Sometimes, the best way to get results is to create a little friendly competition. That’s the idea behind the City of Austin’s new program, Austin Recycles Games. The strategy aims to pit different districts in Austin against one another in a contest to see who can recycle the most.

— What is Austin Recycles Games? The Austin Recycles Games are designed to bring specific recycling how-to’s into each council district and will calculate pounds of recyclables collected per household in each district for the months of December 2015 through March 2016.

— Categories & Prizes: Districts can win in one of two categories: most overall recycling and most improved. The winning districts will receive a beautification project for a library or public park!

There’s also an attractive financial impetus to recycling more efficiently. Higher numbers of recycled items means more green jobs. Last year, the city made 4.7 million dollars alone off recycling. Additionally, utility bills are directly lower for residents when there’s less trash.

South Austin Council Member Ann Kitchen made an important and eye-opening point: “There’s no such thing as away. When we throw anything away, it goes somewhere. There are 58,000 tons recyclable materials being thrown away each year. That’s enough to fill the UT Tower 29 times over,” Kitchen says.

— How to Play: The goal is for every curbside customer to recycle at least 60 pounds every month. If you have a blue City of Austin recycling cart you’re already competing. Be sure you’re not trashing recyclables.

For more info about the Austin Recycles Games and to see how your district is doing in the competition, please click here.

Not sure what district you’re in? Click here for a map.

The time has come to show some district pride for a good cause. Let the games begin!