Through recycling and composting efforts, the University of Iowa diverted 48 percent of its waste during the 2016 RecycleMania competition Feb. 7- April 2, placing second in the Big Ten and 41^st among 350 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

The 48 percent rate is up from 37 percent during RecycleMania 2015 when the UI placed fifth in the Big Ten. Some of the increase can be attributed to the installation of a food pulper at Burge Hall, allowing for more food waste to be composted.

During RecycleMania, UI community was urged to continue recycling, but do it better. Led by Office of Sustainability intern Tara Slade, four student interns developed programming and activities to inform and engage faculty, staff and students about recycling and waste reduction efforts.

Activities included a lunch and learn workshop about recycling, reusable mug giveaway, a photo opportunity for people to show why they recycle, and a waste reduction pledge contest for buildings and departments. During the last week of RecycleMania several students also carried a bag of garbage around campus, taking responsibility for waste and inviting conversation about what we consume and how to dispose of it.  

During the two-month competition, the UI recycled and composted 507,710 pounds of recyclables and organic materials, preventing the release of 749 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂E) into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to preventing annual emissions from 147 cars.

Complete results can be found at http://recyclemania.org, including a breakout that shows how schools performed by athletic conference, institution size, state, and other categories. Weekly results for the UI in various categories can be found here. 

RecycleMania is part of the UI’s effort to meet its 2020 Vision target of 60 percent waste diversion.