UM-Flint, Kettering, Mott, and Baker students join forces for Recycle Challenge

University students throughout Flint are working together on one common goal: Recycling as many plastic containers as possible.

This year for Recycle Challenge 2016, students from Mott Community College, Baker College, Kettering University, and the University of Michigan-Flint are NOT competing.

Instead, they are working together to promote recycling.

"It seemed appropriate to come together and support the collection and recycling plastic containers in our community," said Brandon Eggleston, a UM-Flint senior and environmental club leader. "Bottled water is being generously donated due to Flint's Water Emergency, so this year's recycle challenge will help our city by further assisting Flint's recovery to properly handle the plastic waste associated with the water emergency."

Students also are working together to encourage more Flint residents to utilize the city's existing, but not well known, curbside recycling program.

Students from FUEL (Future Urban and Environmental Leaders) and BSU (Black Student Union) are leading the effort by working with other student groups to promote recycling as well as coordinate community discussions on the benefits of recycling and the environmental impact if plastics are not managed or recycled properly. These discussions will take place at the Sylvester Broome Center, Hispanic Technology Center, and Berston Fieldhouse.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to support this community initiative by bringing their clean plastic containers numbered 1 through 7 to recycling collection points on the four college campuses:

• UM-Flint: Next to the Recreation Center, on Mill Street near Parking Lot A.
• Mott Community College: Near Lot Q, in the Gorman Parking lot.
• Baker College: In front of campus safety, located in the technology building.
• Kettering University: North side of Campus Center Building

The total amount of recycled plastic will be announced at the annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the University of Michigan-Flint's Harding Mott University Center. A list of Earth Day activities planned so far is listed below.

"No matter which college or university you support, we encourage you to participate in this year's Recycle Challenge in order to meet our collective goal," Eggleston said.

Recycle Challenge is once again sponsored by the City of Flint and Republic Services, Flint's residential curbside recycling program contractor.