On Thursday, Aug. 24, representatives for PLNU’s recycling program greeted representatives from Cal State University – San Marcos at McCullough Park on campus, for the presentation of the “Pin Man” trophy, recognizing PLNU’s efforts for the 2006 Recyclemania campaign. San Marcos was the Grand Champion in 2006.

The makeshift trophy consists of recycled materials like a bowling pin, a screwdriver handle, a tin can, and old metal gears. The award is a celebration of PLNU winning the national competition in the category of “Waste Minimization.” More than 100 schools across the country competed in the Recyclemania campaign.

On hand to receive the trophy were Renee Robertson, recycling coordinator; Richard Schultz, Physical Plant director and student employee Katie Johnstone. Pin Man was presented by Chuck Walden, director of facility services for CSU – San Marcos.

“It’s a funny award, but it’s actually pretty coveted,” said Robertson. “It’s a big deal in the recycling community. We’re excited that we could win it in our first year competing and that we ranked highly in all the other categories.”

PLNU’s waste minimization rate of 35 lbs. / person led the nation. In addition, it had an overall recycling rate of 44.18 percent.

“In only three years, we’ve brought our recycling efforts to the highest standards that you can hope for in this setting,” said Robertson. “We are right on par with universities that have had programs set up since the ’70s.”

For more information, visit Recyling program.