Earth Watch: Recyclemania

The University of South Florida is one of the greenest universities in the Southeast. in 2015 they recycled more than 400 tons of material.

"The truth is we have a lot of resources already available for students they just don't know about it. We want to improve recycling on campus where we get a one to one ratio.  You have a recycling bin and a trash bin so you have an option every single time ," said Jheuel Carter-Guy President of the Student Environmental Association.

Through programs like collecting food scraps at the cafeteria to make compost they set the bar high when it comes to going green.

At the USF recycle center we have huge bins so that people from USF and in the community can drop of their recyclables and get on with their day", said Lauren Reilly Program Manager at the Office of Sustainability.

In a month long competition called Recyclemania USF competes with hundreds of universities around the county to recycle the most materials. It's the 5th year they competed.

"We want to recycle more than last year but also the main thing is getting more awareness," said Carter-Guy.

"An old pizza box isn't actually recyclable because its contaminated with food so it contaminates all the cardboard in the bin, Reilly said.

"Our last week we're going be doing the 4 "R's" of recycling which we're incorporating reduce, reuse, recycle and recover," Carter-Guy said.

"Hopefully we've inspired some students and community members to change their habits and continue recycling and not making as much waste," said Reilly.

Recyclemania runs until April 1st.