Get Rewarded To Recycle

November 25, 2008

by Matt Mauro (WICHITA, Kan.)

Would you recycle if you got something in return from it? Waste Connections and RecycleBank hope you do. That's why in February of next year, they're starting a partnership in Wichita to offer people incentives to recycle.

If you join the program, you'll get a special recycling container from Waste Connections. It'll have a computer chip in it so that each week when the truck goes to empty the bin, it'll measure and record how much you're recyling. That translates to points and then you can trade those points for free products and gift certificates at places such as Target.com and Kraft Foods. RecycleBank also hopes to add local stores soon.

With the program, families average about $20 a month in rewards. They can get up to $40 a month. Waste Connections charges about $4 a month for curb-side recycling.

RecycleBank already has the program in 13 states and it says so far, more than 2,500 homes have already signed up in Wichita. In other states, RecycleBank says many families that did not recycle before the program ended up recycling about 1,000 pounds a year with it.

The recycling program will not be mandatory, but many people say it should be. This includes Sedgwick County Commissioner Dave Unruh. He says mandatory recycling and programs like this one will extend the life of the county's landfill and help the environment.

Find out more about RecycleBank and Waste Connections.

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