Consumer News: Dunkin’ changed its points policy — and one loyal customer lost $260

And the everyday items that still confuse people

• Some items recycle easily:Milk jugs, plastic clamshell containers (depending on where you live), clean aluminum foil, and plastic water bottles with the caps on.

• Common recycling mistakes: Plastic grocery bags, disposable coffee cups, and household batteries should not go in curbside bins.

• Simple rule:Empty containers, rinse them, and when in doubt, leave the item out so it doesnt contaminate the recycling batch.

Part of being a responsible consumer is being a responsible recycler.

However, sometimes recycling can be a very confusing sport. Water bottles and aluminum cans? Sure, thats easy. But what about items like milk jugs, pizza boxes, plastic bags, small batteries, and plastic clamshell containers?

Confusion often causes consumers to toss questionable items into the recycling bin, hoping theyll be processed. Unfortunately, this can contaminate recycling loads and cause entire batches to be thrown away.

Heres a quick guide to some of the most commonly misunderstood household items.

Plastic milk jugs: yes, these are recyclable

Those classic plastic milk containers, both the jugs and the cartons, are one of the easiest things to recycle.

Most milk jugs are made from HDPE plastic (#2), which recycling facilities actively want because its easy to process and can be turned into new products like detergent bottles, pipes, and plastic lumber.

What to do:

• Empty and rinse the jug
• Leave the label on
• Put the cap back on (most programs accept caps now)

Pro tip: Flattening the jug can save some space in your bin, but its not required.

Plastic clamshell containers: usually recyclable

The clear plastic containers used for berries, salads, and baked goods are often recyclable, but it depends on the plastic type.

Many are made from PET plastic (#1), the same material used in water bottles.

Heres how to check:

• Look for the recycling triangle with a #1.
• Rinse out any food residue before placing it in the bin.

But if the package has the recycling triangle label and says Check Locally, youll have to verify with your towns recycling program if theyre accepted.

If the container is heavily coated with food or dressing, its usually better to throw it away or give it a good wash first.

Also, be sure to remove and discard the clear plastic seal from the container before you toss it in the recycle bin.

Greasy pizza boxes: sometimes recyclable

The greasy pizza box recycling question has been debated for some time now. And its no small amount of cardboard either. We love our pizza, and it accounts for 600,000 tons of cardboard annually in the United States.

A pizza box covered in oil used to be an automatic no for recycling. But many recycling programs will now accept them.

The key thing to consider is grease contamination and how bad the cardboard is coated.

Heres a good rule of thumb:

• If the cardboard is mostly clean, go ahead and recycle it.
• Tear off any greasy sections and throw those away. Recycle the rest.

Many facilities now process lightly soiled or greasy cardboard without any issues.

Plastic grocery bags: these are a no (in curbside bins)

Thin plastic grocery bags are one of the biggest recycling mistakes. They are meant for multiple uses, but sometimes they become pretty gross, and you just want to get rid of them.

Youre not supposed to put them in your curbside recyclers, as they can easily tangle in recycling machinery and can actually shut down sorting equipment.

Instead: Take them to designated drop-off bins at places like grocery stores or big-box retailers. These collection programs recycle bags along with other film plastics and recycle them properly.

Coffee cups: usually not recyclable

Disposable coffee cups look like paper, but most are lined with a thin layer of plastic to keep liquids from soaking through.

That lining makes them difficult for most recycling facilities to process.

So, unless the cup is specifically labeled as compostable or recyclable, it usually belongs in the trash.

Aluminum foil: yes if its clean

Aluminum foil is definitely recyclable and highly valuable to recycling programs, but only if its free of food residue.

How to recycle it:

• Rinse off any grease or food.
• Ball smaller pieces together so they dont slip through sorting equipment.

Clean foil can be melted down and reused indefinitely.

Plastic water bottle caps: yes recycle them (but leave them on)

Plastic water bottle caps used to be a major recycling debate.

For years, many recycling programs told consumers to remove the lids because they were made from a different plastic.

That guidance has changed.

Most water bottle caps are made from polypropylene plastic (#5), while the bottle itself is usually PET plastic (#1). Modern recycling facilities can now separate these materials during processing.

The best way to recycle them today:

• Empty and rinse the bottle.
• Screw the cap back on tightly.
• Place the entire bottle in the recycling bin.

By keeping the cap on the bottle tightly, you actually help prevent them from falling off and slipping through sorting equipment.

When they fall off, they can easily slip through sorting screens at recycling facilities. When that happens, they often end up in a landfill or contaminate other materials.

Attaching the lid securely ensures it stays with the bottle all the way through the recycling process.

Household batteries: it depends

While many U.S. states allow alkaline batteries in the trash, recycling them is still the better option because the metals and materials can be recovered and reused.

Do NOT put them in your curbside recycler, as recycling facilities arent designed to separate batteries from other materials.

Many major retailers these days offer free battery recycling bins near the entrance or near the customer service desk.

Youve probably seen these recycling bins at places like Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Best Buy, or even at your local hardware store.

Just bring in your used AAA, AA, C, D, or 9-volt batteries (and even your small button batteries) and drop them in the bin the next time you go shopping.

Why recycling rules vary by city

One reason recycling feels confusing these days is that the rules can vary widely depending on where you live.

Cities and towns tend to differ in:

• Equipment used at recycling plants.
• Local demand for recycled materials.
• Regional contamination rules.

If youre unsure about something, the best thing to do is to check your citys recycling website or use a tool like Earth911 recycling search. It actually lets you enter an item and your ZIP code, and it tells you how it should be handled locally.

Limited-time daily deals promise big savings as shoppers stock up for spring cleaning

• Dollar Generals 7 Days of Savings event features a different limited-time deal each day.

• The promotion focuses on everyday essentials, including cleaning and household products.

• Shoppers can maximize savings by watching for daily deals and using the myDG app for added discounts.

If your cleaning supplies are running low, Dollar General is hoping to make restocking a little easier on your wallet.

The discount retailer has rolled out its 7 Days of Savings event, a limited-time promotion that offers shoppers a new deal every day for a week. The sale will run from Sunday, March 15 through Saturday, March 21.

The promotion is designed to help customers save on everyday essentials from cleaning products to household items at a time when many people are preparing for spring cleaning or stocking up on basics. Dollar General says the event is part of its ongoing effort to provide affordable options for shoppers looking to stretch their budgets.

With spring cleaning season approaching, our goal is to make it easier and more affordable for our customers to refresh their homes, Jenny ONeill, vice president and division merchandise manager of cleaning, paper and pet at Dollar General, said in a news release.

From great weekly deals to everyday savings through the $1 Value Valley and DG App, we are committed to offering value and convenience every step of the way.

How the 7 Days of Savings event works

During the 7 Days of Savings promotion, Dollar General releases a new daily deal thats available for a short window typically just one day. The offers can include discounts on household staples like laundry detergent, paper products, storage items, and cleaning supplies.

The goal is to help customers save on items they already use regularly, particularly during seasonal moments like spring cleaning or major events when households tend to stock up on supplies.

Another perk: shoppers who use the Dollar General app or website can also take advantage of the retailers myDG Delivery service, which offers same-day delivery from thousands of stores. As part of the broader promotion, customers who place a delivery order through their myDG account can receive one free delivery during the promotional period.

That means shoppers can potentially score daily deals without even leaving home.

The deals

Because the deals change daily, timing is key. If theres a specific product youre hoping to grab like laundry detergent or cleaning wipes youll want to keep an eye on the daily promotions so you dont miss the offer.

Heres a look at what the retailer has planned:

• Sunday, March 15: Clorox Scentiva Lavender Jasmine Scent Bleach 81 oz. $4.45 Sale

• Monday, March 16: NEW True Living Scented Candles (2ct. 6.8 oz.) Buy One, Get One 50% Off

• Tuesday, March 17: True Living, Fresh Start, or Bella Kitchen and Pantry Organization Plastics Buy One, Get One Free

• Wednesday, March 18: Mr. Clean Spin Mop or Clean All Power Scrubber Instantly Save $10

• Thursday, March 19: Comfort Bay Bath & Hand Towels and Washcloths (excludes multipacks) 50% Off

• Friday, March 20: XTRA Tropical Passion Scent Laundry Detergent 57.6 oz. Buy One, Get One Free

• Saturday, March 21: Pro-Strength Liquid-Plumr Clog Destroyer 80 oz. $7.50 Sale

The companys latest tool can explain lab results, answer health questions, and even book doctor visits

• Amazon has launched a new Health AI assistant designed to help people manage everyday health care tasks.

• The tool can answer health questions, explain lab results, and schedule appointments through Amazon One Medical.

• Experts say AI tools like this could make health care easier to navigatebut theyre meant to supplement, not replace, doctors.

Amazon is expanding its push into health care with a new artificial intelligence assistant designed to help people manage their health more easily.

Called Health AI, the tool acts like a digital health helper that can answer questions, interpret medical information, and guide users toward the care they need.

The assistant is built into Amazons ecosystem and works with the companys primary care service, One Medical. The goal is to make health care less confusing and more convenient especially when it comes to everyday tasks like understanding test results, figuring out symptoms, or scheduling appointments.

Health AI is an agentic AI health assistant designed to make health care easier by providing you with insights into your health, helping you understand your medical records, and seamlessly connecting you with licensed health care professionals when you need them, the company wrote in an announcement.

While Health AI can provide general answers to health-related questions without an individuals medical information, its designed to be a personalized health agent that knows you and your medical history so it can provide more helpful responses and take meaningful action, including connecting you to the professionals, treatments, and account services you need to get and stay well.

What Amazons Health AI can do

Unlike a basic chatbot that only answers questions, Amazons Health AI is what the company calls an agentic AI, meaning it can actually take action on behalf of the user.

For example, the assistant can review a persons medical records, lab results, and medications to provide personalized guidance. It can also explain test results in plain language, answer questions about symptoms or conditions, and suggest the appropriate type of care.

The AI can also help with practical tasks like booking appointments, messaging health care providers, and managing prescriptions. If a situation requires professional care, it can connect the user directly with a health care provider through One Medical.

Another key feature is that the assistant operates around the clock, giving people access to health guidance at any time not just during a doctors office visit.

Amazon says the tool includes clinical safeguards and privacy protections designed to meet health care security standards, such as HIPAA compliance.

What consumers should know

AI tools are rapidly becoming part of the health care experience, and Amazons Health AI is one of the latest examples of how technology companies are trying to simplify medical care.

Heres a look at some of the logistics behind the new AI platform:

• Introductory offer for Prime members: Eligible U.S. Prime members will receive an introductory offer of up to five free direct-message care consultations with a One Medical provider for more than 30 common conditions. Thats up to $145 in value at no additional cost when using Health AI.

• What does it cost? After the introductory offer, customers pay $29 per Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit telehealth visit. Or, you can purchase a One Medical membership for 24/7 virtual care. U.S. Prime members get One Medical membership for $99 per year (vs. $199 standard), and they can add up to five family members at $66 per year each.

• Prime members can share access. Eligible Prime members can share the benefits with family members as part of Amazon Family, which allows Prime members to share benefits with those in the same household. Primes discounted membership programs, including Prime for Young Adults and Prime Access, are also eligible for this offer.

• Do you have to be a Prime member or One Medical member to use it? The short answer: no! The special introductory offer is only for Prime members, but any Amazon customer can connect with a provider by phone or messaging, and theres free follow-up communication for 14 days after a treatment plan is initiated.

• How do you get started? Health AI is accepting signs up now at sign up now at the Amazon Health page. After you sign up, you can create or sign into your Amazon health profile and start chatting with Health AI on the Amazon app or Amazon.com.

Limited-time promos are popping up across major chains this month

• Five Guys is offering a rare BOGO burger deal from March 1012, when you order through the app or website.

• Chipotle is offering a BOGO entre from 34 p.m. on Friday the 13th with a tattoo, while Shake Shack has a BOGO K-Shack promotion through March 16.

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe rewards members can get a free smoothie with purchase (March 915), Portillos has $1 cake slices with a $5 purchase, and Olive Gardens Buy One, Take One entre deal runs through May 3.

Several national chains are running limited-time March promotions that can score diners free food or deep discounts.

Here are some of the most notable deals right now.

Five Guys

This week, Five Guys is offering a BOGO deal where youll get a free burger with the purchase of any other burger.

• Deal runs March 1012.
• You must order through the Five Guys website or app.
• Use promo code FGAFTERPARTYat checkout.
• Get one free burger of equal or lesser value.
• Limit one redemption per account.

This promotion celebrates the chains 40th anniversary and is one of the rare discounts the brand offers.

Chipotle

Get a free entre at Chipotle on Friday the 13^th when you show a tattoo (real or fake) from 3-4 pm.

Here are the details:

• Free entre when you buy one and show some ink, fake or real (a Sharpie tattoo will work too).
• Valid in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, and Germany.
• Valid on Friday 3/13/26, from 3-4 pm local time only.

Don't overthink the tattoo.It's safe to assume they'll accept just about anything written on your body.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is offering a BOGO deal on their K-Shack Korean menu.

• Use promo code SPICYSWEET at checkout.
• Valid through 3/16/26.

To qualify, you must add at least two of these items: K-Shack BBQ Burger, K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich, K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites, K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries, K-Shack Spicy BBQ Cheese Fries, or the K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake.

Krispy Kreme

This one is simple, weargreen and score a free green doughnutforSt. Patrick's Day.

• The deal happens onMarch 16th and 17th only.
• Wear something green in-person, or via the drive-thru, and get a freeGreen O'riginal Glazed doughnut.
• No purchase necessary.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering a buy one entre in-person, and take another entre home for later, with prices starting as low as $14.99 for both entres.

• Valid for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering.
• Included entres are Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Angel Hair with Marinara, Four-Cheese Manicotti, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna Classico, and Chicken Parmigiana.
• Valid until 5/03/26.

Deals like this tend to appear through email or the Olive Garden eClub, so signing up can unlock some surprise offers.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Rewards members can get a free smoothie every dayyes, every day, with purchase.

• Part of the chains Tropic Fan Fest.
• Rewards members get a free 24-oz smoothie.
• Must purchase a Tropic Bowl or food item.
• Limit one per day.
• Runs March 915.

Portillos

The folks at Portillos are offering a $1 slice of cake for rewards members, a small $5 purchase is required.

• Available to Portillos Perks rewards members.
• Buy $5 or more and get a $1 slice of birthday cake.
• Valid from March 915.

Thispromotionis celebrating the chains 63rd anniversary and the first birthday of its rewards program.

Research finds that heavy use of multiple AI tools can overload workers cognitive capacity

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Brain fry is a new workplace phenomenon linked to heavy AI use, defined as mental fatigue caused by excessive interaction with or oversight of AI tools.

• About 14% of AI-using workers report experiencing it, with symptoms including mental fog, headaches, and slower decision-making.

• Researchers say the risk rises when workers juggle multiple AI tools or agents, creating cognitive overload that can increase mistakes and even raise employees intentions to quit.

Artificial intelligence is widely marketed as the ultimate productivity booster automating tedious tasks, drafting documents, and accelerating decisions. But new research suggests that for some workers, too much AI may actually strain the brain rather than lighten the workload.

Researchers writing in the Harvard Business Review have coined a new term for the phenomenon: AI brain fry. The phrase describes mental fatigue that occurs when workers interact with or oversee AI tools beyond their cognitive capacity.

The condition appears to be an emerging side effect of the rapid adoption of generative AI across workplaces, where employees often juggle multiple chatbots, coding assistants, and automated systems simultaneously.

When productivity tools become cognitive burdens

The study, conducted by researchers from Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside, surveyed 1,488 full-time U.S. workers about their use of AI on the job. About 14% said they had experienced brain fry, reporting symptoms such as mental fog, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and slower decision-making.

While the percentage might seem modest, researchers describe it as an early warning sign as more companies push employees to adopt AI tools and even measure their usage as a performance metric.

The core problem, researchers say, is not simply using AIbut managing it. Supervising AI outputs, checking for errors, and coordinating multiple systems can create a heavy cognitive load.

Workers often find themselves bouncing between toolsusing one AI to generate drafts, another to analyze data, and yet another to make recommendationswhile still verifying the accuracy of each output. That constant switching and oversight can overwhelm the brains processing capacity.

A paradox of the AI workplace

Ironically, the workers most affected appear to be high performers and early adopters of AI. These employees are often the first to integrate multiple AI systems into their workflow, increasing both productivity and mental strain.

The research also highlights the paradox of AI productivity. Moving from one to two AI tools may boost efficiency, but productivity gains declineand can even reverseas more tools are added.

As a result, the supposed time savings from AI can turn into more work at a faster pace, with workers constantly reviewing and refining machine-generated outputs.

The business costs of mental overload

The effects of brain fry extend beyond employee well-being. The study found that workers experiencing the condition reported 33% more decision fatigue and significantly higher rates of major mistakes compared with colleagues who did not report it.

Researchers also found a troubling link to retention: employees suffering from brain fry were more likely to consider quitting their jobs.

For companies embracing AI at scale, that could translate into costly errors, reduced productivity, and higher turnover.

Is AI the problem?

Despite the risks, researchers emphasize that AI itself is not the problem. In fact, the study found that using AI to automate repetitive tasks can actually reduce burnout, lowering stress levels among workers.

The researchers say the key difference lies in how AI is integrated into workflows. Systems designed to eliminate routine tasks tend to help employees, while those that require constant supervision or coordination among multiple tools are more likely to produce cognitive overload.

As companies rush to embed AI into everyday work, the findings suggest leaders may need to rethink how they measure and encourage AI use. Incentivizing employees simply to use more AI could backfire by increasing mental strain and reducing decision quality.

The broader lesson may be that while AI can accelerate work, human brains still have limits. In the race to automate tasks, companies may need to ensure that the people overseeing the machines arent the ones getting overloaded.