From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 28, 1972:

The Kansas University recycling operation known as the “Whomper” had received an award. The Douglas County Environmental Council had announced that their Award of the Month for February was to go to the machine and its student operators. The Whomper, which had been serving the community since January 1971, compacted and sold glass, aluminum, and tin cans. Approximately 80,000 pounds of recycled glass and cans had been compacted since its beginning. Operational costs and wages were provided by the KU Student Union Activities organization. The Whomper’s location was supplied by the KU Athletic Department in the stadium.