As part of “America Recycles Day,” pledgers will be qualified to win prizes at the state and national level.

Allan Rathe, the Eastern recycling coordinator, will have an information booth at the University Food Court Friday for “America Recycles Day” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. He plans to encourage students to start recycling and award those who have already committed to the cause.

Rathe will hand out fliers to celebrate the sixth annual “America Recycles Day.”

The Illinois Recycling Organization Web site said the day’s purpose is to increase awareness and advise people to “reduce waste, recycle and buy recycled products.”

Those who attend may receive free prizes, but those who make pledges will become eligible for state and national prizes. Pledges will not be accepted after Nov. 20.

State and national prizes will be randomly drawn sometime in December. Prizes include overnight accommodations at the Starved Rock Lodges and Pere Marquette or a free pass to the Hyatt Adventure, an event held at the McCormick Place in Chicago.

Additional state prizes consist of recycled items, such as a basketball hoops, hand chairs and an Adirondack chair and side table.

The two national prizes are five “Aluminum Trek” 24-speed bicycles and a $250 gift certificate to Staples, Inc. A majority of products sold at Staples are made from recycled materials.

Rathe only asks for students to “pledge to recycle more” in return for a chance to win a plethora of prizes.

For more information on how to help the community, visit http://www.IL.recyclingassn.org.