Idaho State will not be the only school the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) will be battling at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday, September 26. UNLV, supported by its recycling partner Republic Services, will be competing against 71 participating schools nationwide in The GameDay Recycling Challenge. “We have a great partnership with Republic Services and are happy to be able to participate in events like these where we compete against other universities, while making a difference in the community,” said Tara Pike, director of UNLV Rebel Recycling. “We have had success in the past with similar competitions and we are proud to team up again for the annual Game Day Recycling Challenge.”
UNLV is a perennial contender in The GameDay Recycling Challenge. Last season, Rebels fans recycled more than 2,700 pounds on the September 13 GameDay Challenge against Northern Illinois University, and more than 7,300 pounds throughout the season. UNLV finished second in the Mountain West Conference in greenhouse gas reductions last year. In 2013, UNLV finished second nationally in recycling and organics participation, and ranked seventh out of 53 participating schools in greenhouse gas reductions. “We are thrilled to team up again this season with UNLV,” said Tim Oudman, area president of Republic Services. “UNLV has been a leader for more than two decades in recycling programs that involve the entire university community, instilling sustainable behaviors that last a lifetime. We want Rebels fans to respond in a major way on Saturday, and help bring The GameDay Challenge championship home to UNLV.”
On game day, UNLV student volunteers will be visible throughout Sam Boyd Stadium, creating an energetic atmosphere for Rebels recycling participation. Student volunteers will be wearing recycling referee attire and special recycling signage will be displayed inside and outside of the Stadium. Student volunteers and Republic personnel will interact with and challenge Rebels fans to recycle in tailgating areas before kick-off, and throughout the game at designated recycling stations along the Sam Boyd Stadium concourse. In addition, select fans will be invited to compete in a recycling contest during a special half-time program. Following Saturday’s game, UNLV and Republic will weigh the commingled recyclables collected and waste generated, and school officials will report totals to The GameDay Challenge. This year’s winners will be announced on December 14. National rankings are based upon overall diversion rates as well as the total weight of recycling, organics composted and food donated, both inside a stadium and in tailgating areas. Conference awards use official stadium attendance to determine the per capita weight of recyclables collected and waste generated, as well as reductions in organics and greenhouse gases.
For more information, visit www.gamedaychallenge.org or www.RepublicServices.com.