This article from the Gazette caught my eye: New twist in Springs: earn rewards for recycling. I thought, hey, if there’s anything that will get me to recycle, it’s some sort of tangible reward!
Waste Connections is starting a new program where you earn rewards for each pound of materials you recycle – 2.5 points for every pound. The article says this:
The rewards can be used at local and national stores and restaurants, good for discounts and two-for-one coupons and, at a cost of more points, gift cards and free merchandise. Rewards are capped at $45 a month, though most customers get $20 to $25, Millice said. Local restaurants participating include Front Range Barbeque, 3 Margaritas and Taste of Philly, among others.
Sweet, I thought! But at the end of the article, it says that rewards vary among stores – you’ll get a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase at Target.com for 50 points, and a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed Bath and Beyond. Hmm, more than a little disappointing – those discounts are easily found every day!
So, I’m curious to see how this program will work out. Will you really be able to earn free gift cards for recycling? I’ll let you know if I hear more – or you can let me know if you hear before I do!
For the record, we totally recycle our paper. I buy so many newspapers that I fill up our recycle bin about every two weeks with just paper!
I checked into it, and you must use Waste Connections as your trash company. They charge $22.50/month, and that’s much more than what we’re paying now. You also have to pay for the recycling ($3.75 I think). So for me, it’s not worth it. I am able to bundle up all my recyclables together (no sorting) and take them to Best Way for free.
I was already a waste connections recycler before there new rewards program. I will let you know how it goes. I will start earning points in Novemember ( I did get 40 points just for signing up on the rewards site), but I already have my new container. I love recycling through waste connections, they pick up every two weeks and all of it goes into one huge tracs can. Ahhh, the feeling of helping our beautiful planet!!
I’m also curious to know if Waste Connections offers this in Fountain, not just Colorado Springs.
I always recycle for free behind Whole Foods – takes everything except cardboard. I have a secret spot I take that!
We pay 25.66 a month for trash and recycling through waste connections.
Waste Connections is $8 a month more than my trash pickup. The savings doesn’t negate the higher cost.
I know this is an older section, but after seeing a billboard for Waste Connections I decided to call them. If you tell them your current provider and the amount you are paying, they will price match. I requested a list of the incentives you can receive and they are mailing them to me. Once I receive the list, I can give an update to calculate the savings. They have ones to Albertson’s and many others. I will check for free items and gift cards, not just the commmon discounts.