Tailgates alone can produce thousands of pounds of waste before a single game, but cutting your footprint doesn’t mean cutting the fun!
Pack Smarter
Most waste prevention happens before you even leave your home.
- Build a reusable tailgate kit. Swap the disposable plates, cups, and utensils for reusable alternatives.
- If reusable plates are not possible, swap with compostable and dispose of them properly.
- Rather than buying one-time decorations or plastic tablecloths, invest in reusable decorations that you can use time-and-time again.
- Bring refillable water bottles instead of buying cases of plastic bottles. (One empty metal water bottle per fan is allowed at UMD Football games!)
Quick Win: Pick one category of gear to replace. Start with plates or cups and try to expand.
Green Goal: Ditch all single-use plastic and swap with reusable plates, cups, and utensils. Use decorations that you can keep or reuse (Bonus: Source decorations from second hand stores.)
Serve Sustainably
Food choices can have a big impact on waste volume.
- Pack and bring food in reusable containers.
- Choose bulk snacks over many single-serve packages to reduce packaging waste.
- Buy local or seasonal ingredients to cut emissions from transportation.
- Pick aluminum cups or trays instead of plastic alternatives. Aluminum is easier to recycle.
Quick Win: Swap individual bags of chips with a large bag in a reusable bowl.
Green Goal: Bring and serve all food in reusable containers. Buy snacks in bulk and purchase local products like cheese, fruit and meats.
Sort Like a Pro
A bit of extra time setting up and cleaning up makes a big difference while you're on site.
- Have designated recycling, compost, and trash bins. Label bins clearly so guests know where things go.
- Make sure you know UMD waste sorting standards.
- Compost:
- Food waste
- Paper products
- Recycle:
- Plastic bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Flattened cardboard
- Glass can be recycled but MUST be sorted separately from mixed-recyclables and disposed of in purple glass recycling dumpsters only. Locations can be found here.
- Trash: Everything else! (Glass goes here if not being taken to purple glass recycling dumpster)
- Compost:
- After tailgate is over, take waste to proper disposal locations. Look for recycling dumpsters and make sure to dump loose recyclables (items cannot be put in dumpster in a bag).
Quick Win: Add a bag for recycling next to trash bag on site. Make sure it is labeled clearly and disposed of properly when tailgate is done.
Green Goal: Have a three bin or bag waste sorting station at tailgate site. Ensure that all waste is disposed of the proper bins including separate glass recycling.
Sustainability & UMD Athletics
Learn more about the UMD Athletics' sustainable operations, events, facilities and more here. UMD is a member of the Green Sports Alliance and is hosting a Green Game for the first time on Homecoming Weekend 2026.