Dream Machine kiosks reward recycling

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Neidinger
MEDIA ADVISORY: 11-068
RELEASE DATE: December 23, 2011

DALLAS – Dreams of a greener tomorrow can become a reality today with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s introduction of 200 new recycling kiosks on military installations around the United States.

The Dream Machine computerized kiosks recycle empty drink cans and plastic bottles into points users 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 Exchange Chief of Staff, Col. Thomas Ockenfels. “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 on continental U.S. military installations, there are approximately 3,000 Dream Machines throughout the U.S. overall. 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 a program called Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. EBV is a national program offered through seven leading business schools to aid post-911 veterans in starting small businesses.

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.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Lisa Neidinger, 214-312-4168 or [email protected].