On top of the heap in Recyclemania

Back on top of the heap – literally – is where SUNY Fredonia ranks among SUNY schools in the just concluded 2013 RecycleMania competition.

Over 112,000 pounds of recycled material, or nearly 17.25 pounds per person, was collected by students, faculty and staff during the eight-week campaign that ended March 30 to return SUNY Fredonia to the top spot in the SUNY system.

That volume is equivalent to preventing the release of 193 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, which translates into taking 38 cars off the road or supplying the energy needs of 17 households for an entire year.

“I’m excited that we’re back on top among SUNY schools,” said Kevin Cloos, director of Facilities Services and a member of the Sustainability Committee, which directs the campus RecycleMania effort. “We tried to do a lot on campus to promote recycling and going green. It’s good to know that our efforts are paying off.”

Overall, SUNY Fredonia was 10th out of 23 New York State universities and 74th of 361 colleges nationwide in the per capita competition. Just over 520 colleges and universities recovered a staggering 90 million pounds of organic and recyclable materials during the 13th annual Recyclemania.