RecycleBank Celebrates America Recycles Day 2010

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- RecycleBank®, the leading green rewards program that motivates consumers and communities to take positive environmental actions, announced today that in celebration of America Recycles Day the company has set a goal of adding two million more people to its green rewards program by America Recycles Day 2011. This month, RecycleBank launched digital and social media initiatives in an effort to educate and empower consumers on recycling right. Held each November 15 and founded by Keep America Beautiful in 1997, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products.

"America Recycles Day is the perfect time to remember how important it is to not just recycle, but to recycle right," RecycleBank President Matthew Tucker said. "Recycling saves natural resources, energy in manufacturing, and reduces the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill—and recycling has an even bigger impact when it's done well. We want two million people to join RecycleBank over the next year, so we can help motivate everyone to not only recycle, but to recycle right."

RecycleBank has a proven record of accomplishment, helping to double—even triple—recycling rates in more than 500 communities across 28 states and in the United Kingdom. In 2010, RecycleBank expanded its recycling rewards program to more than 50 communities across the country and in the U.K. Over the past year alone, residents in RecycleBank communities, which include major cities like Cincinnati, Houston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, have recycled more than 350,000 tons. Even more impressive, since 2005, RecycleBank communities have recycled over 550,000 tons of material.

Leveraging the success in these communities, RecycleBank recently launched several new digital and social media initiatives on RecycleBank.com and on its Facebook page to educate consumers about responsible consumption and recycling right. The special America Recycles Day web page includes information on the five main areas of recyclable materials (plastic, paper, glass, metal, and electronics), links to municipal recycling websites, little known and historical facts, and unique RecycleBank rewards and point-earning opportunities for members.

Joining RecycleBank in its efforts are Nature Made®, Kashi, LeapFrog, Nestle Purina's Friskies® and Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food, and MillerCoors, which collectively represent plastic, paper, electronics, metal, and glass, respectively. As part of their greater sustainability initiatives, the five brands ensure their packages or products are recyclable, and in some cases, even use recycled materials. While the eco-responsible companies do their part to maintain the cycle, by partnering with RecycleBank they are encouraging consumers to take small steps that can have a massive impact on the planet.

For example:

• If two million people recycle each paperboard cereal box they use over the course of a year, over 50,000 trees will be saved—that's twice the number of trees in New York's Central Park.
• If two million people each recycle just one vitamin bottle next year, they will save a combined 91,500 kWh—as much electricity as the Hoover Dam produces in one hour.
• If two million people recycle two 3-oz. aluminum cans every day for a year, they will each save as much energy as they could burn driving from New York to Los Angeles.
• If two million people recycle their cell phones next year, more than 70,000 pounds of copper will be conserved—almost 10,000 more pounds than are in the Statue of Liberty.
• If two million people each recycle six glass bottles next year, enough glassphalt (50,000 tons!) could be made to repave the 1.4 million square foot Daytona International Speedway.  

"RecycleBank has seen incredible growth and accomplishments over the past year," Tucker added. "The success of the program in our communities across the country indicates that recycling is truly one of the most important ways we can contribute to the health and sustainability of the planet, and has an even greater impact when it's done well. We will proudly continue to raise awareness of the right way to recycle while giving our loyal members additional opportunities to be rewarded for their efforts now and into 2011."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• RecycleBank celebrates America Recycles Day: http://www.recyclebank.com/ard
• RecycleBank on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RecycleBank
• Become a RecycleBank member: http://www.recyclebank.com/login/register

ABOUT RECYCLEBANK

RecycleBank® motivates consumers and communities to take positive environmental actions that lead to a more sustainable future. Through its curbside recycling program and digital platform, RecycleBank incentivizes environmentally preferable behaviors with points that can be redeemed for discounts and rewards from participating local and national business partners. Through brand partnerships, consumer education and innovation, the company is helping to create a culture that encourages more sustainable consumption by increasing household recycling, reducing household energy usage and landfill diversion. Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environmental Programme, and for Outstanding Excellence in Public/Private Partnerships from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. RecycleBank is headquartered in New York City. For more information, visit www.RecycleBank.com.

SOURCE RecycleBank