U of A in Race Still Vying for Gains in Final Weeks of PepsiCo Recycling Challenge

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The national PepsiCo Recycling Challenge ends March 31, but in the last month the University of Arkansas has seen its commanding hold on second place slip away – along with the chance to win a prize worth $15,000.

A shot at the $5,000 third place prize is far from a sure thing without a major increase in participation on campus.

“We need everyone to do their plastic bottle and aluminum can recycling through the two PepsiCo Dream Machines at the Arkansas Union these next few weeks,” said Cameron Baker, director of sustainability for the Associated Student Government. “We still have time this month to get back to second place – or even up to first.”

There are 28 schools competing in the contest, which rewards the campuses that show the greatest percentage increase in Dream Machine recycling over the previous year. The U of A had been in second place since the contest started in October, but its numbers have been stagnant in January and February, while other schools have surged.

The Dream Machines in the Arkansas Union – one at the front entrance, the other next to the Razorback Shop – recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles, and give personal reward points to the person doing the recycling.