Every month we try to focus on a new area of sustainability on campus.

It’s February, so this month is going to be a little more broad and a lot more exciting.That’s right folks, it’s RecycleMania!

RecycleMania is a competition for colleges and universities across the United States and Canada that is meant to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities. It lasts over an 8-week period every spring semester.

There are 4 overall goals for RecycleMania:

• To motivate students to increase recycling efforts,
• Generate attention and support for campus recycling programs,
• Encourage colleges to measure and benchmark recycling activity
• And have a fair and friendly competition

Schools are competing in 3 different categories:

Diversion

The winner of this category will have the highest recycling rate, which means they have a strong recycling program for acceptable materials, which results in reduced trash disposal through waste prevention.

Food Organics

This category tracks food waste and any organic materials handled alongside food waste. This includes pre and post-consumer food waste, compostable serviceware, and used cooking grease.

Per Capita Classic

In this category, recyclables weights are reported (excluding trash). The most improved school over 2 years will be recognized in this category.

There are also 5 bragging rights categories: Total recycling, waste minimization, paper, cardboard, and cans/bottles

The winning school in each category receives national recognition on the RecycleMania website, a national press release, and an award made out of recyclable materials!

Missouri State is doing a lot to promote RecycleMania, including:

Get caught Green Handed by reducing, reusing, and recycling on campus. Prizes may be involved if you practice the three r’s in the right place!

RA’s can win experience funds for their floor by creating a bulletin board to raise awareness about recycling! First prize is $50 experience funds, and second prize is $25 experience funds. See the event flyer for instructions!

Residence Halls will also be having a competition! Whichever floor in the residence hall collects the most recyclables wins a pizza party!

Finally, there will be a Valentine’s Day upcycling event on Wednesday, February 14th at 2:00-4:00 pm in Blair-Shannon. Come and show us what you can make out of items like chalkboards, coasters, pencil holders, and more!

Visit the MSU RecycleMania webpage to learn more! Happy recycling!