City Expands Recycling

Oak Ridge residents will soon realize just how rewarding recycling can be by joining forces with RecycleBank, a totally innovative way to recycle.

On March 2, the City will begin participation in RecycleBank, a rewards program that encourages residents to recycle in an effort to dramatically increase curbside recycling by residents.

How it works

Activate:  Use the activation code found on the RecycleBank Welcome Mailer you received in the mail to set up your online account at www.RecycleBank.com or call toll free at (888) 727-2978.  If you have not received your mailer, please contact RecycleBank directly to receive a new one.

Recycle:  Earn points by placing all your recyclables into your new cart provided by Waste Connections for curbside pickup.  There's no more sorting with single-stream recycling.  Recyclable items include mixed paper, mail, magazines, phone books, cardboard, plastics (numbers 1-7), plastic bags, glass, metal/aluminum cans, and newspaper.

Reward:  Redeem your RecycleBank Points to shop for rewards at local and national businesses.  RecycleBank has hundreds of local and national reward partners dedicated to their mission to encourage communities and households to recycle.


FAQ's

Q:  Can I still use the green or blue recycling bin that I have been using?
A:  You may continue to use your old bin, but will be unable to participate in the RecycleBank rewards program.

Q:  I do not want the new brown cart, can someone pick it up?
A:  If you do not want the new cart it will be picked up.  Please contact Waste Connections at 482-3656, leave a message on the recycling hotline at 425-3619, ext. 506, or send an email to recycle@cortn.org to have your cart picked up.

Q:  If I decide not to participate, will my refuse charge still increase from $5 to $7?
A:  Yes, the monthly refuse charge will increase either way.

Q:  I am elderly and/or physically unable to put my cart at the curbside.  Can my cart be picked up at the back door?
A:  Please contact Waste Connections at 482-3656.  A representative will look at your location and see what options are available.

Q:  Are plastic bags recyclable?
A:  Yes, plastic bags are recyclable and will be accepted.

Q:  Are old plastic credit/membership cards and compact discs (CD) recyclable?
A:  Plastic items must have the numbers 1 through 7 stamped on them to be accepted; plastic bags are the only exception to this rule.  Credit cards and CD's are not accepted at this time.  

     Other items not accepted at this time include Styrofoam, Ceramics, Batteries, and Tempered or Window Glass

Q:  I would like to donate my points to a local non-profit agency, but they are not currently in the program.  How does a local non-profit agency enroll to receive donations?
A:  Agencies should email the following information below to donations@recyclebank.com for consideration:
                Non-profit Name and Tax ID number
                Key Contact
                Website
                Address
                Phone Number of the Key Contact
                Email Address of the Key Contact

Q:  Do I have to participate in the program?
A:  No, you do not have to participate in the program; however, the $2 increase will still be applied to your monthly refuse charge.

Q:  How long does it take for points to become available in my account after my recyclables have been picked up at curbside?
A:  RecycleBank points should be available within five to seven business days.

Q:  May I purchase an additional recycling smart cart?
A:  A second smart cart is available for a charge of $6.50 per month through Waste Connections.  Waste Connections will bill residents directly on a quarterly basis in advance of the quarter.

Q:  Should I bag my recyclables?
A:  Shredded paper may be bagged; however, all other materials should be loose.


Oak Ridge Local Business Partners

Oak Ridge local businesses that have already signed up to participate by offering rewards for RecycleBank include:

  1. Absolute Salon
  2. Art & Craft Co.  
  3. Ayurveda Center for Natural Healthcare
  4. Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
  5. Connie’s Gourmet Foods
  6. Critter Getter
  7. Downtown Hardware
  8. Econo Lodge
  9. Expressions Hair and Tanning
  10. Firehouse Subs
  11. Friends Fabric & Yarn  
  12. Habitat Home Store
  13. Hot Bagel Co.
  14. Kittrell's Paint & Wallpaper
  15. Linkous & Green Jewelers
  16. Merle Norman Cosmetics
  17. Midas
  18. Moondollars Café
  19. National Fitness Center
  20. Pete's Fashion
  21. Pizza Hut
  22. Razzleberry Ice Cream Shop
  23. Secret City Festival
  24. The Epicurean
  25. The Ferrell Shop
  26. The Soup Kitchen
  27. The String Workshop
  28. Tienda Nony International Market
  29. Venice Pizza Subs & Ice Cream
  30. Waterworks Pool & Spa
  31. William & Lea Inc.

There are also many national retailers with a local presence.  Log into your account at www.RecycleBank.com to see their current offerings.

Businesses choose rewards that fit with their business and marketing goals. 

Local businesses are being added  frequently, please check back often for the latest additions.

Help us expand the program
If you are an interested business owner or have a business you want to see on the growing list of Oak Ridge businesses that are part of this new service, contact Alyson Paltelky at (517) 614-0982 or via email to apaltelky@recyclebank.com or Tiffany Jorgensen at (215) 510-4781 or via email to  tjorgensen@recyclebank.com.