New playful App encourages recycling

The Bin It! App aims to encourage 'players' to toss plastic packaging into virtual - and real world - recycling bins. Plastics Make it Possible, an initiative sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council, has launched the fun and addictive new game to coincide with the America Recycles Day on 15 November, the only nationally recognised day dedicated to promoting recycling in the US.

Bin It! players toss plastic bottles into various recycling bins in the face of distracting animals, flashing cameras and tricky breezes. The game then converts the player’s successful tosses into the number of recycled T-shirts, sweaters and sleeping bags that can be made from recycled plastics.

“While the Bin It! player aims to toss plastic bottles into recycling bins, our aim is to get everybody hooked on plastics recycling,” said Steve Russell, Vice President, Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council. “We’re always looking for creative ways to increase recycling awareness and participation, not only on America Recycles Day but every day. We hope people play Bin It! and then remember to ‘bin it’ at home, on the road, at the office, at ball games ... everywhere.”

Ninety-four percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program. While the Bin It! app uses plastic bottles, many communities also allow residents to ‘bin it’ with other plastic containers such as yoghurt cups and butter tubs. In addition, many grocery and retail chains - more than 12,000 locations nationwide - now offer bins to collect plastic bags and wraps for recycling.

Plastics recycling is on the rise, and demand for recycled plastics is growing. Bin It! is designed not only for gaming fun but to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles, containers and bags.

The Bin It! recycling game can be downloaded on the iPhone, iPod and iPad through the iTunes App Store. For more information on plastics recycling and America Recycles Day, visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/recycle.