Does anyone else do Recyclebank? Updated Rewards in Post #18

[Marionnette]

I joined a few years ago when I saw it mentioned on a couponing blog. My town doesn't participate in the recycling points program, but I do the activities and surveys on the website for points. The rewards aren't all that great (a couple of $5-$10 GCs, some $X-off wys $Y at Shoprite, etc.). Now I see that they have subscriptions to digital magazines in addition to the paper versions. I stopped getting magazines because of all of the paper clutter. but I still love to read the ones I do get on my iPad. I may just subscribe to a couple.

Anyway, since the rewards seem to be based on where you live, I was wondering what everyone else redeems their points for?

 

[Ranger111]

I have been doing the "bank" for about a year. I joined when Slickdeals web site mentioned it and had some convoluted way to get a few thousand points right off the bat.

So, used said few thousands points to get my wife the Better Homes and Gardens magazine subscription she kept asking me to buy (actual paper copy).

And, of course, she seldom glances at it.

I actually read it cover to cover though, so all is not lost.

I now have 4,400 points or so, collected since last May, I guess, and other than that first magazine subscription, I have not redeemed for anything else.

As you said, not a lot that interests me.

A caution, they had a notice out a week or two ago that they were going to change all rewards and "improve" them.

Call me paranoid, but I am suspicious that the improvement will probably be anything but.

In the meantime, I may get around to using my points for something....I am actually sort wanting to wait until I get to 5000, which may be a few more months....why 5000...???? Just sounds like a nice number.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I forgot I had that. Just checked the acct and I have over 9000 points. Unfortunately I didn't see anything I wanted to spend them on.

 

[Marionnette]

I forgot I had that. Just checked the acct and I have over 9000 points. Unfortunately I didn't see anything I wanted to spend them on.

I have 5 different GCs that I could redeem for:

• $5 CVS
• $5 Footlocker
• $10 GAP
• $10 iTunes
• $10 KMart

I'm not sure if they're regional, but couldn't you find a use for 1 or more of those?

 

[Ranger111]

We have those gift cards too....and I could use them I suppose, but I never use Footlocker, CVS, I*Tunes or The Gap.

And I go to K-Mart, maybe, twice a year...if that....

If they had Macy's or a gasoline card, I would spend on those, but...

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I use the points for Starbucks. Now that they're at Disney, it's another way to save for a trip

 

[Ranger111]

I use the points for Starbucks. Now that they're at Disney, it's another way to save for a trip

My wife loves Starbucks....I, of course do not....

Having said that, I just gave her a $50 Starbucks card I won in a drawing.

But, I guess, for those who do not know, RecycleBank is a Web site where you can earn points and exchange said points for various gifts -- it takes a lot of points to earn gifts and if you read the rest of the thread...well, the gifts, at least to me, are so-so.

Anyway, you earn points by either reading, watching slideshows, buying products, donating money or performing actions related to "Green lifestyles."

Of course, "Green products" can be a bit more than regular products ($$$). And, I find that anyone who is remotely interested in the subject, probably already is aware of the tips and suggestions made on the site.

About the only thing that I find "new" are various suggestions on arts and crafts you can do with old wine corks, or expired credit cards, etc.

Of course, I am not into arts and crafts, so...

Some of the activities are sponsored by large "household name products," some by "green companies" I have never heard of....and recently, some by Florida tourism boards...

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I use the points for Starbucks. Now that they're at Disney, it's another way to save for a trip

I don't see an option for Starbucks on mine.

 

[Ranger111]

I don't see an option for Starbucks on mine.

Probably because you are not on the right coast (or is that the left coast?)

Starbucks Central is not all that far from me here in the West. Ride 'em Cowboy

 

[irishdancemomma]

Starbucks cards come and go as do walmart cards. Just watch for them.

 

[Asherry25]

I've used them for a Saladworks coupon, and an Earl of Sandwich coupon.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I've used them for a Saladworks coupon, and an Earl of Sandwich coupon.

Starbucks cards come and go as do walmart cards. Just watch for them.

Great, thx!

 

[jmb912]

I started with it about 3 1/2 years ago because our city recycling was a new program and participated with it. I kept doing it even after we've moved to another state. I've gotten Amazon gift codes previously and last week I got a CVS gift card code.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I've used them for a Saladworks coupon, and an Earl of Sandwich coupon.

Starbucks cards come and go as do walmart cards. Just watch for them.

I started with it about 3 1/2 years ago because our city recycling was a new program and participated with it. I kept doing it even after we've moved to another state. I've gotten Amazon gift codes previously and last week I got a CVS gift card code.

Oooohhhh, now amazon I could use!

 

[Happyjen27]

I've been lucky enough to score $10 GCs to Home Depot twice. That's 20 bucks I wouldn't have otherwise had, and it does leave me inspired to do more "green" things. I've also gotten a couple of magazine subscriptions.

 

[Ranger111]

Again, for those of you (myself included) that have points molding away at the Recyclebank, they put out a notice that they are "improving" rewards soon.

While that may be good....I tend to be a bit less than optimistic about this and am leery that it might not be so good.

So, while I have yet to "spend" any points, if there is something offered that you can live with, you might want to go ahead and pull the trigger now (a reward you know could be better than the improved rewards).

 

[Sagginit]

i use them. i dont get much but did save up for a $10 walmart gc once. since then i have not been able to find gcs so i redeemed for a few mags and coupons. i wasted points on a coupon to outback. i took it there and they refused to accept it stating it is a corporate policy not to create or accept coupons by third parties. even worse i contacted their "customer service" and never got a reply. lesson learned, use points on coupons with caution (outback manager was nice and gave me another discount based on the promotion they currently had in the newspaper).

 

[Marionnette]

Bumping this thread because new GCs have been added and are available as of today! All of them are e-Gift Certificates, so you get them very quickly. I just earned enough points to get a $5 Starbucks GC to add to the ones that I earned from Bing and Hallmark Rewards (plus the $5 for $10 GC from Groupon last week).

I'm seeing the following:

• $5 Target GC
• $10 TGIFridays
• $10 JCPenney
• $10 KMart
• $10 Lowes
• $5 Footlocker
• $10 Sears
• $5 Cabella's
• $5 CVS
• $5 Starbucks
• $25 Restaurant.com
• Regal Cinemas Premier e-Ticket
• $10 iTunes
• $10 GAP
• $10 Applebees

Since the GCs can come and go, depending on Recyclebank's inventory, I suggest that you don't delay if you want to cash out for any of these!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Bumping this thread because new GCs have been added and are available as of today! All of them are e-Gift Certificates, so you get them very quickly. I just earned enough points to get a $5 Starbucks GC to add to the ones that I earned from Bing and Hallmark Rewards (plus the $5 for $10 GC from Groupon last week).

I'm seeing the following:

• $5 Target GC
• $10 TGIFridays
• $10 JCPenney
• $10 KMart
• $10 Lowes
• $5 Footlocker
• $10 Sears
• $5 Cabella's
• $5 CVS
• $5 Starbucks
• $25 Restaurant.com
• Regal Cinemas Premier e-Ticket
• $10 iTunes
• $10 GAP
• $10 Applebees

Since the GCs can come and go, depending on Recyclebank's inventory, I suggest that you don't delay if you want to cash out for any of these!

Thanks! I just ordered several different ones. It was a bummer to find out you can only order 1 per month of each type though. I was hoping to order 6 target cards. Oh well, can't complain.

 

[Ranger111]

Bumping this again.

Needing some cash for some Christmas cheer. Hoped for a gift card or two, basically they have none.

I don't know when they last revamped their reward selection, but I won't be using RB again unless they improve their rewards.

Mostly the rewards now seem to all be magazine subscriptions -- big yawn, I can get the same mags for free much easier than through Recyclebank.

Oh, and discounts on what I consider to be mostly overpriced "ecoproducts."

It may work for some, but if you are a RB user, check the available rewards before investing much time to see if you are still interested.