Waste governance and campus sustainability: formal and informal waste systems at football tailgates in Michigan

Purpose Football tailgating is a focus of campus sustainability in the United States because it produces large amounts waste. In states where recyclables can be redeemed for cash, this waste also resource earning income. University officials face challenge encouraging proper disposal, cleaning up efficiently and coexisting productively with income-earning recyclers. This paper aims to understand how bridging formal informal actors yield improved management outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Using institutional analysis development framework study combines observational data throughout one football season semi-structured interviews recyclers, tailgaters officials. Data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The case displays interaction between rules interaction. Campus have largely succeeded by tailgaters, who turn loosely coordinate recyclers under unwritten rules. Officials tolerate but could better communication coordination more trust them. Many conduct their work sense environmental stewardship that support efforts. Originality/value Uncoordinated coexistence systems common global South. With few studies North, first authors know context.