Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 12/12/2018 12:32 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

Less Waste, More Cheer!

Snowboarders1

During the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, Americans will generate 25 percent more trash than any other time of the year (U.S. EPA, 2016). Reducing, reusing, recycling and properly disposing waste will help ensure the environment is clean and safe for generations to come, while protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Give more with less:

  • Avoid single use disposables:  Ditch single use disposables during mealtime, snacking and on the go. Give a gift that never stops giving by gifting a reusable water bottle or travel mug. Forgo the ribbon and wrapping and give gifts in attractive reusable bags.
  • Gift experiences over objects: Plan a weekend getaway to go hiking, skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Enjoy a cooking, art or fitness class with a friend or family member, visit a museum, or see a musical or theater production together. Donate to a non-profit organization in the name of a loved one.
  • Instill a love of nature: Purchase an Empire Pass or Campground Gift Card to experience NYS parks and campgrounds with family and friends.

Recycle Right!

Do not place the following items in your recycling bin:

  • Ribbons: Reuse ribbons where you can or dispose of in your garbage.
  • Holiday Lights: Replace broken or blown light bulbs for continual use, or check with large home improvement stores for a recycling program.  
  • Plastic bags: Return plastic bags and other film plastics to retail stores. Find a recycling location near you.
  • Batteries: Different types of batteries require different handling. Read more about recycling batteries.

What do I do with all this wrapping paper?

Not all wrapping paper is recyclable. Use the following chart for guidance. For more information on having a sustainable holiday season, visit DEC's website. 

Recycling paper chart

New Year's Resolutions Wanted

We make all kinds of New Year's Resolutions from eating healthier to learning a new skill, but why not make a resolution to waste less? This can include saying no to straws, sporting your reusable water bottle around town, ditching your shampoo bottle for a shampoo bar or composting your food scraps at home. Have other ideas? We're interested in hearing from you on how you might waste less in 2019! E-mail organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov with your ideas.  We will select entries to feature in an upcoming New Year New You DECDelivers newsletter.

Upcoming Events - December

Conferences and Workshops

Funding Opportunities - Application Deadlines

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 more about? Email us at organicrecycing@dec.ny.gov .