The Arkansas Recycling Coalition (ARC) has named Southern Arkansas University its 2026 School/College/University Recycler of the Year. SAU received the award September 1, at ARC’s Annual Awards Luncheon in Hot Springs. The award recognizes SAU’s work in waste reduction, recycling education, student engagement and sustainable resource use.
ARC’s Annual Awards Program honors individuals, businesses, organizations and industry leaders who have helped advance waste reduction, recycling and sustainable materials management in Arkansas. The School/College/University Recycler of the Year Award goes to an educational institution with a long-term commitment to recycling, sustainable resource use, education and student involvement. SAU’s recycling program has grown through the work of Volunteer Services, Saddle Up and Serve, AmeriCorps VISTA and community recycling partner Abilities Unlimited.
Many of the projects behind the award were led by Katie Tejeda, director of the SAU Garden, Greenhouse and Farmer’s Market, while she oversaw Volunteer Services. Tejeda started and expanded recycling projects across campus and built SAU’s partnership with Abilities Unlimited. The Service Learning Department has carried that work forward and kept giving students ways to get involved.
Students do much of the hands-on work through Saddle Up and Serve, SAU’s AmeriCorps State program, which is funded through Engage Arkansas. The program involves SAU students in service in three areas: Healthy Futures, Education and Economic Opportunity. Members manage day-to-day recycling on campus and recruit other students to volunteer with them.
By the Numbers
- 4,221 pounds of recyclable material collected on campus from December through May
- More than 45 campus and community events with recycling, including all six SAU home football games, the University’s spring concert and the county fair
- 5 hours of service from student volunteers
- About 2,000 pounds of cardboard collected during Fall 2025 Move-In Weekend
- 5 pounds collected in three months from 14 new office recycling bins
- 40 freshman seminar classes and all six residence halls reached with recycling education
One of SAU’s largest waste-reduction efforts took place during Fall 2025 Move-In Weekend. Six recycling trailers were placed near the residence halls so students and families could recycle cardboard instead of throwing it in campus dumpsters. About 2,000 pounds of cardboard was collected that weekend alone.