Ohio University, Miami University Talking Trash in Contest

Contact: Ohio University Refuse and Recycling Manager Ed Newman, 740-593-0231

ATHENS, Ohio (January 30, 2001) -- They're talking trash at Ohio University and Miami University. But, don't get down in the dumps. The two Mid American Conference schools are poised to engage in "Recyclemania 2001," a 10-week contest to see which campus can recycle the most items. The idea is to encourage the smart use and reuse of materials.

The competition will run from Feb. 5 to April 13. Each week, recycling bins from the two schools' residence halls and dining halls will be weighed and, at the end of the competition, the winning school will receive a trophy made of recycled materials. The victor will be decided on a per capita basis, based on recycled materials to student enrollment.

"We were looking for a way to generate more interest in recycling. Since Ohio University and Miami are already athletic rivals with proactive approaches to solid waste reduction, this seemed like a natural way to go," Ohio University Refuse and Recycling Manager Ed Newman said. "About 70 percent of waste on campus is generated by residence halls and dining halls, so we decided to target these two areas first."

It is hoped that students will lead the charge and staff members, faculty and others will jump on and stay on the recycling bandwagon throughout the competition and beyond.

"This seemed like an excellent way of breaking away from the usual routes of communicating the ideals of responsible solid waste management, which is admittedly a subject that doesn't jump to the top of most people's list as something to get excited about by itself," Newman added.

More than a friendly competition, this is a plan with a purpose. "We're addressing environmental and economic concerns. Our students are very focused on the issue of conservation. Recycling is something that's important to them, and we want to touch on that interest as something more they can gain from their college experience," Ohio University President Robert Glidden said.

"Miamians are already active recyclers, diverting more than half our trash from the waste stream to recycling purposes. This competition will help keep us on top of the (trash) heap," said Miami President James C. Garland.

Ohio University's recycling program was recognized with a "Take Pride, Ohio!" award in 1998 for creating a superior recycling program at a government institution. The university recycles more than 1,000 tons of material annually.