News

RIP: City Cancels Philacycle Program

Recycling continues to take hits

A program initially created in 2009 to encourage recycling is no longer in the city of brotherly love.

Philadelphia Recycling Rewards, rebranded as Philacycle in 2017, will be discontinued as of June 30, 2019. At that point, residents can no longer earn (or redeem points), nor access the website. Philacycle was offered in partnership with the Philadelphia Streets Department and Recyclebank.

This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise after Philadelphia began to pay for recycling (nearly $10 million each year) instead of making revenue, after China and Southeastern Asian countries have created stricter regulations for what they accept in the recycling streams.

How will the city cut back on recycling contamination?

Philadelphia is investing in a new marketing campaign, “Take a Minute Before You Bin It,” in radio, print ads, and more.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Kinetic Derby, Illegal Dumping Task Force, LIHEAP delays, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Water Department appoints new commissioner. Benjamin C.…

3 hours ago

Harnessing People Power: How Councilmember O’Rourke advocates for the environment and the working class

Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke discusses affordability and access to green initiatives in our latest Civic Catalyst…

1 day ago

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

6 days ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

1 week ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

1 week ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

2 weeks ago