PepsiCo-sponsored recycling initiative makes its way to Rite Aid stores

PURCHASE, N.Y. PepsiCo and Waste Management on Wednesday announced a multi-year partnership in support of the Dream Machine recycling initiative designed around PepsiCo's goal of increasing the U.S. beverage container recycling rate from 34% to 50% by 2018. Dream Machine kiosks are computerized receptacles that include a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each bottle or can they recycle in the kiosk.

Rite Aid is set to be one of the first national retailers to sign on to the program, starting with 150 kiosks in their North Carolina locations. PepsiCo also has entered into a partnership with Keep America Beautiful to encourage community involvement in the program by engaging nearly 600 local KAB affiliate organizations in communities nationwide.

The program also intends to provide funding to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, a national program offering free, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with disabilities.

PepsiCo leads the industry by incorporating 10% recycled plastic in soft drink containers in the United States.  Currently, less than one-third of plastic beverage containers are being recycled each year and only 12% of public spaces are equipped with recycling receptacles.

The Dream Machines will be provided by GreenOps, a subsidiary of Waste Management.