The University of Kentucky is one of more than a hundred institutions competing this month and next to see who can recycle more and waste less. It’s all part of a contest dubbed Recyclemania.
Sustainability Coordinator Shane Tedder says the goal is to do even better than last year which saw the campus recycle more than 5 million pounds of paper, plastic and other waste materials.
"Recycling is a gateway behavior for sustainability," said Shane Tedder, UK's Sustainability Coordinator. "If our recycling program isn't working right, it's tough for us to build our other sustainability initiatives up," Tedder explained.
Recycling program coordinator Mary Long says there are some common items that can’t be recycled.
"Fast food cups are our number one problem...for example Starbucks cups may be made by recyclable material but they're not recyclable here on campus, so if you have those, just throw them in the trash," Long said.
Those interested in participating can learn more at a lunch and learn event on February 16th at 12:15 at the 90 dining facility.
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