News on research by the Mayor’s Office into the potential for a garbage removal fee has certainly sparked some, er, opining. While I have my own thoughts on this “researched” trash removal fee, I wanted to think outside the box for a moment and suggest a new approach: rather than pay for non-recyclable material removal, why not provide an incentive for diligent recycling? In other words, why hasn’t Philadelphia contacted (or, contracted) Recycle Bank?

I’m sure a few readers are saying, “of course!” Why not recruit the homegrown recycling group that turned diligence into dollars. We can solve municipal shortcomings in more ways than additional taxes and fees. Incentivizing responsibility may be just as effective – and only assumed more welcomed – in boosting recycling percentages and easing the strain on City services, particularly when handled by a private company.

The company’s motto, “Recycle, Record, Reward” seems like a better alternative to the remarks citizens will craft if trash removal is charged. Recycle Bank, featuring a great website that counts the number of trees and barrels of oil is saved daily, picks up recyclables and records the weight of each collection. The amount recycled contributed to a point total, which is used for coupons and discounts and gift cards. Participating partners include Acme, CVS, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Petco.com, among many others.

Unfortunately, this program is invisible in the city. I’ve heard that in previous administrations there has been outreach on the company’s behalf to provide their services to residents, but nothing came of it. Well, why not try again? It is a “new day,” and I’d certainly like to see Recycle Bank given a “new opportunity.”