Capital One Field isn’t the only place in Maryland Stadium to see a well-aimed throw this football season.

Tomorrow’s home opener against Howard University will also mark the kickoff to the sixth annual Drive to Zero Waste program sponsored by Maryland Athletics, Facilities Management and Dining Services. During every Terps home game, attendees are encouraged to lower their carbon footprint by tossing their recyclable and compostable items in the proper bins in the stadium concourse.

Launched through a 2014 Sustainability Fund grant, the program has grown every year, thanks in part to students volunteering to educate guests at waste sorting stations.

"The Drive to Zero Waste continues this season and our goal is to top last year's impressive diversion rate," said Bill Guididas, assistant director of administrative services in Facilities Management. "The program is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our sustainability efforts and to involve everyone in eliminating landfill waste."   

Here are some stats from the 2018 season:

Stadium infographic: Compost collection climbs: 1.53 tons/game in 2017, 1.96 tons per game in 2018. Landfill waste drops: 1.21 tons/game in 2017, 0.95 tons/game in 2018. Stadium waste diverted from landfill: 39% in 2014, 73% in 2017, 77.7% in 2018. Tailgate recycling: 2,985 pounds of aluminum collected