On Wednesday, Chess Plaza will be the place to talk trash at UT Dallas.

Custodial services will display a day’s worth of the University’s refuse to signal the launch of RecycleMania 2012, the North American college recycling competition. The mound, dubbed “Mount Trashmore,” is designed to focus attention on the need to reduce waste.

Mount Trashmore will appear from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the event will occur at the same time and place on Thursday.

“Mount Trashmore events have been used as visual reminders of waste and recycling habits on campuses across the country,” said Thea Junt, energy conservation and sustainability manager at UT Dallas. “Mount Trashmore will help us promote campus-wide participation in RecycleMania and educate people on how they can recycle more effectively throughout the year.”

For RecycleMania, competing colleges and universities track and report online the weight of their recycling and trash throughout the eight-week contest. There are several categories, including:

  • Overall diversion rate – total recyclables collected over the total waste generated.
  • Total per capita recycling.
  • Total overall recycling.
  • Lowest overall waste generation.
  • Targeted materials on per capita basis, including paper, cardboard, beverage containers and food waste.

UT Dallas has competed in RecycleMania since 2006.  In 2008, UT Dallas finished third in the state in the “Per Capita Classic” division with more than 97,116 pounds of recycling. RecycleMania 2012 runs through April 2.

Recyclemania 2012

Students are encouraged to carry recycling from their rooms to the recycling compactor bins located behind Residence Halls North and South.

New for 2012 is an electronics category that seeks to collect old computers, cell phones, printers, cartridges, TVs, stereos and consumer electronic batteries.

“We will be distributing residential recycling bin maps,” said Bron Clayton, building services supervisor.

“Students, faculty and staff may also request desk-side bins for their workstations.”

For a desk-side bin or for more information, call Facilities Management at 972-883-2141 or email fmworkrequest@utdallas.edu