Starting Sept. 1, Toledo residents will be able to earn points on recyclables that can be redeemed at local attractions and local and national restaurants and retailers.
Republic Services, which has taken over the city’s garbage collection routes, announced the start of rewards program during a news conference Thursday at Rogers High School.
Each household in the city will be mailed information about the rewards program, including a personal identification number needed to register. Taking part in the program is free, but registration is required either through myrepublicrewards.comor by calling the rewards customer service department, 888-727-2978.
“Residents can choose whether or not they place their recycling collection carts by the curb every other week, and there is no penalty if they choose not to,” Dave Vossmer, Republic Services general manager, said in a statement. “However, those who do recycle will find it very worthwhile to take a few minutes to register.”
He estimated that residents in the program could earn more than $160 a year in discounts. The Toledo Zoo and Imagination Station are among the local attractions that will redeem points earned.
Points will be awarded based on the total weight of recyclables on each collection route divided among the households contributing to that collection, Republic Services officials said. Each pound of recyclables will earn 2.5 points.
Republic has picked up recyclables in portions of the city since July 11 and has collected household refuse from the entire city since Aug. 15.
Pickup days stayed the same, although Republic Services did away with the “Leap Forward” adjustment for holidays. On six national holidays, Republic Services will move pickup forward by one day, with Saturday pickup. For instance during Labor Day week, residents with Monday pickup will receive service on Tuesday; Tuesday pickup will be on Wednesday; and so on throughout the week.
When holidays fall later in the week, the change in schedule will affect only the holiday and the days following, said Kelly Hancock, a spokesman for Republic Services.
Regular pickup days will resume the week after a holiday.
First Published August 25, 2011, 11:56 p.m.