MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Freedom Valu Centers and PepsiCo are partnering to offer the Dream Machine recycling program at 19 convenience stores in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This launch positions Freedom Valu Centers among the first c-store chains to launch the Dream Machine program in Minnesota.

Minnesota State Senator Charles W. Wiger joined company representatives from PepsiCo, Waste Management, Greenopolis and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) for a commemorative launch event, held yesterday at a Maplewood, Minn., Freedom Valu Center.

"I'm thrilled to welcome the Dream Machine recycling program to my hometown and the metro Minneapolis-St. Paul area," said Wiger. "I applaud Freedom Valu Centers for helping to increase access to recycling for our visitors and residents. Now, we can all benefit from the great rewards offered through this program, and play a role in helping to keep the great state of Minnesota green."

PepsiCo, trash-removal company Waste Management and nonprofit group Keep America Beautiful worked together to create the Dream Machine Recycling Initiative, which aims to place thousands of recycling kiosks and bins in popular public locations across the United States, according to a news release. The receptacles are computerized and include a Greenopolis-powered personal reward system that provides points for every bottle or can customers recycle.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with convenience. Our associates take pride in the services we offer and we are excited to now include the Dream Machine recycling program," said Rick Cagle of Freedom Valu Centers. "We encourage everyone to stop in and experience the Dream Machine and the numerous reward opportunities available for simply recycling a bottle or can."

The more items recycled, the more points consumers can redeem through www.greenopolis.com for local discounts on entertainment, dining and travel. Recycling at the Dream Machines will also boost PepsiCo's support for the EBV, which provides free, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 U.S. veterans coping with disabilities.

"PepsiCo is proud to welcome Freedom Valu Centers to the Dream Machine recycling program," said Jeremy Cage, senior vice president and head of the Dream Machine Recycling Initiative, PepsiCo. "Freedom Valu is committed to making on-the-go recycling more convenient and rewarding, and we hope others will join them in their commitment to sustainability. By recycling in a Dream Machine, Freedom Valu shoppers can earn rewards and will help make a real difference for our planet and in the lives of disabled U.S. veterans."

More information on the Dream Machine initiative is available at www.facebook.com/DreamMachine. A list of Dream Machines and their locations can be found at www.DreamMachineLocator.com.