Whitemarsh residents who want to take part in the optional recycling reward program from provider J.P. Mascaro & Sons will have to sign-up for a new 'Clean & Green Recycling Rewards' program after the current one is phased out at the end of the year.

According to a Mascaro employee, the previous national program is no longer available in the Whitemarsh area, prompting the creation of the new program to begin January 1, 2013.

In the new system, Mascaro will weigh the total amount of recyclables collected in  Whitemarsh and divide by the number of households. Based on the quotient, a predetermined number of points will be distributed into the accounts of participating households.

Those points can then be redeemed in the form of coupons at area retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Whitemarsh residents who are interested in signing up for the program should visit www.cleanandgreenrewards.com.

Local businesses interested in joining the program can apply here.