Recycling program debuts in City this fall
Montgomery will be the first in Ohio to host RecycleBank
, the national incentive recycling program rewarding residents based on the amount of material they recycle. The two year pilot program is part of a $100,000 Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant awarded to the Hamilton County Solid Waste District. The goal of the project is to stimulate increased participation in community curbside recycling programs and to further increase the City’s recycling rate. Last year, Montgomery residents recycled 977 tons of materials.
Why Montgomery was selected
The City of Montgomery was chosen for the pilot program because residents are accustomed to using wheeled garbage carts for curbside trash pick-up and because the community has a high rate of recycling. In the RecycleBank program, a similar type wheeled container will be used. The number of households in Montgomery will also make the pilot manageable.
How the program works
Participating residents will receive a wheeled RecycleBank toter. Each toter has an identification code that is read when the recyclables are collected. With each pick-up, the material is weighed and recorded by the recycling truck. Each amount is then translated into reward dollars for residents to use at participating local and national stores.
Each participating resident will receive a starter kit with instructions and account information. Individual accounts will be accessible through the RecycleBank web site or by telephone. The web site shows users how much they recycled and how many reward points they have earned. Users can redeem their rewards with 400 retail partners participating in the RecycleBank program. Through the program, residents can earn up to $35 each month in RecycleBank rewards.
In the coming months, City Staff, Rumpke and the Hamilton County Solid Waste District will distribute information and schedule education forums on the pilot project.
Residents can learn more by attending the upcoming open house or by calling 792-8314. Residents are not required to participate in the program.
Visit recyclebank.com for more information about RecycleBank.