I like to recycle. I try to do it as much as I can as I feel like it’s a way for me to do my small part on a daily basis. But I realize that not everyone feels this way. I’ve often thought that in order to get more people to recycle frequently, there needs to be some sort of incentive program in place.
Well lo and behold, such a program exists! In 2004, a successful service called the RecycleBank was born. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where the RecycleBank operates (currently the Northeast U.S.), you can sign up for this service.
You are issued a special garbage bin that has a special computer chip (RFID). You can dump all of your recyclable materials into the bin (no sorting needed!). Each week, when your recyclables are picked up, your bin is scanned (for the chip), weighed, and then points are assigned to your account, based on how much your bin weighs. These points can then be converted into rewards at participating retailers, such as CVS/Pharmacy or IKEA.
In addition to the economic incentive, I would also think that there’s an emotional benefit - the feeling of accomplishment! RecycleBank tells you how much good you are doing for the environment, sharing with you your recycling metrics.
That is a rockin idea. I only wish they had something like this in California. RecycleBank, please expand your services to the greater U.S! I am waiting for you!
This is so incredible. I hope that this program extends further than the Northeast. Sometimes it does take a little cash incentive to get the ball rolling, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! I hope to hear more about this program as it progresses.