How to Recycle in NYC
WHAT CAN YOU DO? There are many ways that you can reduce the amount of waste that you produce. Individual responsibility can make a difference! Here are some tips and resources to get you started.
REDUCE the waste that you produce Create less waste. Say “no thanks” to shopping bags, napkins and plastic utensils. Eat in rather than take out.
REUSE what you buy
Refill water bottles, use a travel mug and bring empty bags with you when you shop.
RECYCLE everything else
Continue to recycle paper and aluminum products via curbside collection. Donate clothing, furniture and other items to your local thrift store instead of throwing them away. Compost food waste and other organics. Find alternative recycling services to municipal trash collection.
RETURN bottles and cans
Bring all glass and plastic products with deposits to your local store.
RETHINK your consumption habits
Make better decisions at the store. Spend more for better quality products that will last longer. Repair broken items rather than replace them. Buy minimally packaged items, and buy in bulk. Buy products made from recycled materials!
REDUCE!
NYC Waste Less
Information for individuals, governments, and businesses to reduce the amount
of waste produced. Sponsored by the New York City Partnership for Waste Prevention
in cooperation with and support from the New York City Department of Sanitation.
The Council on the Environment of New York City
Facts, tips and other information on waste prevention and recycling services.
California Integrated
Waste Management Board
Provides excellent information on how you can reduce your waste and reuse
what you buy.
NY Wa$teMatch
New York City's materials exchange and solid waste reduction program.
NY Wa$teMatch provides reuse, recycling and other innovative waste solutions
to help save your company or organization money. The Materials Exchange
is a free service that matches generators of valuable commercial waste
and surplus goods with organizations that can reuse them. Waste producers
sell what they once paid to throw away; reusers obtain materials for free
or at low prices.
REUSE!
Build
It Green! NYC
This newly opened facility in Astoria, Queens, offers a green alternative to
big box building supply stores. Reusable building materials can be donated,
and salvaged or surplus materials can be purchased at affordable prices. Build
It Green!, a project of the Community Environmental Center, also offers decontstruction
services to carefully take down buildings and save useful architectural resources
from ending up in the landfill.
Freecycle NYC
Don’t throw you old stuff away—FREECYCLE it! Freecycle email groups
are sprouting up all over the country. List subscribers can give away or acquire
free stuff. Sign up for the NYC
group or visit Freecycle.org to find
out more and to locate a list in your area!
NYC Reuse Alliance
The Reuse Alliance is a non-profit organization of, and for, reuse enterprises
in the NYC area metro area. Visit the website for links to member organizations
who provide reuse opportunities in NYC.
NYC
Stuff Exchange
The NYC Stuff Exchange is a hotline that helps NYC callers locate businesses
or organizations in their area where they can donate, buy, or sell quality
second-hand goods, and repair and rent goods instead of spending money
on new items. Call toll free within NYC 1-877-NYC-STUFF (877-692-7883);
outside NYC call 212-509-4850. For more helpful hints, visit this site
from the Department of Sanitation.
RECYCLE!
New
Recycling Guidelines in NYC
Current information on NYC residential recycling programs from the Department
of Sanitation.
Earth911
Provides an excellent database with community-specific recycling resources.
Electronics
Recycling
Recycle This! works with Per Scholas, a non-profit organization dedicated to
bringing technology tolow-income families, schools and non-profits in the South
Bronx and beyond. Per Scholas provides technology to community residents, reconditions
computers for reuse and performs responsible recycling to end-of-life electronics.
See our Events Calendar for our electronics recycling days, or contact Per
Scholas for more informaion on recycling electronics at their South Bronx
facility.
Recycled Computer Hardware
For those looking to donate a used computer or non-profits looking to receive
refurbished equipment, TechSoup offers a newly improved "Recycled Hardware"
section. TechSoup has compiled a comprehensive body of information to promote
computer recycling and reuse. Site provides resources for those who would like
to donate hardware, those who would like to acquire recycled hardware, and refurbishers.
Just plug in your zip code and go!
COMPOST!
Find a Community Garden near you and ask about their compost program!
Brooklyn Greenbridge
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Compost and Waste Prevention Hotline: 718-623-7290
Compost Drop-Off Sites
No room for a compost bin? No problem! You can save food scraps in a refrigerated
container and drop them off to be recycled by a master composter.
New York City Compost Project
Due to Citywide budget deficits, the NYC Compost Project is no longer funded (as of July 1, 2002). This site still provides helpful information on composting in New York City.
OTHER RESOURCES
Why Waste NYC?
The website for the official advisory community on municipal solid waste issues in New York City. Provides information about the each boroughs Solid Waste Advisory Board and the two citywide waste prevention and recycling advisory organizations, economically and environmentally-sound recommendations for recycling and waste prevention, testimony before the City Council and more.
Waste Free
NYC/INFORM
INFORM is an independent research organization that examines the effects of business practices on the environment and on human health. Waste Free NYC is an INFORM project providing information and resources for a cleaner, greener NYC.
Zero Waste America
An Internet-based environmental research organization specializing in the field of Zero Waste (eliminating all waste from the landfill). Provides information on associated legislative, legal, technical, environmental, health, and consumer issues.
Recycling Today Magazine
"The portal to the recycling industry." Provides up to date information on U. S. recycling-related news articles, legislation, events, associations, and industry links.