Atlanta to launch incentive-based recycling pilot program
October 27, 2009 at 11:08 am by Thomas Wheatley in NewsGreenies rejoice! The City of Atlanta is finally rolling out a long-discussed pilot program that would offer “points” that recyclers could redeem at local and national businesses.
Details are vague at the moment. A press release last week contained some incorrect information, and the specifics are being kept under wraps until the initiative’s official launch on Thursday, Oct. 29.
What we do know: The incentive-based pilot program will be operated by RecycleBank, a private company that, according to its Web site, “partners with cities and haulers to reward households for recycling.” Here’s a graphic-tastic idea of how RecycleBank’s program works. The company says its program has been shown to more than double recycling rates in 21 states and the United Kingdom. Participating national businesses include CVS, IKEA, Whole Foods, The Home Depot and Target.
It’ll most likely be targeted at certain neighborhoods at first, and then rolled out to other parts of the city if successful. No word on what local businesses have joined the effort, although you could safely assume Coca-Cola, which will have officials at the press conference, and the Home Depot will participate. (It’d be nice to see some homegrown, independent businesses in the mix.)
More details will be available at the official launch on Thursday. We’ll update then or before if we hear more.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
October 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hey City of Atlanta, Why don’t you try sticking recycling bins in the city before biting off more than you can chew? And actually collect it? So many in Atlanta have to PAY for this service. Way to encourage participation.
Is it just me or wasn’t there some scandal about recycling actually being dumped into the landfills with trash in the past few years? Was that ever fixed?
PS Thomas — Recycyle? ;) (Third paragraph.)
October 27th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Many thanks. ;)
October 28th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I just got my registration from recycle bank yesterday and have already activated it. Can’t wait to start raking in the free key chains and tote bags!
October 28th, 2009 at 8:14 am
I am looking forward to wearing my oversized RecycleBank sweatshirt redeemed through this innovative program.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I got mine the other day. Rewards spots include Publix, Planet Smoothie, amazon, fandango, Zoo Atlanta, Kmart, Bed bath and beyond, Kohls, Foot Locker, Dicks, Metro Fresh, and Six feet under among others. The thing I’m most happy about is getting a 95 gallon cart instead of the small boxes that don’t come close to fitting two weeks worth of trash.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:32 am
This is exciting. I refuse to PAY to recycle, so I have been putting my recycling behind Whole Foods in their bins.
Of course if you charge people to do something about which, unfortunately, many already drag their feet, no one will want to. Free would be great. Incentives will actually work though and I really hope this city can become greener because it is sadly behind. Yay!