Annual recycling competition starts January 20

For the sixth year in a row, Grand Valley is competing in Recyclemania, a 10-week national competition among colleges and universities.

Beginning Sunday, January 20, and ending March 30, Grand Valley will compete in different contests to collect the largest amount of recyclables and the least amount of trash.

Steve Leeser, operations supervisor for Facilities Services, said Grand Valley’s success in the competition will involve participation and support from all students, faculty and staff members on campus. “Since last year, we added additional bins for people to place their compost and recycling materials throughout campus,” he said.

Grand Valley placed 77th in the country as Grand Champion of Recyclemania last year and recycled 244,320 pounds. More than 600 colleges and universities participated.

Leeser hopes the growth of composting efforts and programs on campus will help Grand Valley place higher this year. “Our strong composting program is what sets us apart from other universities,” he said.

A table with more information and T-shirts will be set up in the Kirkhof Center January 22 and 23 and in the DeVos Center January 22. For a list of compostable and recyclable items, visit the Facilities Services website.

Facilities Services is leading the contest, with support from Campus Dining, Office of Housing and Residence Life, Sustainable Community Development Initiative, Pew Campus Operations, Student Environmental Coalition and the university’s student Green Team.

For more information about Recyclemania, visit www.recyclemania.org.