Recycling in NYC is Easier Than You Think: A Guide for the Confused

Decoding NYC’s Recycling: A Guide to What Goes Green

New Yorkers generate a whopping 600,000 tons of recyclable materials each year. That’s a lot of potential resources waiting to be rescued from the landfill. But sadly, this only represents a fraction of our overall waste, a mere 17.5%.

Imagine the impact if we truly maximized our recycling efforts. The Department of Sanitation paints a picture of a future where, “If New Yorkers recycled paper, glass, plastic, and metal to their full potential, about a third of what ends up in our city’s trash would be saved from landfills.”

Despite the potential, doubts about recycling’s effectiveness persist. Manny well-meaning New Yorkers struggle with what truly belongs in the bin, unsure if certain items should be repurposed rather. concerns about the actual impact of recycling also linger, but the truth is, choosing to recycle is always better than sending materials to a landfill.

“The only time you know without a doubt your stuff is not getting recycled,” says Joshua Goodman, a spokesperson for the DSNY, “is when you put it in the trash. So if you’re concerned, put it in the recycling and let us do our best.”

The DSNY echoes the age-old mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Managing Your NYC Recycling: A Guide

navigating the world of recycling in New York City can feel overwhelming with it’s complex rules and ever-changing landscape.But worry not! The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has made the process a bit easier,especially when it comes to sorting your recyclables. While new containerization rules have been introduced for trash, recycling remains flexible, allowing residents to leave recyclables curbside in clear plastic bags.

“Make your best guess,” recommends DSNY spokesperson, Goodman. “Let us handle the sorting.”

That’s right, the DSNY contracts specialized companies to meticulously separate your recyclables, expertly dividing paper from plastic, metal from glass, and everything else in between.

But what happens if you’re unsure about something? Don’t let uncertainty stop you from recycling!

“If you’re not sure, let us take care of it,” Goodman emphasizes. “We are the experts. If you put it in the trash, it definitely doesn’t get recycled.”

So, while the recycling process may seem complex at first glance, the beauty lies in its simplicity. Remember, the core principle is separating paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Group each category into a clear plastic bag for easy handling,and let the experts at DSNY do the rest.

By approaching recycling with confidence and embracing a “better safe than sorry” attitude, you can contribute to a greener and more enduring New York City.

Nearly any type of paper can be recycled, except for those with plastic linings. That means everything from newspapers and paper towels to notebooks, wrapping paper, even your used pizza boxes (crusts and leftover slices removed, of course!) finds its way into a massive paper pulp mixture at a Staten Island mill run by Pratt industries.

“Give me every single piece of paper, no matter what type of paper,” emphasizes Muneer Ahmad, Pratt Industries’ general manager.

Even items that might seem tricky, like coffee cups and takeout containers, are recyclable. Simply remove the plastic lids – those go in the metal, plastic, and glass bin – and toss the cups and brown takeout boxes directly into the paper recycling. Pratt Industries can’t process the entire container due to wax or plastic coatings, but they aim to reuse as much as possible.

mailer envelopes with plastic liners? Those are recyclable too! Pratt Industries removes the liner and metal pieces, leaving the paper to be recycled.

Still unsure about a certain item? Goodman, a recycling expert, suggests asking yourself, “Am I OK with this sitting in the recycling bin for a week? If it’s a low enough amount of food residue, then it’s fine [for recycling].”

Bags of paper recycling are piled high on a barge in a processing station overlooking the Hudson River.

The scene along the Hudson River in Manhattan on January 21st, 2025, portrayed a bustling operation of paper recycling. Sanitation workers diligently loaded bags of paper waste onto barges, destined for further processing. This meticulously orchestrated process underscores the vital role of recycling in our modern world – a commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.The scale of this operation is notable. Imagine the sheer volume of paper being collected, sorted, and repurposed. It’s a testament to the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and industries working together to minimize waste and create a more sustainable future.

Each bag of paper represents not only a discarded item but also a valuable resource with the potential to be reborn. Recycling paper reduces the need for virgin materials, conserving forests and minimizing the environmental impact associated with paper production.

Sanitation workers put paper waste‍ onto barges at a recycling center in Manhattan, Jan. 21, 2025.Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY

Navigating the world of recycling can feel like deciphering a secret code. But understanding the basic rules can empower you to make a real difference. Surprisingly, your curbside bin can handle a lot more than you might think.

“Anything made of glass, metal, or rigid plastic is fair game for your recycling bin,” says Kara Napolitano, education and outreach manager at Balcones.

But what exactly constitutes “rigid plastic”? Napolitano offers a simple rule of thumb:

“If you put it on the counter and it maintains its shape, then it’s rigid plastic.”

With that in mind, let’s dive into some commonly recycled materials:

Plastic: Think plastic hangers, Tupperware containers, takeout containers, produce clamshells, and even those convenient prescription pill bottles.

Metal: Aluminum foil (yes, even after it’s been used!), pots and pans (even the nonstick ones!), screws, nails, metal keys – even those empty hairspray cans.

* Glass: Clear glass cups, plates, pasta sauce jars, and wine bottles are all welcome in your recycling bin.

Pro tip: even small appliances made from mostly metal or plastic (like microwaves, toasters, or electric kettles) can be recycled.

While most pasta sauce jars and wine bottles are recyclable, sorting through different types of glass can sometimes be tricky. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) offers a lenient approach: “Better that some of your glass gets recycled than none of it.”

And remember, certain items are still off-limits for recycling.Keep these items out of your bin: eyeglasses, mirrors, light bulbs, floppy and filmy plastic bags, and bubble wrap.

Decoding NYC’s Recycling System: What Can and Can’t Go In

Navigating the world of recycling can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. Luckily, New York City streamlines the process, making it easier to participate in this essential environmental practice. While the city embraces an “accept all” policy for rigid plastics, understanding the nuances can help you ensure your recyclables actually get a second life.

Those familiar chasing-arrows symbols with numbers printed on many plastic items might tempt you to sort your recyclables, but in NYC, simply toss everything in the bin. “New York City accepts all rigid plastic,” explains Jennie Romer, author of Can I Recycle This? “They do this knowing that there isn’t always a market for every type of plastic, but they see it as a way to get the most possibly recyclable material into the bin, where it can be sorted later.”

While this “anything goes” approach is convenient, remember that not all plastics are created equal. Some, like #1 and #2 plastics, are highly recyclable, while others, like #3, can be more challenging to process and have limited resale value. That’s why some cities maintain stricter sorting rules.

Now let’s tackle another common recycling myth: food residue ruining an entire batch of recyclables. “It’s a myth that food residue ruins a bin of recycling,” Romer clarifies.Give your items a swift rinse if they have noticeable food remnants, but don’t go overboard. A little residue won’t hurt anything and is unlikely to affect the recycling process.

As for metal items, food waste doesn’t stand a chance. The recycling process involves melting the metal, effectively burning off any organic matter.

What about those tricky items that blend the lines between paper and plastic, like a spiral-bound notebook or a package with mixed materials? When in doubt, choose the bin that best suits the dominant material. And if you’re still unsure, err on the side of caution and toss it in the recycling bin.

Regarding bottle caps, keep plastic caps attached to their bottles or containers, but don’t worry if they end up in the bin separately.Metal bottle caps can also be recycled on their own or detached. Ultimately,the most vital thing is to recycle whatever you can!

Navigating NYC’s Recycling Maze: What Can and Can’t Be blended

New York City’s recycling program can seem daunting,with constantly evolving rules and a seemingly endless list of “dos and don’ts.” But with a little understanding, you can ensure your recyclables find a new life instead of ending up in landfills.

Start with a crucial safety note: never toss sharp objects like knives or broken glass into the recycling bin. Safety should always be a priority, so double-bag these hazardous items and dispose of them properly.

Decoding NYC’s Recycling System: What Can and Can’t Go In

Sorting recyclables can be a confusing puzzle, but New York City offers a refreshingly straightforward system.While the city accepts a wide range of materials, some common household items are notorious recycling villains.

let’s break down the basics and uncover some surprising facts about what can and can’t be recycled in the Big Apple.

Busting the Plastic Myth

One common misconception revolves around plastic recycling symbols.

“You’re welcome! It’s a common misconception that those numbers on plastic signify which plastics are recyclable,” says Jennie Romer, a recycling expert. “In New York City, we take a much simpler approach.we accept all rigid plastics!”

This means that, unlike in some other regions where specific numbers determine recyclability, NYC prioritizes simplicity.

the Recycling Rules: What’s a “No-Go”?

While NYC’s approach to plastic is inclusive, some items simply don’t belong in the recycling bin.

Tangled cables,string lights,hoses,and extension cords can wreak havoc on recycling machinery,so they should be trashed.

Electronic devices like laptops, phones, mice, and TVs, also require special handling. While tempting to throw them in the recycling bin, they’re categorized as e-waste and need to be disposed of separately. The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) website provides a list of designated e-waste collection sites.

Another common culprit is a seemingly harmless material: ceramics.

“We don’t know where they are all coming from. We see a ridiculous amount,” says [Name], referring to a particularly troublesome recycling offender. “They’re not recyclable, and they get stuck in weird places.”

Remember, when in doubt, the DSNY website provides a wealth of details on proper recycling procedures.

The Impact of Improper Recycling

what happens when your building doesn’t follow recycling guidelines? the DSNY can impose fines on property owners for failing to follow these rules.

If you notice a building struggling, you can report it to 311, prompting a DSNY inquiry. Every citizen plays a role in keeping our city clean.

NYC’s Plastic Recycling: “Accept All” policy Explained

New York City’s commitment to sustainability took a major step forward with the implementation of its “accept all” plastic recycling policy. This means residents can now toss all rigid plastics into their recycling bins, simplifying the process and potentially boosting recycling rates.

But why such a sweeping change? Jennie Romer, an expert in recycling practices, explains, “They understand that not all types of plastic are equally recyclable. Some are more valuable and in demand than others. By taking in all rigid plastics, they aim to capture as much potentially recyclable material as possible. It’s then sorted out at recycling facilities.”

Does this mean even plastics with lower recycling value should be tossed in? Absolutely. According to Romer, “Even if the resale value of certain plastics is lower, it’s better to get them out of the waste stream and give them a chance to be processed.”

Another common misconception surrounding recycling is that food residue contaminates entire batches. Romer debunks this myth: “That’s a myth! A little food residue won’t ruin a batch of recyclables.Just give your containers a quick rinse if needed, but don’t go overboard.”

What about those tricky items, like packaging with both plastic and paper? romer suggests, “In those cases, choose the bin that best suits the dominant material. When in doubt, better to err on the side of caution and recycle it.”

Romer emphasizes the importance of staying informed. “Always check the DSNY website for the most up-to-date details on what can and can’t be recycled.They have a wealth of resources available. And remember, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to recycle than throw it away!”