Money can be a powerful motivation for change. Recyclebank is a reach not preach organization that focuses on leading people to see and understand the greener choices that are out there. Recycling has become a household concept in America and elsewhere but does not necessarily bring 100% participation. Some people don’t care about the environment, some might be lazy but Recyclebank speaks a language anyone would listen to…money. So far the program is operating in certain localities across the country. The concept is that you place all your recyclables (tin cans, plastic bottles, papers, cartons, you name it) into one container. This tote has a characteristic tag on it that identifies with your account. This tag is actually a Radio Frequency Identification piece that is scanned each week during collection. The totes are weighed, your account credited via the chip, and you earn points that are redeemable at such businesses as CVS, Petco, or Dick’s and online with more participants like Evian and Kraft.

There are variations and challenges at this point in their pilot programs. Some neighborhoods have different point systems based on community totals and point values can change as well (usually to your benefit as companies explore the value of this business). Scalability of such a program is definitely a consideration. To retrofit trucks for weighing abilities, distribute totes to new customers, and work with existing recycling programs placed in communities are some of the considerations Recyclebank must accommodate. Also, to some this may seem a vehcle for propagation of an already consumer based wasteful society. However, the challenge to engage non-recyclers and overall reuse more refuse is a cause worth pursuing.