Harvard University may outrank Ithaca College when it comes to average SAT scores, but the Bombers know how to recycle.

The college will compete through April 9 with 48 other colleges and universities in RecycleMania – a friendly contest to see which school can recycle the largest percent of its total waste, said Mark Darling, supervisor of the Recycling and Resource Management Program.

Calculations began Jan. 30, and the college currently stands in sixth with a recycling rate of 28.6 percent. So far, California State University at San Marcos is leading with a recycling rate of 42.9 percent. Harvard’s recycling rate is 18.3 percent.

Senior Elizabeth Gardiner said the Resource and Environmental Management Program kicked off RecycleMania by putting eco- dudes, people that the Ithaca College Environmental Society constructed from recyclable materials, around the college. Also offered are drawings and guessing contests with prizes that include a recycling bin of goodies, a $100 Staples gift card and glass containers filled with chocolate Earths.

“Everything you do has an environmental impact, and recycling is a really good way to have a positive impact,” Gardiner said.

RecycleMania began in 2001 with only two schools. Darling said the college became involved this year because in addition to a pounds-per-student system, a percent of total waste category was introduced. Since all of the college’s waste, not just student waste, is collected together, this category made more sense. The contest counts containers, paper and cardboard.

Darling said the college has an excellent recycling system in the residence halls and other colleges and universities that are more environmentally aware wish they could have in-room bins.

“Use the bins,” he said. “Don’t be lazy. Use the bins.”

Darling said the college’s goal is to raise the recycling rate from around 27 percent to 50 percent. This percentage does not include compost.

Senior Kathleen McCarthy helped Gardiner get the project underway. McCarthy said the contest should raise people’s awareness. The competition brings recycling to everyone’s level because everyone wants to win, she said.

If the college wins the overall competition, it will receive a bowling pin trophy.

“It would look awesome next to the Cortica Jug,” McCarthy said.