Green Living Newsletter: Can I Recycle That? - Packing Up & Cleaning

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 08/08/2018 09:11 AM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Can I Recycle That? - Packing Up & Cleaning

Can I Recycle That?Have you ever had an item in your hand and asked yourself "Can I Recycle That?" Although recycling is more commonplace today, it can feel confusing because we are inundated with so many different types of materials and packaging. Additionally, different materials might be accepted for recycling based on where you live, if you have a recycling hauler, who that hauler is, and if special recycling instructions exist for the material.

In a recent issue of DEC Delivers, we asked you to send us your recycling questions. In DEC's series "Can I Recycle That?" we answer some of these frequently asked questions about correct recycling practices regarding packing up and cleaning. Look out for future issues with more answers to your recycling questions!

Q: Can I fill trash bags or other plastic bags with my recyclables and put the bagged recyclables right into my bin?recyclables

A: In most areas, no plastic bag or other film plastic should ever go into your curbside bin or with your regular household recycling. That includes bagging your recyclables and dropping the bags into your bin. Recyclables should be loose and ready to feed into the equipment at Material Recovery Facilities. Plastic bags and other film plastics cause clogs and machinery jams at recycling facilities that are time consuming, costly and can even be dangerous to fix.

Q: Are plastic shopping bags and other film plastics recyclable? What about bubble wrap?

Clean, dry plastic shopping bags and other film plastics (including bubble wrap) can be recycled through return to retail programs. There are many plastic bag and other film plastic recycling locations, some of which may be right at your local grocery store. Easy!

Q: Can I recycle polystyrene (Styrofoam®) like packing peanuts or cups?styro

A: Styrofoam®, also known as polystyrene, should not be put in your curbside or regular household recycling. Styrofoam® products are usually labeled with a #6 inside of a chasing arrows recycling symbol. Remember that the numbers surrounded by chasing arrows on plastic are indicators of the type of plastic used to make the item and doesn't necessarily mean the item is recyclable in your area. It’s very rare that special recycling programs exist for Styrofoam® but check with your municipality. Remember to always check with your recycling hauler or municipality to see what’s accepted for recycling in your area.

Q: Are clothing, rags and other textiles recyclable?

A: Clothing and other textiles should not be put in your curbside recycling bin or with your regular household recycling. However, many special programs do exist for both reuse and recycling if the textiles are clean, dry and odorless. Learn more about textiles recycling, and find a drop location near you today!

Q: Can I recycle paper towels or tissues?

A: Paper towels and tissues should never go in your paper towelcurbside bin or with your regular household recycling. These materials are already too processed and the fibers are too short to be recycled into new materials. Food, grease, and bodily fluids on tissues and paper towels can also contaminate and ruin entire batches of clean recycling. Washable cloth cleaning rags, napkins and hankies are a great alternative to reduce your waste.

 

Remember- if you find yourself asking “Is that recyclable?” there are plenty of resources to help you answer that question. Your local municipality should have a recycling coordinator who can help, and if you have a curbside pickup service, visit your recycling hauler’s website for more information. If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, you can also e-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov. Stay tuned in to DEC Delivers for waste reduction, recycling and sustainability tips delivered right to your inbox.

buffalo composting

City of Buffalo Food Scraps Pilot Program Extended!

Due to popular demand, the Food Scrap Collection Drop Off has been extended until August 29th, 2018.

When: Wednesdays 4 p.m. - 6p.m., June 6th - August 29th.

Where: MAP Food Stand, Massachusetts Avenue Park (between Brayton St. and Shields Ave.)

  • City residents can drop off their food scraps for free!
  • Items Accepted: Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, nuts & egg shells.
  • Items not Accepted: Meat, fish, greasy and oily food, dairy, animal waste, litter or bedding, coal, charcoal, coconuts, diseased or insect infested-houseplants, or biodegradable/compostable plastics.

For additional information and questions, visit Buffalo Recycles.

Upcoming Events

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We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about? Or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know about? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov.