RecycleBank Launches in Phoenix

Beginning Nov. 30, RecycleBank will partner with the City of Phoenix to roll out the first phase of its new project which will serve 110,000 selected households throughout the city, eventually expanding to all households in the metropolitan area.

Similar to programs in Chicago and the U.K., RecycleBank rewards participants with points based on the amount (in weight) of items each household recycles. Points can be redeemed at major retailers such as Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bed Bath & Beyond, among others. Participants can also choose to donate their points to their favorite local school or non-profit.

On average, RecycleBank members earn hundreds of dollars in reward value each year through their recycling efforts. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

A part of Mayor Phil Gordon’s 17 Point Green Phoenix Plan, the partnership with RecycleBank is just another step toward its goal of becoming the country’s first carbon-neutral city.

“Phoenix is a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mayor Gordon. “Working with RecycleBank will enable us to meet our recycling and sustainability goals while giving something back to our residents. In economic times like we are experiencing today, saving money on groceries or clothing, at the pharmacy, or even on free movie tickets is a real value.”

RecycleBank’s goal is to provide its program nationwide by the end of 2009, supported through a partnership with waste hauler Allied Waste. RecycleBank currently operates in 20 states and the U.K., serving more than one million people.