Recycling Incentive Program Proves Popular In Arizona, City Of Phoenix Plans To Expand Offering To 35,000 More Households
Phoenix, AZ - The city of Phoenix recently collaborated with RecycleBank on a program that incentivizes residents to recycle. The program kicked off on Nov. 30 with 30,000 households in southwest Phoenix. Based on initial response, the city of Phoenix expanded the program adding 35,000 more households on Jan. 18. By the end of March, an additional 35,000 more homes in Phoenix will be added, bringing the total number of eligible households to more than 100,000.
"Phoenix continues to lead the way in creating a greener, more sustainable city," said Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson. "Partnering with RecycleBank is a way to protect our environment, invigorate our local economy, keep our community clean and deliver meaningful everyday savings to the households of Phoenix."
Through RecycleBank, eligible Phoenix households earn rewards like gift cards, groceries and merchandise when they recycle at home. RecycleBank measures the amount of material that each household recycles, and then converts that amount into points that can be redeemed for rewards. Hundreds of national and local businesses, including Bashas', Carl's Jr., Food City, Pollo Loco and Pizza Patron locations, offer recycling rewards through RecycleBank.
"We're delighted to be part of a local environmental program that changes behavior," said Kristy Nied, director of communications for Bashas' Family of Stores. "The city of Phoenix's Public Works Department has done an admirable job in getting more residents to recycle. We look forward to seeing more cities participate in this results-driven program."
The partnership between the city of Phoenix and RecycleBank is part of Mayor Phil Gordon's 17-point "Green Phoenix" plan designed to make Phoenix the greenest city in the U.S. Phoenix has a history rich in recycling innovation, being the first city in the U.S. to introduce commingled (one blue container) recycling back in 1989. The city also has been honored for its award-winning Bag Central Station initiative, which encourages residents to recycle plastic shopping bags at local grocery stores, like Basha's. The initiative was so successful that other Arizona cities throughout the state have adopted the model for their respective areas.
"Even after the 20th anniversary of its recycling program, Phoenix continues to practice environmental leadership through innovative programs like RecycleBank," said Axel Newe, Vice President of Operations and General Manager of RecycleBank. "In addition, the city is able to encourage residents to shop local by supporting neighborhood retail reward partners."
RecycleBank is free to eligible households, and there is no added cost to the city of Phoenix to offer the program to residents. Recycling points are allocated based on an equal share of the total amount that the community recycles. Points can be redeemed over the phone or online. Participants can also donate their points to local school environmental programs, charities and nonprofits. Residents interested in participating in the rewards program can visit RecycleBank.com/phoenix.
SOURCE: RecycleBank