Recyclebank Pulse newsletter

April 2012 Recyclebank Pulse is now available here. Earn Earth Month points as you virtually travel the globe; learn about the 2012 Green Schools grant winners; and more!

Recyclebank reports for the City of Ann Arbor

• List of current Recyclebank Rewards partners and coupon offers. This listing is especially useful for people without easy computer or printer access. Anyone may phone Recyclebank at 1.888.727.2978 for updates on their Rewards points and request mailed Rewards coupons (pdf)
• Resident recycling participation rates for the city's curbside recycling and Recyclebank programs from Sept 2010 through December 2011 (pdf). Page of definitions used for the Recyclebank report (pdf).
• Route-specific set-out rates for single-family residents (need to combine all weeks for any one route to get a true participation rate, since some households set out their recycling carts every few weeks) (pdf).

In the News

Jan. 23, 2012 -- Ann Arbor businesses interested in becoming a Rewards partner may contact Recyclebank through this portal.There is no charge for listing with Recyclebank.

Nov. 15, 2011 -- Over the last year Ann Arbor’s recycling rates have increased by 24 percent and trash tonnages have been reduced by 10 percent. In July 2010 the City of Ann Arbor’s recycling system underwent a transformation to a single-stream operation and other enhancements, such as partnering with Recyclebank.  This year, on America Recycle’s Day, the city looks back over the first year of the upgraded recycling program.  Press release attached (pdf).

March 3, 2011 --- Wall Street Journal names Recyclebank #1 Cleantech company in the world. Link to article on WSJ site.

About Recyclebank

Special offers for Ann Arbor's participating residents: Look under "Green Actions," or "Home and Electronics" link for a free pass to the Drop-Off Station (value $3) and BOGO yard of compost or mulch at the municipal compost center.

Ann Arbor is partnering with Recyclebank. What is Recyclebank^®? Recyclebank is a company that helps communities make the most of their recycling programs by offering rewards to residents who recycle. The Recyclebank program is offered in conjunction with single-stream recycling collection.  

How does Recyclebank work? The new recycling carts have a tag that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track if a cart is at the curb on collection day. Residents on each recycling route earn points based on how much material is recycled on the entire route--2.5 points for every pound, shared among the neighborhood recyclers. Points can be redeemed for rewards, such as discounts and offers from local and national businesses. View a 2-minute video from CTN on RecycleBank and single-stream recycling (new page)

How do I collect my Recyclebank  rewards? First you will have to set up your free account.  Anyone may become a RecycleBank member by registering at www.recyclebank.com or by phoning 1.888.727.2978. 

Once set up, you will be able to access your RecycleBank account online or via phone to check your points and shop for rewards. Hundreds of businesses participate in the RecycleBank rewards program, and many of Ann Arbor’s Recyclebank rewards will be from locally-owned businesses. Typical Recyclebank rewards include discount coupons, 2-for-1 purchase options, cash value certificates, and gift cards. Participants may also choose to donate their points to RecycleBank’s Green Schools initiative, which provides educational grants.

Ann Arbor residents without without easy computer or printer access may phone Recyclebank at 1.888.727.2978 for updates on their Rewards points and request mailed Rewards coupons. A list of area Reward Partners is posted above in the "Reports" section on this web page. 

Local Recyclebank rewards partners include: Ann Arbor Brewing Company, Ann Arbor Parks & Rec, Downtown Home & Garden, Olga's Kitchen, Plum Market, Village Apothecary, Stucchi’s, Zingerman's Deli, Recycle Ann Arbor Drop-Off Station. People's Food Co-op, Arbor Farms, Silvio's Organic Pizza, Whole Foods, Cottage Inn Pizza, and 10,000 Villages. Many national partners rewards are also available to you.

Will everyone participate in Recyclebank? The RecycleBank program initially will be available for single-family residences and duplexes. The city is working with RecycleBank to develop a new, innovative approach to allow businesses and apartment complexes to participate at a later date.

Questions? See the FAQ information in the right column for information on Recyclebank rewards. Please contact Recyclebank directly for any questions regarding managing your account and redeeming your rewards points.

The community launch event for RecycleBank was Wed., Sept. 1, 2010 at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard. View a 2-minute program, online, from CTN on the event (new page). Recyclebank's Sept. 1 launch event photos on Facebook (link here).

Link to the the related press releases for solid waste topics (new page)
Go to the city's main recycling web page (new page)
Go to the city's main web page (new page)