When Berkshire Community College (BCC) saw the opportunity to defend their 2016 statewide RecycleMania title, they didn’t waste it. Four Massachusetts schools – BCC, Hampshire College, Endicott College, and UMass Amherst – placed in the top 50 of the college & university recycling challenge. BCC took the top prize for the state and claimed 4th overall in the national competition of nearly 100 schools.
RecycleMania encourages colleges and universities to improve waste reduction strategies through an 8-week competition that reports on the amount of recycling and trash collected each week. RecycleMania motivates students to reduce waste, raises awareness about campus recycling programs, and tracks diversion rates across campus.
Powered by their BCC Green Team, the community college achieved an 81% recycling rate, computed by the amount of waste on campus diverted or recycled over the 8-week challenge. The results demonstrated a five percent improvement over their overall 5th place finish last year.
This year, Hampshire College – 14th overall – earned 5th in the “pounds per capita” category, with nearly 50 pounds saved per student, and placed in the top 10 again with a 7th place ranking in Organics (~25 lbs per capita). UMass Amherst was the top Massachusetts school by total volume, having recycled 1,040,780 pounds.
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions, including colleges & universities, with recycling and food waste diversion through food donation and composting. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.