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Chad Nelson, a master mover in Physical Facilities, places one of the new recycling bins in The University of Akron Honors College complex.

(The University of Akron)

AKRON, Ohio - Coca-Cola has awarded The University of Akron 50 recycling bins through its 2016 Beautiful Public Space Recycling Bin Grant Program.

The university received the bins last week, as part of a Keep America Beautiful partnership, and they have been placed at spots with the most pedestrian traffic, including athletic facilities, residence halls and common areas.

"Last year, The University of Akron recycled approximately 161 tons of commingled recyclables," said Andrew Henry, manager of recycling, grounds, special services, parking and athletic maintenance, in a release. "The installation of 50 additional recycle bins will certainly allow us to divert even more waste from the landfill."

The program is part of a national initiative to increase access to recycling bins in public spaces, colleges and universities, government organizations and nonprofit groups. Grant recipients were selected based on their ability to make the largest impact, recycling experience and ability to sustain the program.

"At Coca-Cola, we are working with partners across the country to invest in, and support a strong recycling system," said Bruce Karas, vice president of sustainability, Coca-Cola North America, in a release. "Through partnerships like the Keep America Beautiful and the Public Space Recycling Bin Grant program, we can help reduce overall waste by making it even easier and more convenient for people to recycle both at home and in public spaces."

Since the program began in 2007, the Coca-Cola/Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grant Program has provided more than 49,000 recycling bins for 925 communities. To see the full list of grant recipients, visit http://bingrant.org.