Coca Cola Sponsors London Boroughs Rewards For Recycling Scheme

17 May 2011

Lambeth Council has become the first local authority in London to participate in the innovative recycling rewards scheme, Recyclebank

The implementation of the Recyclebank programme, in partnership with waste management provider, Veolia Environmental Services, is an innovative step by the local authority to increase recycling rates across the Borough, initially within its estates population.

Recyclebank will be deploying a newly developed lower cost multi-occupancy version of its programme in Lambeth, whereby residents tell Recyclebank that they have recycled each week, either online, by phone or through a free iPhone app.

Members will receive a 300-point bonus on registration, which has been sponsored by Coca-Cola. In addition, members will receive 10 points for reporting their recycling on a weekly basis and then a further monthly points top-up based on the amount recycled in the borough.

Recycling Awareness

This version of the programme has been specifically developed by Recyclebank to encourage awareness of recycling, rewarding those in multi-occupancy dwellings who do not have access to their own recycling bin. It provides Councils with a cost-effective and flexible solution, which seamlessly integrates into existing operations. As no (micro) chip technology is used, there is nothing to retrofit on bins or vehicles thus reducing the cost of implementation.

The initiative, which launched this week, will allow 51,000 households across the borough to start earning points for their recycling efforts. Points collected are then converted into vouchers for national retailers, local shops and businesses.

First For London

Cllr Lorna Campbell, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "I'm delighted that Lambeth residents are going to be the first in London to benefit from Recyclebank.

"With residents' help we have made great strides forward, increasing recycling levels across borough over the past few years, and we are confident that Recyclebank will help us to go even further. This scheme is an important part of our plans to reduce waste costs, boost recycling and make Lambeth a cleaner and greener place to live."

So far over 90 local reward partners from all over the Borough have been recruited to take part in the initiative, along with national partners such as Coca-Cola and Marks & Spencer. Over the coming months, even more new reward partners will join up to the programme, increasing the range of exciting rewards that are available.

Cllr Lib Peck, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Housing, added: "Recyclebank is a fantastic way for residents on Lambeth housing estates to earn discounts on a range of goods and services, while at the same time benefiting the environment and helping the borough reduce waste disposal costs."

Past Successes

Pascal Hauret, London Municipal Operations Director at Veolia Environmental Services, said: "After the success of the scheme in predominantly low-rise properties in Windsor and Maidenhead, where we also hold the recycling and waste management contract, we are looking forward to seeing Recyclebank in action in an altogether different environment with very different challenges, that of the estates of an inner London borough.

"We are confident that the adaptation of the initiative to suit Lambeth's requirements will also prove a great success and we look forward to the significant role Veolia will play in helping to achieve Lambeth's goals."

Sue Igoe, UK Managing Director of RecycleBank, said: "We are incredibly excited to be working with Lambeth Council. As well as being the first London borough to offer a recycling rewards scheme to its residents, Lambeth will be the first to introduce our new community solution, which has been developed to tackle the challenging issues of recycling in flats head on.

"By implementing the scheme, the local authority will enjoy economic benefits through the potential reduction in waste disposal costs and taxes, while retail partners will gain visibility, customer brand loyalty and the reputation of an environmentally conscious company.

"Residents take an active role in helping the environment and are rewarded with vouchers for goods and services through the points they gain. The scheme offers real benefits for all parties involved and we look forward to giving even more residents the power to participate."

Lambeth's estate residents will be given the choice to join the free scheme. Residents can track how many points they have collected either online by phone or on the free iPhone App. Eligible residents have been sent information packs explaining how the scheme works.

It is planned that following a successful trial period, and if recycling metrics are achieved, the Recyclebank programme will be rolled out to all residents in the Borough within 12 months. This will allow all residents in the borough to benefit from rewards for recycling.

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Darrel Moore