Recycling at the Race Track

Jimmy Johnson made NASCAR history in 2010 by winning his fifth consecutive Sprint Cup Series championship. Like Jimmy, NASCAR is also driving out front – but in terms of event recycling. Dr. Michael Lynch, managing director of green innovation for NASCAR, explained its increased focus on environmental issues in the October 2010 issue of Resource Recycling. According to his article, in 2008 NASCAR partnered with Coca-Cola using the “Give it Back” message to help promote recycling. In 2009, 34 tons of beverage containers were recovered (almost 2 million containers) at NASCAR events. In August 2010, with over two months remaining in the racing season, the recovery total exceeded the previous year’s number by over 10 tons. According to Lynch, this program may be “the largest beverage container recycling program in sports.” Other companies such as Office Depot, Coors Light, and UPS have also joined NASCAR in its recycling efforts. Lynch, Driving Recycling, Resource Recycling, October 2010, p. 35-38, is available in the Legislative Library.