Technology Spotlight: Philadelphia Recycling Rewards

With the new Philadelphia Recycling Rewards program, recycling truly does pay- and not just for the city, but for residents as well. Beginning in 2010, the program will name Philadelphia as the largest U.S. city to offer such an incentive, and put it one step closer to its goal of becoming the Greenest City in America.

Philadelphia Recycling Rewards is a partnership between the Philadelphia Streets Department and RecycleBank, which allows residents to earn points for the amount they recycle. Residents will obtain a special sticker to place on their recycling bins, which is scanned at the time of collection. From there, points are automatically added to your account based on how much your community has recycled.

Points can be redeemed through RecycleBank for discounts, gift cards, or charitable contributions at hundreds of local and national merchants and non-profit agencies. The program will begin in some neighborhoods in early 2010, and by July the entire city will be participating.

Click here to see when your neighborhood will begin the program.