Towson University will be participating in the nationwide recycling competition known as Recyclemania from Feb. 3 to April 5.
University officials said they hope to improve the school’s score from the previous year, as Towson finished 169 out of 275 schools.
The competition pits colleges and Universities together to see which school recycles and reduces the most waste. The competition raises awareness and encourages more avid recycling.
Clara Fang, Towson’s sustainability and campus planning manager, said that last year the university did not perform well during the competition because the previous sustainability manager resigned from the position just as the competition began.
Therefore, no one was able to promote Recyclemania or “Green” initiatives throughout campus.
Freshman mass communication major Emily Winter said she doesn’t see many recycling bins on campus, and that could have contributed to the low recycling score.
“Personally, I think the lack of recycling on campus has a lot to do with the lack of visible recycling bins in some of the residence halls,” she said. “That could be another way to encourage more recycling.”
Fang said she will push recycling campus-wide through advertisements and increase awareness about the “Go Green” initiatives at TU.
Prettyman/Scarborough building council president Bilphena Yahwon said often, students aren’t aware of the recycling options.
“We easily forget how our actions affect the environment,” she said. “We’re excited to be a part of something bigger, something that’s going to have a positive effect on our environment. We’re hoping that we can encourage students to continue recycling even after Recyclemania.”
Student group leaders are welcome to sign up their group to volunteer. This year, in addition to competing in a nationwide competition, Towson will also be conducting an inter-residence hall competition.
The residence hall with the highest recycling rate will win a cash contribution to their hall’s fund equivalent to the number of students living there, Fang said.
Recycled waste will be collected and weighed each week and updated progress will be posted on Recyclemania.org, where each participating schools results will also be posted.