Campus News

Help UK Beat Hundreds of Universities With RecycleMania

Wildcat Recycles
UK is competing against hundreds of universities in RecycleMania, a national recycling competition among college and university recycling programs.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 14, 2019) — In 2018, University of Kentucky diverted a total of 7,884,456 pounds of material away from the landfill. While these numbers are impressive, UK aims to collect more recyclables than ever in 2019. As part of that mission, UK is competing against hundreds of universities in RecycleMania, a national recycling competition among college and university recycling programs.

The amount recycled includes recyclables from UK HealthCare, Athletics and off-campus UK facilities, donations and surplus. By sending some of its recyclables to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Recycling Center, UK, along with other entities, helps support more than 6,000 manufacturing jobs, including about 770 jobs in Kentucky, in companies that rely on recyclable materials.

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 bring your reusable mug for coffee instead of using a disposable cup. Those cups — paper, plastic and Styrofoam — are not recyclable at UK or in Lexington.” 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 are tabling events. Stop by and learn about what you can recycle here at UK and get a free T-shirt or sunglasses made from recycled plastic bottles. Times and locations for these events are: 

  • 10 a.m.-noon, Feb. 18, The 90;
  • 6-8 p.m., Feb. 18, Woodland Glen III Lobby;
  • 6-8 p.m., Feb. 19, Woodland Glen V Lobby;
  • 6-8 p.m., Feb. 25, Woodland Glen IV Lobby;
  • 6-8 p.m., Feb. 27, Chellgren Hall Lobby; and 
  • 10 a.m.-12, March 1, Mining and Minerals Building.​

As part of RecycleMania, 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 (@BigBlueRecycles) and Instagram (@universityofkentucky_recycling). To get a recycling bin in your office, send an email to recycle@uky.edu.

For more information about what is and isn’t recyclable, visit www.uky.edu/facilities/cppd/services/facilities-services/recycling/what-is-recyclable.