Flyers Expand Composting Initiative

Comcast-Spectacor and the Philadelphia Flyers have built a recycling program at the Wells Fargo Center that rivals many of the large arenas in the country. But the Philadelphia-based international sports and entertainment firm is not stopping there. To divert even more waste from landfill, the facility is ramping up their composting initiative.

Composting is the controlled breakdown of organic waste into a useful product that can be used as a mulch and fertilizer.

"Comcast-Spectacor is committed to going green by seeking every opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible," says Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko.

The Wells Fargo Center is positively impacting its waste stream by altering purchasing behavior. The arena is introducing all new compostable service ware in all concessions and all premium areas, helping fans to lighten their footprint.

How does the operation work? Aramark, food provider at the Wells Fargo Center, has equipped its kitchens with special containers for food waste. These containers will be emptied into larger food waste containers that Waste Management will empty after each event. Waste Management will transport the food waste to a composting center in Delaware where it will be turned into compost and organic soil products for home, farm and landscape use.

Beyond service ware, waste that will be composted at the Wells Fargo Center includes fruit and vegetables; meat, poultry and seafood; bakery items and ingredients; coffee grounds, filters, tea bags; milk, juices and cartons without plastic spouts; dairy products; and paper and plant products.

The 21,000-seat Wells Fargo Center, home of the Flyers, is a registered member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Flyers are a member of the Green Sports Alliance (http://greensportsalliance.org/). Find out more about the Global Spectrum Total Environmental Plan by visiting: http://www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com/step-up.aspx.

To learn more about composting, visit the NRDC's Greening Advisor for Smarter Business.