The Great Recycle. Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
This Earth Day, you can get restaurant vouchers or even gift cards for simply doing something you might already do – recycling.
Organizers have set up a program to redeem bottles for giveaways in Union Square on Sunday, when a 30-foot bin will be constructed in what Earth Day New York hopes will serve as a beacon for potential recyclers.
The Great Recycle kicked off last year, and more than 18,000 bottles of Honest Tea were collected. The company now takes the event around the country, touring and taking bottles.
Anyone bringing an empty bottle can use it as currency: T-shirts, restaurant gift cards and bikes will all be items people can trade for their recyclables.
For example, one bottle might redeem stickers, but 1,000 bottles could get you a Zac Brown Band guitar.
Another company, SpinGreen, will accept clothing donations and recycle them to ensure they do not end up in landfills.
Anything in good condition will be given to someone else in need, organizers said. If the item is not salvageable, it can be recycled into an organic product like a car seat.
And if that toaster finally has to go, Tekovery will be collecting small appliances.
