WHY RECYCLE-BOWL?
Recycling is the easiest and most effective thing that ANYONE can do to protect natural resources, conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. Recycling also creates jobs and stimulates our economy. And, friendly competition is a proven way to motivate young people toward adopting sustainable behaviors.
Many schools have been slow to embrace recycling. Through Recycle-Bowl, we hope to galvanize recycling in elementary, middle and high schools across America.
Our Mission
Invigorate student participation through a national K-12 recycling competition.
Objectives
- Establish new recycling programs within schools
- Increase recycling rates in schools that currently recycle
- Provide teacher/student educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction
HOW CAN MY SCHOOL COMPETE?
Competition Categories
Recycle-Bowl is separated into two divisions, the Competition Division and the Open Division. Schools may choose to register for either, based on eligibility requirements and the school’s ability to meet division standards.
Flexible Game Plan
From experienced “veterans” to recycling “rookies,” every school can use Recycle-Bowl to support and improve its recycling efforts.
- Got game? If your school has a good, solid recycling program (or the potential to build one), set your strategy toward winning the state competitions or the national grand prize.
- Still working on your skills? Schools with modest or new recycling programs can opt to focus on improvement over the course of the competition. Organize a mini-competition between classes or with another school in which they have a long-standing sports rivalry. For more ideas on strategizing participation, visit the Playbook section.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZES!
Sure, bragging rights are important. But, schools also have an opportunity to take home serious awards in the Recycle-Bowl Competition Division.
- State Champions: A winner from each U.S. state and the District of Columbia will receive $1,000 based on the most recycled material per person per school.
- The National Title: America’s Top Recycling School! An additional grand prize valued at $2,500 will go to the top performer among the State Champions!
- Involve your community. To keep things fair, if your school collects recyclable material from around the community or parents homes, this will be treated as a separate competition category. The Community Recycling Category offers a $1,000 first prize, a $750 second prize and $500 third prize. Schools will track the amount of material recovered per person and will compete with other schools on a national level.