse across campus, the company said in a release.
The program is a combined effort between Michigan Athletics, Learfield Sports and Entertainment, SOLO, Levy Restaurants and Bold Reuse.
“Michigan Stadium is the perfect setting to showcase what’s
possible when innovation and sustainability come together,” said Libby Rice, sustainability program manager for SOLO Reusables. “With more than 100,000 fans gathering on game day, this program demonstrates how reusable packaging can work at scale while helping build the infrastructure needed to create a more circular system across Michigan.”
Michigan Stadium has a capacity of more than 107,500 fans and is currently the third-largest stadium in the world.
The university says it is working toward "zero waste" at Michigan Stadium. Last year, the school said, it recycled 55 tons of waste and composted 17 tons.
Bold Reuse is the "reuse infrastructure and operations provider making the program logistically possible, designing and running the collection, industrial washing, and redistribution system that keeps cups circulating throughout the season instead of going to landfill after a single use," Dart Container said.
“Michigan Athletics is leading the next chapter of reuse in collegiate athletics and throughout its home state,” said Heather Watkins, co-founder of Bold Reuse. “Bringing a reusable cup program to the largest stadium in the country is a significant step forward."
How the Program Works
Reusable cups replace single-use cups in suites and clubs at Michigan Stadium for all home games this season. Levy Restaurants serves beverages in the reusable cups as part of its normal in-venue service. SOLO, which has a growing lineup of reusable products, supplies the reusable cups and return bins.
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Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Stadium rolls out reusable cup program. How it works
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