Coastal Carolina University is ranked No. 2 in the state for its recycling tonnage, according to the S.C. State Agencies and Colleges/Universities Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2015 released on Nov. 1. There are 61 institutions of higher learning in South Carolina.

According to the report, CCU recycled 2,189.3 tons of recyclables during fiscal year 2015, a 305 percent increase from the 540.92 tons recycled in 2014. Clemson University ranked No. 1 in the state with 3,565.73 tons. Thirty-nine colleges and universities reported their recycling data for the report.

"Recycling is part of the everyday culture at CCU," said Jennifer Sellers, CCU sustainability coordinator for the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, also known as Sustain Coastal. "Much of this victory is owed to our hardworking TD Green Team. Convenient location of 413 recycling bins together with consistent outreach and education by our TD Eco-Reps has also contributed significantly to the success of our recycling efforts."

In 2015, state agencies and colleges/universities recycled more than 23,624 tons of material, an increase of about 16 percent from the 19,771 tons recycled in 2014. The report provides information for fiscal year 2015 reflecting activities from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. Data regarding the amount of material recycled was received directly from the college/university that completed the survey provided by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

The S.C. State Agencies and Colleges/Universities Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2015 is submitted by DHEC in compliance with the S.C. Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991 (S.C. Code of Laws, 44-96-140). The report was prepared for Gov. Nikki Haley and the General Assembly.

Sustain Coastal is committed to transforming CCU into an environmentally sustainable university through campus operations, student curriculum, engaging students through learning and outreach, and collaboration in the community through sustainable stewardship of resources. Established in 2005, Sustain Coastal coordinates green operations and programs on campus and in the community, including recycling and waste reduction, water refill stations, farmers markets, the Earth Fair and Campus Salvage.