KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Following a tour at Eastman, students from Dobyns-Bennett High School expressed interest in initiating a recycling project for their sports events.

Kristen Parker, a representative for Eastman Corporate Communications, mentioned that after students observed the methanol facility and its process of breaking down plastic waste, they felt motivated to create a recycling program at their school.

Parker said the students led the effort in creating the program and came up with all the ideas.

“We’re here to support and encourage as needed,” Parker stated. “The students devised this plan to start collecting plastic during sporting events. They will handle the pickup and sorting, then deliver it to Eastman, where we can process it at our facility.”

Parker explained that the primary aim of the program is to provide students with a convenient recycling option and educate them on contributing to a cleaner community.

Natalie Pickett, a science teacher at Dobyns-Bennett and sponsor of the Environmental Club, noted the program’s success and the enthusiasm it has generated among students.

“This has been a record year for the Environmental Club,” Pickett shared. “We’ve had over 60 students sign up, mostly following the announcement of our partnership with Eastman to implement recycling at the stadium.”

Pickett said they will be announcing the partnership at Friday night’s game, where it will be announced on the loudspeakers, jumbotron and posters around the stadium.

She said she hopes this program will be able to reach the wider community and inspire others, along with more students, to start recycling.