A cold morning was just about perfect for the runners at the RF Events Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K in downtown Ann Arbor. Over 1,000 adults and kids showed up in their finest Irish green to run the 5K or 1K. And the Green Team made sure just about everything was recycled or composted, and both Ashley Street and the post-race area were swept clean of litter.
Our staffed station was set up in the center of the parking lot off Ashley St. just past the post-race water and food tables. There are several trash cans along the central strip of the parking lot, which we covered and placed All Waste boxes next to.
Main sources of waste were cardboard, plastic water bottles, cups from coffee shops, waxed cups from the water stop, banana peels, and cartons of chocolate milk given to the kids after their 1K. Specialty recycling include plastic bags, snack bags, race bibs, small plastics, and (sigh) several Styrofoam cups.
Total waste was down slightly from last year, coming in at 55.5 lbs. Landfill at 0.4 lbs. (6 ounces) and the 99.3 percent diversion rate were virtually identical to last year.
Thanks to staffer Bridget and volunteers Jessica and Danielle for their help with another green success!
Happy Planet Running 