Recycling in NYC is Easier Than You Think: A Guide for the Confused
Is recycling even worth doing?
Well, we can tell you that New York City’s recycling system does divert tons and tons of stuff from landfills every day to be turned into new products and materials. Is the system perfect? No. But many things are recyclable — and valuable — to people who make products out of recycled stuff. Some materials, like paper and metal, are easier to use to make other goods. Others, like certain types of plastics and glass, are tough to resell and ultimately end up in landfills if there’s no market for them.
How do I recycle? Does it have to be in a special bin?
Here are the basics: Separate paper from plastic, metal and glass. You can place each group of items into a bag. Depending on your building, some supers just let residents toss items into bins and take care of the bagging themselves. Pro tip: It’s helpful to whoever is handling your paper recycling to break down cardboard first!
What if I put an item in the wrong place? Will I screw up the system?
No — don’t stress. You don’t have to be a perfect recycler to do it, and if you’re not sure, recycle it! The companies DSNY hires to handle our recycling are very good at sorting stuff and figuring out which things go where: paper vs. plastic, metal and glass vs. regular trash vs. organics. "Make your best guess," said Joshua Goodman of the DSNY. "Let us handle the sorting."
What do New Yorkers most often recycle in the wrong place?
There are three big culprits: Milk cartons, gadgets with rechargeable batteries, and vape pens. Any carton with plastic lining — used for packaging many types of soy or nut milk, soup stock or juice — may feel like paper, but it goes in with the metals, plastics, and glass. People often throw them in with the paper, said Goodman, but those cartons belong in the other stream.
What do those number symbols on my plastic recycling mean? Do I need to sort my recycling with those in mind?
Nope — within the five boroughs of New York, ignore those! The numbers, printed inside the famous chasing triangle recycling symbol on various products, don’t indicate how recyclable something is. In New York City, our recycling system takes every type of plastic.
How clean does stuff have to be before I recycle it?
It’s a myth that food residue ruins a bin of recycling. That said, try to rinse off your recyclable items, but no need to use too much water or put too much elbow grease into it. As long as you’re not tossing in a full carton of milk or a jar filled halfway with peanut butter, it’s probably fine.
What if an item has parts that could go into either bin?
If you have a spiral bound notebook with both paper and metal, or a tube of oats with a paper middle, metal at the bottom, and a plastic top, choose your fighter — put it in either bin. You can also rip it apart and recycle each component separately, but you don’t have to. The important thing is not to trash it.
What about cables on electronics, like chargers or USB cords?
Cables, string lights, hoses, and extension cords can get tangled and muck up the machinery that sorts the recycling. Trash those. The electronic gadgets themselves (laptops, phones, computer mice, or televisions, for instance) should go with e-waste, not recycling or regular garbage.
What if my building doesn’t recycle, or if the recycling isn’t sorted properly?
DSNY may fine property owners if they fail to separate recyclable material, and the fines vary based on the size of the building. If you see a building not properly recycling, you can report it to 311 to spur a DSNY investigation.
Can I recycle clothing or textiles?
You can take textiles that can’t be reused or donated to collection sites across the five boroughs.
What is definitely not recyclable?
Some commonly nonrecyclable items in New York include Styrofoams, fake Christmas trees, disposable gloves, and face masks, and ceramics. If you can’t give ceramic dishes or other objects away or use them for crafts (mosaics, anyone?), then into the trash they go. If you need to ask: Please, don’t recycle bowling balls!
Conclusion:
Recycling in NYC is easier than you think. While it’s true that only about 17.5% of our waste stream is currently being recycled, there are many things we can do to make a bigger impact. By following these simple guidelines and being mindful of what we’re throwing away, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for our city.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the best way to prepare my recyclables for collection?
- Sort your recyclables into different bins, and make sure they are free of contaminants.
- What should I do with electronic waste?
- Take it to an e-waste recycling center or a designated drop-off location.
- How can I make sure my building is properly recycling?
- Check with your super or building management to ensure they are following proper recycling procedures.
- What are some common nonrecyclable items?
- Styrofoams, fake Christmas trees, disposable gloves, and face masks, and ceramics.
