Southern Illinois University Carbondale
ER-2: Student Sustainability Outreach Campaign

RecycleMania is a friendly competition tool for college recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities on campus. The 8-week program has been happening since 2007 on the SIU-Carbondale campus. RecycleMania is advertised to the student and campus community. In addition, invitations for participation and announcements regarding the competition are widely circulated. Students and campus groups are encouraged to take part by boosting and promoting their recycling efforts. Resident assistants and other campus liaisons will often use posters and information boards to track the progress of the competition. Information on the benefits and practices of recycling are also promoted during RecyceMania. Recycling amounts are measured and reported on a weekly basis with recognition given to colleges and areas showing improvement.

RecyceMania has had a significant positive impact on the SIU campus. Since the program began in 2007 recycling amounts have increased from approximately 12% to 24%. In 2013, SIU has made the following waste minimization practices our priorities during RecycleMania: a. Promoting inter-office reusable envelopes for campus mail and review/improve campus b. Replacing paper documents with online alternatives wherever possible (e.g. telephone c. Implementing campus printing initiatives which prohibit or discourage unlimited printing d. Creating active program to educate employee and students about waste minimization systems for reclaiming extra envelopes for reuse directories, course catalogs, room selection, bill payment, grade distribution, etc.) printing in computer labs and copy rooms (e.g. pay-per sheet pricing, etc.) practices (e.g. incorporating waste minimization information into new employee / new student orientation programs, giving regular presentations to campus groups and departments, setting up public displays, etc.)