September Green Reps events focus on recycling education

09/15/2026

This September, SUNY Cortland's Green Reps are making sure students "know where to throw" their trash and recycling.

With the start of the academic year, the university's student sustainability advocates are helping to educate the campus community on Cortland County's recycling rules, since accepted items can vary from county to county.

The Green Reps' September program will focus on general waste management information through a program, "Bin It to Win It." Students will be tested on their knowledge of all things trash and recycling. Students with the highest scores for each residence hall will be entered into a raffle to win a free SUNY Cortland tumbler.

"The Sustainability Office is really excited to teach the students about recycling and for this prize," said Megan Swing, the university's energy and sustainability engagement coordinator. "This tumbler can be used at most coffee shops on campus instead of getting your order in a single-use plastic cup. Last spring, a group of Green Reps worked to bring back thispolicy, which lowers waste."

The goal of this event is to reduce recycling contamination.

During the semester, this type of contamination comes from half-consumed drinks in recycling.

"It's important for students to know that all recycling needs to be clean and dry," Swing said.

The Sustainability Office is working on improving campus infrastructure and signage across campus, especially in residence halls. Another group of Green Reps worked during the spring semester and summer to introduce new waste signage.

During September, the Sustainability Office also will be piloting the Sustain-a-Jug, a competition between residence halls. The campus residence with the most student engagement during Green Rep events will earn a special celebration at the end of the semester. Students can also earn their halls bonus points by attending other Sustainability Office events. Information about registering attendance for the competition will be available at each Sustainability Office event.

The list below includes dates and times for the Green Reps' "Bin It to Win It" program in residence halls. Residents of the Leadership House will team up with DeGroat Hall as part of the competition:

• Glass Tower Hall: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Bishop Hall: Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6:10 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
• Clark Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from noon to 1 p.m.
• Cheney Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• DeGroat Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• West Campus Apartments Recreation Building: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Higgins Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
• Shea Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.
• Fitzgerald Hall: Thursday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Alger Hall: Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Casey and Smith Towers: Friday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Hendrick Hall: Friday, Sept. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Hayes Hall: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Dragon Hall: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Randall Hall: Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m.