Help UK Beat Hundreds of Universities in RecycleMania
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2020) — In 2019, the University of Kentucky diverted a total of 9.7 million pounds of material away from the landfill and increased general recycling by 17% compared to 2018 totals. While these numbers are impressive, UK aims to collect more recyclables than ever in 2020. As part of that mission, UK is competing against hundreds of universities in RecycleMania, a national recycling competition among college and university recycling programs.
Throughout February and March, the UK Recycling Office encourages UK students, faculty and staff to recycle more and waste less. “Start small,” said UK Recycling Coordinator Joanna Ashford. “Remember to recycle your cardboard boxes, office paper, magazines, newspaper, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles in the blue containers throughout campus. It is a simple step that can have a big impact on campus."
Events across campus will highlight the importance of recycling at UK. First up on the calendar is a tabling event. Stop by and learn about what you can recycle here at UK. This tabling will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the Gatton Student Center.
As part of RecycleMania, the UK Recycling staff is also available to speak to any campus group, office or organization interested in learning more about recycling. Contact UK Recycling Coordinator Joanna Ashford at Joanna.ashford@uky.edu to schedule a talk.
Be on the lookout for updates on the university's ranking throughout the next two months on UK Recycling Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ukyrecycles).
Need a recycling bin for your office? Complete the online form to receive a free recycling bin for your office or department.
For more information about what is and isn’t recyclable, visit www.uky.edu/facilities/cppd/services/facilities-services/recycling/what-is-recyclable.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.