![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.utk.edu\/tntoday\/images\/recyclemania_bc.jpg\" "\\"Recyclemania\\"")
KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, wants to beat the University of Florida Gators and help the environment at the same time. That’s why UT Knoxville is hosting its first ever Paper Purge Party, where everyone on campus is invited to get rid of their unwanted paper.<\/p>\n
Every day for the week of March 22-26, volunteers with the Facilities Services department will be making the rounds to buildings on campus, going door to door and picking up paper for recycling. The volunteers will do all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is gather your paper in a box, bin, pile or bag, mark it for “recycling” and set it outside your door.<\/p>\n
The party is part of RecycleMania, a 10-week competition among more than 600 college and university recycling programs. For this year’s competition, UT Knoxville’s recycling program has decided to take on Florida in an effort to recycle more than the Gators.<\/p>\n
“Many people are just like me and keep old catalogs, directories, files of old information and magazines around their office. It’s time for all of us to purge all that old non-confidential paper. By doing so, we’ll reduce clutter, stress and waste,” said Jay Price, environmental coordinator.<\/p>\n
If you have so much paper that it will block a hallway or it is an especially large load, please call 974-3480 to arrange for a special pick-up. If for some reason, your recycling is not picked up, please call to schedule a pick-up.<\/p>\n
The latest tally shows the Volunteers have recycled 4.16 pounds per person, while the Gators have recycled 7.13 pounds per person.<\/p>\n
RecycleMania aims to increase recycling participation by students and staff and raise awareness about the significance of waste reduction programs on campuses. It is part the university’s efforts to become “climate neutral.”<\/p>\n