Hotz and Yocum Halls Recycling Competition Begins Strong

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University Housing and PepsiCo Recycling teamed up this semester to increase recycling rates and promote sustainability in two residence halls on campus.

Hotz and Yocum Halls will compete in this pilot program to see who can recycle more plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

The competition started Jan. 16 and continues until April 16.

Recycled items are weighed each week, and at the end of the program, the residence hall with the highest weight of plastic bottles and aluminum cans per student will win.

"It's important to participate in initiatives like this because of the long-term benefits for students. While students are setting out their recyclable cans and bottles and don't necessarily know what happens beyond they collection point, they know that these items aren't going to a landfill," said Takama Statton-Brooks, director for residence education.

"Creating a habit of being conscious of the waste produced and the need to practice sustainability habits are life skills students will take beyond their college years."

Volunteers Needed

Students will be eligible for an incentive for each shift worked. Those incentives range from buttons to Koozies to PopSockets to air loungers. The air loungers are for those who have worked multiple shifts over the course of the competition and will be issued at the closing event for the competition.

The duties of a volunteer are simple — all you have to do is:

• Spread the word so students know to contribute their plastic bottles and aluminum cans
• Help staff events (schedule permitting) to raise awareness about the competition
• Sign up on GivePulse to collect plastic bottles and aluminum cans on Thursdays from 6 - 7 p.m.
• Weigh the contributions of plastic bottles and aluminum cans each week (scale will be provided) to track progress to help the RIC Sustainability Committee with efforts to promote a sustainable lifestyle

Residents of Hotz or Yocum Halls can get involved by visiting the PepsiCo Recycling event page or talk to your coordinator for residence education (CRE) for more information.

Also, remember to recycle your plastic bottles and aluminum cans so your residence hall can be eligible for a catered food celebration and other great giveaways!

About University Housing: University Housing provides residential communities for about 5,700 on-campus students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support the success of students and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. Living on campus starts with a housing contract.