New York City has a population of more than 18 million, but they only recycle about 17% of their total waste. They have 30 landfills, which can handle 6 million tons of waste. As part of the effort to ramp up your recycling effort for your company, our expert team at Recycle Away covers the top NYC recycling rules you should know.
What Are NYC Recycling Rules?
The NYC recycling rules are part of increasing the recycling rate. It's part of the effort by the New York City Housing Authority to create clean and pest-free buildings by 2025. To start off the process, start asking questions about the products you buy and whether you can recycle them.
Make Space for Recycling
While you're starting your recycling efforts, start by maximizing your space. Here are a few tips to help you manage your recycling without being overwhelmed.
- Crush all your aluminum cans.
- Flatten your cardboard boxes.
- Crunch plastic bottles.
What Can You Recycle with NYC Recycling Rules?
As you launch and ramp up your recycling efforts, you must sort your waste to comply with the NYC recycling rules.
- Paper and cardboard
- Containers, glass bottles and jars, metal, and rigid plastic.
In New York, there's no limit to how many bags or containers of recycling you put out for pickup, according to the NYC recycling rules.
When Do You Put Out The Recycling?
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has set aside a schedule for pickup to keep the city clean. Here's the set-out times, according to NYC recycling rules.
- After 6pm, set out your recyclable waste in a 55-gallon container.
- After 8pm, place your bags of recycling on the curb.
What Are the NYC Recycling Rules for Paper?
Recyclable paper includes magazines, newspapers, phone books, and catalogs. You should follow the following NYC recycling rules:
- Place paper in bins (less than ~21 gallons), with tight-fitting lids.
- Tie the paper into bundles with twine.
- Place the paper in clear, plastic bags (~13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins
What Are the NYC Recycling Rules for Plastic?
Recyclable plastic includes cartons, plastic containers, bottles, jars, pails, mixing bowls, cups, and drink boxes. You should follow the following NYC recycling rules:
- Rinse out the containers.
- Place the plastic in clear bags (~13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins.
- Mix with glass and metal recyclable items (not with paper).
- Ensure the containers of plastic weigh less than 60 pounds.
What Are the NYC Recycling Rules for Metal?
Recyclable metal includes faucets, aluminum foil, paint cans, irons, aerosol cans, metal utensils, pots and pans, fixtures, and appliances. You should follow the following NYC recycling rules:
- Place the metal in clear bags (~13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins.
- Mix with glass and plastic recyclable items (not with paper).
- Ensure the containers of metal weigh less than 60 pounds.
What Are the NYC Recycling Rules for Glass?
The recyclable glass includes glass jars and bottles. You should follow the following NYC recycling rules:
- Rinse the bottles and jars before you recycle them.
- Place the glass in clear bags (~13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins.
- Mix with plastic and metal recyclable items (not with paper).
- Ensure the containers weigh less than 60 pounds.
What Are the NYC Recycling Rules for Home Repair Materials?
The recyclable home repair materials with debris from sinks, heaters, and tubs. You should follow the following NYC recycling rules:
- Place curbside up to 6 items in bags or bundles with your household recyclables.
- Place the home repair materials in clear bags (~13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins.
- Mix with plastic and metal recyclable items (not with paper).
- Ensure the containers weigh less than 60 pounds (it should be easy to lift by 2 people).
How Trash Cans Warehouse Can Help With NYC Recycling Rules
At Recycle Away, we're dedicated to supporting your needs. Our team of experts works with you to determine the waste management system that will best meet your company's needs. We also are here to help you understand the NYC recycling rules.
If you enjoyed reading this article then why not read about the best ways to recycle plastic or see some of the best recycling bins next?