Recycling slot machine big hit at Dunk

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - There's a special kind of slot machine going in at the Dunkin Donuts Center, throw in your empty bottle, and you could win big!

Now, instead of throwing this under your seat, you can help the environment, and get a chance to win a prize as well.

A pile of plastic bottles in the recycling bin is the result of just a few events at the Dunkin Center. To help keep them here, and out of the landfill, the Dunk and coca-cola are launching the give-it-back campaign, which includes the addition of extra recycling bins and these recycling machines.

Dunkin Donuts Center General Manager Lawrence Lepore says by putting the bottle in here, you help the environment but also give yourself a chance to win a prize.

"It could be everything from concert tickets to bruins tickets to providence college tickets," said Lepore.

One event at the dunk can produce six to seven thousand bottles. Those left on the floor have to be picked up then sorted from the rest of the trash. That adds up to lots of wasted money and time.

Since they started this program a couple of months ago, they're already noticing a difference.

"We're seeing $1,400 dollars per month savings in the amount of trash we're hauling," said Lepore.

While the environment wins with every bottle recycled, not everyone will win a prize, as we found out the hard way.

The Give It Back Program is actually being tested at the Dunkin Center, if all goes well, other arenas may adapt the practice as well.