Dream Machine kiosks reward recycling at Peterson

  • Published
  • By Lea Johnson
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Dreams of a greener tomorrow can become a reality today with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's introduction of a new recycling kiosk at Peterson, located at the shopette and main store.

The computerized kiosks recycle empty drink cans and plastic bottles into points Airmen can redeem for select merchandise and discounts, or even donate to charity.
Recycling at the kiosk is as easy as touching the screen, scanning a card and depositing an item. Recyclers receive a printed receipt and can go online to view point totals and reward options.

Each recycled item is worth five points and rewards, including tickets to local sporting events, travel deals and contributions to Keep America Beautiful, the Humane Society or Student Conservation Association, are available for as little as 100 points. Rewards range from dining, lodging and entertainment discounts for 100 points to a personal computer for 450,000 points.

"Participating in Dream Machine recycling is a win-win for exchange shoppers," said Pat Riordan of the Peterson exchange. "Recyclers get to contribute to a greener world. And, signing in at the kiosks allows users to collect points and rewards for each container."

Dream Machine kiosks represent an exchange partnership with PepsiCo and Waste Management, Inc. Besides the kiosks at Peterson and other U.S. military installations, there are approximately 3,000 Dream Machines throughout the United States. The program aims to increase recycling and help the environment, with the overall objective of increasing the U.S. beverage container recycle rate to 50 percent by 2018.

Dream Machine recycling also supports Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. EBV is a national program offered through seven leading business schools to aid post-9/11 veterans in starting small businesses. PepsiCo has committed to donating $500,000 a year to EBV, with additional support tied to total pounds recycled.

Turn your dreams of a greener future into reality today by recycling at the Dream Machines. To learn more, log onto www.shopmyexchange.com/DreamMachine.