Green is the common franchise color for Columbus sports teams. The Clippers, The Crew, and The Blue Jackets are posting impressive recycling numbers in partnership with SWACO.

For the first month of the 2009-2010 season, The Blue Jackets (National Hockey League) and Nationwide Arena recycled over 64 tons. During the entire 2008 hockey season, the Jackets recycling numbers totaled 346 tons. Arena Director of Operations Scott Lofton sees a growing impact. "Thanks to our collaborative efforts with SWACO to improve solid waste and recycling volumes at Nationwide Arena, we salvage more than 46 tons of baled corrugated, mixed recyclables and scrap steel each month. Over the course of a year, we are able to divert nearly 15% of our total waste away from landfills."

The inaugural season for Huntington Park has been a very green one for The Columbus Clippers (International League). General Manager Ken Schnacke reports 97 tons recycled. That includes 13 tons of grass clippings that are now composted. "The Columbus Clippers and Huntington Park are proud to have contributed as much to the recycling efforts of SWACO as we did this first year at our new ballpark. SWACO was a great influence on our recycling efforts and their assistance and expertise helped us to maximize our recycling programs. As recycling becomes even more important in the future, we feel that we are well-positioned to continue improving and adding on to our recycling programs with the assistance of SWACO." Schnacke also is proud to point out that the new stadium and the team's offices were constructed with many green features and it was chosen as "ballpark of the year" by BASEBALLPARKS.COM.

At Crew Stadium, recycling by fans and staff also scored well. For the 2009 season just a little over 19 tons of recyclables were collected. Vice President of Operations for The Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer), Scott DeBolt, says; "Columbus Crew Stadium has worked with SWACO for 5 years to help reduce, reuse and recycle a significant about of the trash that is generated by our events. Our fans have also responded over the years seeing the importance of recycling and helping to make our environment cleaner."

SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills applauds the teams and Columbus Sports fans. "We believe people will recycle more if they receive our message about the benefits of going green no matter where they turn. So it is important for us to partner with The Blue Jackets, The Clippers and The Crew. The overall increase in recycling across Franklin County shows that given the opportunity, people will choose to go green."

SWACO branded recycling containers are available for use by fans at Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, and Crew Stadium. SWACO also provides recycling advice to the teams as well.

Businesses can learn how to reduce their waste stream by logging on to www.swaco.org. SWACO's "E-Trac" program shows businesses their environmental footprint. Another feature is the do-it-yourself waste audit which can help businesses get started on the road to green. In addition, SWACO's Business Roundtable provides networking opportunities with other local businesses and non-profits.

SWACO is the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. We believe today's throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow. In doing so, we act as a catalyst to bring about innovative waste reduction and recycling projects. Leading the way is the SWACO Green Energy Center which converts landfill methane gas into compressed natural gas for vehicle fuel.

SWACO also provides consumers recycling opportunities around Franklin County (Ohio) through 225 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, at Columbus City Schools, The Columbus Arts Festival and other locations.