The Class of 2014 Council and R5 Operations (Cornell's recycling team) kicked off Recyclemania on Ho Plaza, Feb. 7, launching an eight-week competition -- among more than 600 colleges and universities -- to recycle, reuse and compost campuswide as much as possible. This is Cornell's first year participating in the contest, which is intended to raise awareness and build enthusiasm for the initiative. The competition runs through April 2.

The national College and University Recycling Council and Keep America Beautiful organizations run the competition annually to motivate campuses to reduce the consumption of resources. "Recycling and composting efforts by students, staff and faculty throughout campus are under way," said Spring Buck, Cornell's R5 Operations manager. "Recyclemania is a great opportunity to showcase the efforts of our community," she said.

Buck also noted that Recyclemania contributes to Cornell's sustainability initiatives and encouraged Cornell community members to take the time to dispose of recyclable materials in the correct bins on campus.

Details on Recyclemania and ways to participate are online at http://r5.fs.cornell.edu.