New York City

♻️

Waste Management and Recycling

Guidelines for garbage disposal, recycling, and sanitation services.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in NYC

NYC separates waste into several categories to ensure proper disposal and recycling:

a. Regular Trash (Non-Recyclable Waste)

  • Includes items that cannot be recycled, such as:
    • Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
    • Ceramics, mirrors, and broken glass (wrapped securely for safety)
    • Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., plastic utensils, straws, and certain packaging)
    • Styrofoam (though efforts are being made to reduce its use in NYC)

b. Recycling

NYC has a dual-stream recycling system, meaning recyclables are separated into two categories:

  1. Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons (MGP)

    • Includes:
      • Metal items (e.g., cans, aluminum foil, and small metal objects)
      • Glass bottles and jars (rinsed and unbroken)
      • Plastic containers labeled with recycling numbers #1, #2, or #5
      • Milk and juice cartons, Tetra Paks
    • Note: Plastic bags, film plastics, and Styrofoam are NOT recyclable in curbside bins.

  2. Paper and Cardboard

    • Includes:
      • Newspapers, magazines, and office paper
      • Flattened cardboard boxes
      • Paper bags
    • Note: Food-soiled paper and wax-coated cardboard (e.g., frozen food boxes) are not recyclable.

c. Organic Waste (Composting)

  • NYC has a growing composting program for food scraps and yard waste.
  • Includes:
    • Fruit and vegetable scraps
    • Coffee grounds and tea bags
    • Eggshells
    • Yard waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings)
  • Composting is available through curbside collection in certain neighborhoods or at designated drop-off sites.

d. Special Waste

  • Includes items that require special handling due to environmental or safety concerns:
    • Electronics (e.g., computers, TVs, cell phones)
    • Hazardous materials (e.g., paint, batteries, cleaning chemicals)
    • Large appliances (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners)
    • Textiles (e.g., clothing, linens)

2. Recycling Procedures

NYC residents are required by law to recycle. Here’s how to do it:

a. Sorting and Preparing Recyclables

  • Use clear plastic bags or DSNY-approved bins for recyclables.
  • Separate recyclables into two streams:
    1. Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons (MGP):
      • Place in a blue-labeled bin or clear bag.
      • Rinse items to remove food residue.
    2. Paper and Cardboard:
      • Place in a green-labeled bin or clear bag.
      • Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

b. Curbside Collection

  • Place recyclables at the curb after 4 PM the evening before your scheduled collection day.
  • Check your neighborhood’s collection schedule using the DSNY website or the 311 app.

c. Composting

  • If your neighborhood has curbside composting, use the brown-labeled bins provided by DSNY.
  • Alternatively, drop off food scraps at designated composting sites or Greenmarkets (farmers' markets).

3. Costs Associated with Waste Management

  • Residential Waste Disposal: Free for NYC residents. The cost of waste management is covered by city taxes.
  • Commercial Waste Disposal: Businesses must hire private carting companies for waste removal. Costs vary depending on the volume and type of waste.
  • Special Waste Disposal: Free drop-off services are available for certain items (e.g., electronics, hazardous waste) at designated locations.

4. Proper Disposal of Specific Items

Some items require special handling. Here’s how to dispose of them:

a. Electronics

  • NYC has a Safe Disposal Law prohibiting electronics from being discarded in regular trash.
  • Options for disposal:
    • Schedule a free pickup through the e-cycleNYC program (for apartment buildings).
    • Drop off electronics at designated e-waste recycling events or collection sites.
    • Return items to retailers (e.g., Best Buy, Staples) that accept electronics for recycling.

b. Hazardous Waste

  • Includes items like paint, pesticides, motor oil, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Dispose of these at SAFE Disposal Events (hosted by DSNY) or at designated drop-off sites.

c. Large Appliances

  • Schedule a free curbside pickup through DSNY for appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and stoves.
  • Appliances containing refrigerants (e.g., air conditioners) require special handling. DSNY will remove the refrigerant before disposal.

d. Textiles

  • Donate usable clothing and textiles to charities or thrift stores.
  • Drop off textiles at refashionNYC bins (available in some apartment buildings) or at Greenmarkets.

e. Plastic Bags and Film Plastics

  • These cannot be recycled curbside but can be returned to collection bins at grocery stores and retailers (as required by NY State law).

5. Local Considerations and Resources

NYC has several programs and resources to make waste management and recycling easier:

a. DSNY Tools and Resources

  • 311 App: Use this app to report missed collections, find recycling drop-off locations, and check collection schedules.
  • DSNY Website: Offers detailed guides, maps of drop-off sites, and updates on waste management programs.

b. Composting and Food Scrap Drop-Off

  • Visit the NYC Compost Project website to find drop-off locations for food scraps.
  • Many Greenmarkets (e.g., Union Square, Grand Army Plaza) accept food scraps for composting.

c. SAFE Disposal Events

  • DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal Events throughout the year in all five boroughs. These events allow residents to safely dispose of hazardous waste and electronics.

d. Reuse and Donation Programs

  • NYC encourages reuse through programs like:
    • GrowNYC Stop ‘N’ Swap Events: Bring items you no longer need and take items others have donated.
    • Materials for the Arts: A program for donating art supplies and materials to schools and nonprofits.

e. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failing to separate recyclables can result in fines:
    • $25 for the first offense
    • $100 for the second offense
    • $200 for subsequent offenses

6. Sustainability Tips for NYC Residents

  • Reduce Waste: Avoid single-use plastics, bring reusable bags, and buy in bulk to minimize packaging.
  • Participate in Composting: Even if curbside composting isn’t available in your area, use drop-off sites to reduce food waste.
  • Donate and Reuse: Before discarding items, consider donating them to local charities or reuse programs.

7. Key Contacts and Locations

  • DSNY Customer Service: Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/dsny
  • SAFE Disposal Events: Check the DSNY website for event schedules.
  • Composting Drop-Off Sites: Visit nyc.gov/compostproject for locations.
  • E-Waste Recycling: Visit nyc.gov/electronics for details on e-waste programs.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure compliance with NYC’s waste management laws while contributing to a cleaner, greener city. Let me know if you need further assistance!