For those familiar with the scenic view of the Quad when taken in a sweeping glance, game days bring quite a different experience for the eyes to behold.

The openness of the Quad transforms into a sea of tents, and the sidewalks churn with fans meandering to and from various locations.

As a result, the increase in numbers brings an increase in trash.

To reduce the amount of trash that ends up in a landfill, the University’s department of Logistics and Support Services staffs a tent on the Quad during every home game to promote recycling.

According to a newsletter emailed to University faculty and staff, bags are distributed to groups tailgating on the Quad. Fans can deposit their recyclable material, such as plastic, aluminum and cardboard, in these bags and then return them to the tent.

“UA employees will hand out recycling bags to individual groups tailgating on the Quad so that cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic cups, food wrappers and other types of plastics, including ice bags, can be recycled,” the newsletter says.

The tent is stationed east of Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library and fans are encouraged to deposit their recyclable material during the tent’s operation hours, which run from noon to 5:30 p.m. on game days.

Tony Johnson, director of Logistics and Support Services, oversees the University’s recycling efforts.

Johnson said in an emailed statement that fans can return their full bags to the tent in exchange for “a shirt, practice jersey, or DVD of [the] 2008 season. One item per fan.”

Johnson said the University is pleased with the participation of fans in the recycling initiative, which has been “above average.”

Out of the hundreds of bags that are stocked for each home game, Johnson said the majority are returned.

Johnson said bags are distributed “a couple per tent.” At least one bag is intended for cans and the other for plastic, but if more bags are needed, then more can be distributed.

After the game, Johnson said the material is transported to the company Waste Pro located in Bessemer.

“The recyclables generate revenue to help cover expenses,” Johnson said.

Chris Bryant, assistant director of media relations, said in an emailed statement that the University’s recycling efforts extend beyond game day.

Bryant said the University will divert more than 1,200 tons of recyclable material in the fiscal year of 2010 as a result of its many recycling projects.

“UA’s recycling program was one of five finalists in the 2010 Southern Association of College and University Business Officers Best Practices competition,” Bryant said.

Johnson said the recycling initiative managed during game days has played a role in the University’s success in being friendly to the environment.

“The amount that we divert reduces the amount going to the landfill,” Johnson said.