RecycleBank Boosts Recycling Rates in Boston Suburbs

RecycleBank and the cities of Everett and Revere, Mass., have announced that residential recycling rates have increased by more than 100 percent after implementing the RecycleBank Rewards program.

The city of Everett launched the RecycleBank pilot program in February 2008 in 3,200 homes. During the 22-week pilot program, the amount of material recycled rose 350 percent, saving the city more than $15,000 in incineration fees and prompting citywide expansion in July 2008, according to the press release.

“RecycleBank has proven to be an overwhelming success in Everett. We have already exceeded our initial goal of recycling 700 pounds of material per household per year,” says Jon Norton, recycling coordinator for Everett.

In August 2008, Revere launched the RecycleBank pilot program in approximately 3,100 participating households. In just 12 weeks, local recycling rates grew from an average of 214 pounds per home per year to 442 pounds per home per year, saving the city more than $9,570 in waste diversion costs, the press release says.

“Revere has already begun reaping the rewards of its RecycleBank relationship. Not only have we seen impressive increases in local recycling rates, but the city has saved money as well,” says Mayor Thomas Ambrosino of Revere. “Partnering with RecycleBank has provided the residents of Revere with an innovative way to become better stewards of the environment. It’s especially wonderful to offer these rewards for our local businesses and savings to our residents.”

More information about the RecycleBank Rewards program is available at www.recyclebank.com.