Recycling Campaigns

The first Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) was brought to campus in partnership with Coca Cola Florida to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15^th, 2021. Since then, two additional RVM’s have been placed in hot spots on campus to promote recycling practices. They have been used in recycling competitions and events to do so, and most recently are being used for the RVM Crush & Claim program that is open to anyone with a University of Miami email (@miami.edu). The three RVM locations are as follows: Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence (2nd Floor), Hurricane Food Court (next to the Market), and the Herbert Wellness Center (entrance). See also, map below for reference:

RVM Crush & Claim Program
RVM Crush & Claim is a points-based incentive program designed to reward participation for recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans throughout the academic year. The program runs annually from August through May and follows the University’s academic calendar. The program is paused during the summer.

How to Participate

1. Collect empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles (NO glass!).
2. Navigate to one of the three on campus RVM locations.
3. Wave bottle in front of machine opening to activate.
4. Type in your UMiami email (make sure to include @miami.edu) on the screen for your bottle and can quantities to be recorded. Press “continue” to proceed.
5. Begin emptying cans and bottles into machine. Press “continue” when you are done.
6. After collecting 30 points, you will start hearing from our team regarding prize eligibility.

Understanding Points

• 1 bottle or can recycled = 1 point
• Points earned during the Fall semester will roll over into the Spring semester.
• All accumulated points will expire at the end of the Spring semester (May).
• Points do not carry over from one academic year to the next.
• Point total updates will be communicated to RVM users via email on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Claiming Prizes

Prizes are awarded each semester based on eligibility and available inventory. Participating users may only claim one of each prize option each academic year. 

Dining Dollars (ONLY eligible for students)

• Five (5) winners per semester

Campus Store Items

• Prize availability is subject to inventory. Eight (8) winners per semester.
• Specific items available for redemption will be communicated each semester.

General Conditions

• Prizes are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
• All awards are subject to verification of eligibility.
• The program reserves the right to modify prize availability based on funding or inventory.
• Failure to claim a prize within the designated timeframe may result in forfeiture.

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AMERICA RECYCLES DAY 2025

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