There’s trash, recycling and composting at the Philadelphia Marathon start line. But which goes in which bin? Who you gonna call? Waste Watchers!

Philadelphia Marathon Waste Watchers Program

The awesome folks at the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability are back at it again. The Waste Watchers program is returning for the second year in a row.

The Philadelphia Marathon has set a goal to divert 85% of waste from the landfill. With over 85,000 runners and spectators, hundreds of volunteers will be talking recycling and composting to race attendees.

If the Marathon can divert this much waste, they’ll be up for a ReSport Silver certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. Founded in 2007, the Council for Responsible Sport helps organizations consider the social and environmental impacts of sports event and provides guidelines for event organizers. According to the CRS website, encouraging public transit, responsibly sourcing materials for signs/etc, and getting the community involved are other parts of the certification.

Become a Waste Watcher Volunteer

Want to help Philly achieve this status? Volunteers simply help attendees sort trash, recycling and compost into the right containers.

On top of helping out, you’ll get some sweet “Waste Watchers” garb (which I believe is a sweatshirt.) The following slots are still open for volunteers:

• Kids Fun Run & Rothman Institute 8K: Saturday, November 16, 6:30 AM – 12 PM.
• Marathon Cleanup/Breakdown: Sunday, November 17 – 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher