Philly Rewards Recyclers

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, 6,000 households in Chestnut Hill and East Oak Lane can participate in the six-month pilot program. Depending on how much material they recycle, households can earn $5 in restaurant and store coupons for every 10 pounds they recycle up to a total of $25 per month.

The Inquirer reports that each of the 6,000 households will receive a 36-gallon container stamped with a unique bar code. At the time of collection, specially equipped trucks will scan the bar code and weight the recyclables, which will include paper, cans, glass and plastic—a material that is not collected in other areas of the city. 

Residents will receive monthly statements showing their earnings. 

“It’s revolutionary,” Philadelphia Recycling Coordinator David Robinson told the paper. “We are so excited.” 

Patrick K. Fitzgerald and Ron Gonen of RecycleBank, Blue Bell, Pa., developed the idea. They told The Philadelphia Inquirer that New York City expressed an interest in the program, but they wanted their hometown to be the first to try it.  

According to the paper, RecycleBank is paying the capital costs for the pilot project. If hired to take the program citywide, RecycleBank will be paid a portion of any savings the city realizes from reduced landfill costs, Gonen told The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

The 30 participating stores will receive free advertising in exchange for providing the coupons.