SBU Looks to Defend 'Best in New York' Title at RecycleMania

Which university can reduce, reuse and recycle the most waste? Stony Brook University students hope to claim that title during RecycleMania 2013 as they compete against over 600 universities over an eight-week period from Feb. 3 to March 30 for stewardship bragging rights.

The participating universities compete in various categories measuring the success of their recycling, waste reduction and sustainability efforts. In last year's RecycleMania, SBU showed off their recycling skills by placing 17th out of 296 -- highest in New York State -- in the competition’s Gorilla category, which ranks universities on the total weight of bottles, cans, cardboard and recycled paper collected.

“We are stepping up our efforts to win it all this year,” said James O’Connor, Director of Sustainability and Transportation Operations at Stony Brook University. “In order to promote recycling and waste reduction, we are offering complimentary shredding services, recycling receptacle drop off for office spring cleanings, electronics recycling and waste minimization through junk mail elimination.”

Stony Brook also placed eighth out of 67 entries in the E-Waste category for the total weight of recycled electronic waste last year. The Office of Sustainability is also supporting the Project 50 Forward Managed Output Project (MOP) led by the Division of Information Technology and Procurement Office. MOP is reviewing paper usage, working to decrease the University’s carbon footprint and to develop solutions to reduce, recycle and implement output savings.  

“During the past year this project saved 800,000 pages per semester simply by removing student cover pages from TLT Sinc Site printing output," said David Ecker, Information Technology Manager. “The Library has also installed several multi-function devices that allow students to scan important library materials into their personal USB drive at no charge."

With RecycleMania underway, click here to track results by visiting.  For more information or to learn how to participate in RecycleMania, call the Office of Sustainability at (631) 632-9673, (631) 632-6219 or via email at sustainability@stonybrook.edu.