The RecycleMania initiative is a friendly competition in which colleges and universities across the country seek to maximize recyclable waste, while minimizing non-recyclable waste within a prescribed time period.

In other words, we’re up against bigger schools to save as much as possible.

Jill Barrile: Bins for recycling are located across the Mercyhurst campus.

The competition begins on Feb. 6 and ends on April 2. Participating colleges are required to provide recyclable and non-recyclable waste weight totals prior to the start of the competition.

These weight amounts will be compared to the weight totals taken at the end of the competition in order to calculate a recycling rate, which will determine Mercyhurst’s place in both state and national standings.

Gannon and Penn State Behrend are also competing in this year’s RecycleMania competition.

The main objective of RecycleMania is to promote sustainability practices and increase students’ eco-awareness throughout college communities across the nation.

All members of the Mercyhurst community are encouraged to reduce waste and recycle as much as possible; including members of the North East and West campuses.

Any student or faculty member seeking additional information about RecycleMania and how they can support Mercyhurst’s participation can contact Brittany Prischak, Mercyhurst’s Sustainability Officer, or the Green Team.