National recycling and composting contest kicks off at Grand Valley

Grand Valley is again participating in RecycleMania, a national competition among colleges and universities to collect the largest amount of recyclables and the least amount of trash.

From February 4-March 31, Grand Valley will compete in different categories over an eight-week period. Each week, universities report the amount of recycling and trash that is collected and are ranked in various categories, including food service organics and waste minimization. 

This is the 11th year the university is participating in the contest. Janet Aubil, operations supervisor for Facilities Services, said campus community members can participate by throwing their items in the correct trash bin, which include recycle, compost and landfill. 

Facilities Services is leading the contest, with support from Campus Dining, Office of Housing and Residence Life, Office of Sustainability Practices, Student Environmental Coalition and Pew Campus Operations. Students on Campus Dining’s Green Team are also providing support by educating people about recycling and reducing waste. 

For more information about Recyclemania, visit www.recyclemania.org. For more information about Recyclemania at Grand Valley, visit www.gvsu.edu/facilitiesservices.