Get paid to recycle?

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!