How Super Bowl LIX is tackling waste through reduce, reuse, recycle

As Super Bowl LIX approaches on Sunday, 9 February 2025, in New Orleans, the NFL is implementing comprehensive sustainability initiatives to minimise the event's environmental impact, with a significant focus on the reuse and recycling of materials associated with food, beverages, and merchandise.

Enhanced Recycling Efforts

To improve recycling efficiency, the NFL is deploying an additional 200 recycling bins throughout event venues, including the Caesars Superdome and the Super Bowl Experience fan zone. Approximately 20 sustainability staff members will be stationed at high-traffic locations to assist attendees in proper waste disposal and to answer sustainability-related questions. Behind the scenes, dedicated teams will sort through recycling bags to minimise contamination and maximise the recovery of recyclable materials such as bottles and cans.

Zero Waste Events

The NFL is hosting two major events during Super Bowl week—the Commissioner's Party and NFL House—with the goal of achieving zero waste, defined as diverting more than 90% of waste from landfills. This involves comprehensive material recovery and recycling efforts, including the use of compostable and recyclable service ware, meticulous waste sorting, and collaboration with vendors to minimise packaging. The NFL is also monitoring waste diversion rates at other Super Bowl-related events and on game day, aiming to expand zero waste initiatives in future events.

Food Donation Programmes

In partnership with local food banks and event managers, the NFL's environmental programme, NFL Green, is facilitating the donation of unserved prepared food and packaged snacks and beverages to those in need. For instance, in 2020, nearly 16,000 kilogrammes of leftover food from Super Bowl LIV were donated to local shelters in Miami. Similar efforts are planned for Super Bowl LIX to ensure that surplus food benefits the community rather than contributing to waste.

Innovative Material Reuse

The NFL is collaborating with over 20 local organisations, including food banks and schools, to repurpose materials from Super Bowl events. Last year's donations totaled over $300,000 in food and materials, and expectations are to exceed that in New Orleans, including thousands of pounds of food and building materials. Additionally, glass collected from recycling efforts on game day will be processed into sand for coastal restoration projects in Southern Louisiana, contributing to environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Sustainable Transportation and Energy Use

Attendees are encouraged to adopt sustainable transportation methods, such as walking, utilising public transit, or opting for electric vehicle rideshares, to reduce carbon emissions associated with travel. Local energy provider Entergy plans to supply renewable energy throughout New Orleans on Super Bowl Sunday and the surrounding days, further minimising the event's carbon footprint.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, Super Bowl LIX aims to set a new standard for sustainability in large-scale events, emphasising the importance of reuse and recycling in reducing environmental impact.