Shouldn't we be getting paid for our recycleables?

Question

i know, in some states, you can return glass and plastic bottles for deposits. in my state, we cannot. we actually pay to have our recycle bin picked up every two weeks. if we are buying products, packaging and all, is there a way to get reimbursed via credits, coupons or cash, for the reuse and recycling of our purchases?

Answer 1

Yes, in some states people get paid for recycling. But the way you make it sound, it sounds like we should get paid for things we should do. It's like if there is a person who falls on the street and you help them up. Do you expect cash in return? Just because you're doing something good doesn't mean there should be an incentive, or prize. It would be like paying someone for pooping.

Answer 2

The states that provide payment for recycleables are actually paying you back for the extra 5cent deposit you put down on each can/bottle when you buy it.  Im not sure how feasible it would be or where the money would come from for everyone to get paid for recycling, but I think a good incentive for recycling more would be to actually make people pay if they on;t recycle...ex...if the trash man sees recyclable in your trash they put a ticket (small amount, like $1.50) in the mailbox or at the door, and late charges would be applied.  This would "make" people recycle more and the proceeds from fines could go to further improving such a program.

Answer 3

There is a program called Recyclebank (www.recyclebank.com) that rewards you with points you can use at retail stores.  They operate mostly in the Northeast right now, but if you live in that area, it might work out for you--looks like a pretty good program.

Answer 4

Sorry to hear that.  I'm located in a place where nobody really cares, and those who do have to take their stuff manually to sites far away.  But when it comes to paying the garbage man anyway, I would rather pay for stuff to be recycled instead of going into a landfill :)