RecycleBank Frequently Asked Questions
I want to participate in RecycleBank!
What is the new ReycleBank program?
It is a new recycling program that rewards residents based on the amount of material they recycle. It is similar to a frequent buyer program available through many businesses—but for recycling!
How does it work?
You will receive a green 64-gallon wheeled “smart cart” for recycling that is slightly smaller than your current garbage cart. Place all of your recyclables in the new recycling cart just as you place your recyclables in your current bin now. When the recycling truck picks up the “smart cart”, it weighs the material and electronically records the weight of your recycleables. Each “smart cart” has it’s own unique identification code that enables records of amounts recycled to be maintained for each residence.
How do I receive a reward?
You will receive a starter kit with detailed instructions on activating your account. This will be done through the RecycleBank website at www.recyclebank.com or by calling 1-888-727-2978. Once activated, your account, will feature a record of how much you have recycled, the environmental benefits of your recycling efforts, and how many RecycleBank points you have earned. Participates can choose from hundreds of meaningful reward choices. Rewards come in the form of a reward mailer sent directly to the home or as an email promo code in the case of online rewards. Either way, reycling is rewarding.
How is the weight of my recycleables converted into points?
For every one pound of recycleable materials you will receive 2.5 points.
Is there a limit to the number of points I can accumulate?
The more you recycle, the more you earn. You can earn up to 450 RecycleBank Rewards Points a month for recycling or up to a total of 5,400 RecycleBank Rewards Points per year from Recycling.
Note: This monthly limit is for curbside recycling. You'll also be able to earn additional points for recycling e-waste, participating in surveys or other "bonus" offerings that will come up from time to time.
Do RecycleBank Rewards expire?
Some rewards have expiration dates. Some rewards are offered on a limited time basis. This information can be found online (from your account page once activated) or by calling 1-888-727-2978.
What stores are involved?
RecycleBank works to provide a mix of local, regional, and national stores for a variety of choices.
Some of the national reward partners already involved are CVS, Whole Foods, Dick’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Staples.
Some of the local reward partners already involved are Stone Creek Dining Co., Neon Lite Cafe, Pipkin's Market, Benzie Salon, Big Apple Bagels, and Z's Wine & Cheeze, Go Bananas Comedy Club, Allure Contemporary Cuisine and Lounge, Kelly Cynkar at Montgomery Hair Boutique, Frame House Gallery, Heriz Oriental Rug, Little Liza Jane's Children's Boutique, Holzman Meats and Deli, The Wine Store, Supreme Nuts and Candy Co., Definitive Touch Salon, Obsess Boutique, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Pedigree Interiors.
Are there other options besides receiving a reward?
Yes, you can choose to donate RecycleBank points to the RecycleBank Green Schools Program sponsored by Coca Cola. Your points will become grant dollars for local schools to fund environmental projects. You can even choose which school you would like to support.
Am I required to participate?
Participation in the RecycleBank pilot project is completely voluntary. You can continue to recycle using the current curbside bin, but you will not receive RecycleBank rewards.
When will the program start?
The program is planned to be up and running by October of 2008. The pilot project will last two years. At the conclusion of the program, it will be evaluated for continuation based upon the amount of resident interest and participation, as well as environmental and economic benefits.