Join the Casella Center’s first-ever Student Design Competition and design innovative ways to give Vermont’s recycled glass a second life!
Glass is infinitely recyclable theoretically, yet millions of tons still end up in landfills each year. Current recycling systems face challenges such as contamination, high transportation costs, and limited end markets. Expanding the range of high value uses for repurposed glass can strengthen recycling infrastructure, reduce waste, and advance a more circular economy.
Who Can Participate
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- Teams of 4 UVM undergraduate students
- Must include students from at least 3 different UVM colleges/schools (e.g., Grossman, Rubenstein, CEMS, CALS, CAS, etc.)
- Individual sign-ups welcome; organizers will help place you on a team
- All majors welcome; no prior experience needed
Why Participate
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- Gain experience in design thinking, environmental assessment, and business planning
- Work with peers across disciplines and receive mentorship
- Present your solution to industry and university leaders
- 1st place team receives $2,000
Design Challenge
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Develop a solution that utilizes repurposed glass in a way that is:
- Technically sound
- Environmentally beneficial
- Economically scalable
Read the Student Design Competition Manual for full details.
Timeline
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October 27 | 4:00-6:00 PM EST | Davis Center 413 – Chittenden Bank Room
- Expert Panel - Perspectives on Recovered Glass and Q&A (4:00-5:00 PM)
- Competition Overview & Kickoff (5:00–6:00 PM)
October 29 | 4:00-5:30 PM EST | Aiken Center 103
- Multidisciplinary Workshop
November 12 | 5:00-6:00 PM EST | Aiken Center 311
- Q&A Working Session
November 19 | 4:00-6:00 PM EST | Davis Center 419 – Mildred Livak Room
- Final Showcase