RecycleMania 2017 now underway

Physical Facilities encourages the Purdue campus community to recycle paper, plastic, cardboard and aluminum cans during this year's RecycleMania Tournament, which spans from Feb. 5 through April 1. Faculty and staff are especially encouraged to go through their files and recycle paperwork that is no longer needed during the tournament. All materials listed may be placed in any mixed-use recycling receptacle on campus throughout the competition to be counted toward Purdue's progress.

RecycleMania includes higher education institutions from across the U.S. and Canada. The participating institutions report the amount of materials recycled and waste collected each week. From this data, the diversion rate of recyclable materials prevented from entering a landfill is calculated. Each institution is ranked weekly in various categories based on its recycling rate, total volume of recycling, and the least amount of total waste.

Out of 276 institutions, Purdue ranked first in Indiana and 16th overall in the Gorilla Prize category last year. The Gorilla Prize category measures the amount of combined recyclable materials collected by weight per participating school. Purdue ranked 60th out of 207 institutions in the Grand Champion category. Of participating Big Ten institutions, Purdue ranked second in the Per Capita Classic category and third in the Grand Champion category. 

Questions about Purdue's involvement in the contest should be directed to Campus Master Planning and Sustainability at 765-494-2481 or sustainability@purdue.edu. More information about RecycleMania, including complete results from previous years, is available at www.recyclemaniacs.org.

Faculty, staff and students should follow Data Classification and Handling and Data Destruction guidelines when disposing of or recycling materials.