The 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four Goes Green

March 4,2013

The NCAA and the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee (ALOC) for the 2013 Men’s Final Four are working together to make this year’s tournament the “greenest” yet by decreasing the event’s environmental impact. The ALOC is coordinating several projects to promote sustainability, but will kick-off its efforts with an e-waste recycling drive on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Silver Lot at the Georgia Dome.

The ALOC is working in partnership with LG, Keep Atlanta Beautiful and Creative Recycling Systems to host the e-waste drive, which will help local Atlantans eliminate old or unwanted electronics in an earth-friendly way. The e-waste drive is one of several green initiatives the ALOC is hosting this year, including tree plantings, recyclable materials management, a clothing drive, a bike valet and the purchase of renewable energy credits.

“We want to raise awareness of environmental impact with the local community,” said Tim Trefzer, sustainability coordinator for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and sustainability chairman for the ALOC. “One way residents can get involved is by recycling electronics that they no longer use. Locals can donate anything that plugs into a wall, and this will help reduce waste in Atlanta and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability during such a large scale event.”

Electronic items such as computer components (hard drives, monitors, scanners, keyboards, etc.), home electronics (TVs, radios, CD and DVD players, etc.) and small home and office appliances are all acceptable materials for electronic recycling. Large appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines, as well as radioactive or biohazardous waste are not permitted. For questions on acceptable materials, contact Creative Recycling Systems at 1-855-542-9253.

To get in on the action and learn more about the NCAA Men’s Final Four fan events, visit ncaa.com/finalfour. Information will also be available via the NCAA Final Four mobile app presented by AT&T.  The app, which will be available for iPhone and Android in late March, will feature the Coke Zero’s Insider Guide and the AT&T Fan Zone.  Get in on the action, get the app by dialing **NCAA. 

Also, join in the 75 Years of March Madness Celebration by going to ncaa.com/MarchMadness. Be part of history by voting for your favorites to help determine the Top 15 All-Time March Madness Players, the Top All-Time March Madness Team and the Top All-Time March Madness Moment. Voting ends March 24.