Ohio University competing in national contest focused on reducing waste

The national Campus Race to Zero Waste challenge is now underway.

Continuing until March 25, this program encourages colleges and universities to reduce their waste through various competitions. 

At Ohio University, Campus Recycling and Zero Waste will promote waste reduction on campus and report weekly the number of tons diverted from the landfill through compost, recycling, and donation. 

Over the eight-week period, colleges across the nation are ranked in various categories based on who recycles the most on a per capita basis, as well as the best recycling rate and the least amount of combined trash and recycling. With each week’s updated ranking, participating schools follow their performance against other colleges and use the results to rally their campus to reduce and recycle more.

There will be various events to get students and the community engaged in this effort including a trivia night, the GameDay Challenge at the men’s basketball game on Feb. 21, and an upcycled art installation on campus. 

National recognition will be provided to the winning university in each category on the Campus Race to Zero Waste website and in a national press release. Winning schools receive an award made from recyclable materials and win the right to host that category’s special traveling trophy for the coming year.

Ohio University has set a goal of recycling 80 percent of the waste generated at on campus. 

“Campus Race to Zero Waste is a great way for OHIO Campus Recycling to keep expanding our recycling efforts,” said Kate Harmon, Campus Recycling’s events coordinator. “I’m so proud of our team and everyone on campus that’s working to make Ohio University more sustainable.” 

If you would like more information about this topic, please email Andrew Ladd at laddd@ohio.edu or visit https://www.ohio.edu/recycle. For result updates on the Campus Race to Zero Waste challenge, visit Campus Recycling’s Instagram page @ohiocampusrecycling.