WestRock, Atlanta Braves partner to improve recycling at stadium

Atlanta-based WestRock Co. and the Atlanta Braves have partnered to improve sustainability practices at Atlanta’s SunTrust Park. According to a news release from WestRock, the collaboration aims to increase the percentage of recycled items by decreasing contamination in the recycling stream at the stadium.

As a result of the partnership, new navy-blue recycling bins will be placed throughout the ballpark. Recyclable items, including plastics, paper, metal and glass placed in these bins will be collected and transported to WestRock’s nearby material recovery facility (MRF). According to WestRock, the new recycling bins are designed to increase the total amount of material being recycled at the ballpark.

“WestRock believes being part of a community means investing in programs and organizations that make tomorrow better for everyone,” says WestRock Chief Executive Officer Steve Voorhees. “Through our partnership with the Atlanta Braves, we’re proud to contribute to sustainability efforts at SunTrust Park by minimizing the volume of recyclable products that are landfilled and turning more recyclable materials into new, innovative products.”

“We are excited to partner with WestRock to further our environmental initiatives at SunTrust Park,” says Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves president and CEO. “The Atlanta Braves are committed to creating a sustainable ballpark, and our ability to divert waste to recycling at a high level would not be possible without the commitment of WestRock. This partnership directly reduces recycled materials from going into landfills.”

The Atlanta Braves and WestRock will host a Green Game on Aug. 22 to celebrate their commitment to recycling at SunTrust Park, and Voorhees will throw the first pitch.