Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

Show Paper Recycling Some Love!

Did you know that of all recyclables, paper is the most recycled material in the United States? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, over 65 percent (approximately 44.2 million tons) of the paper and paperboard produced was recycled in 2017. Let’s recycle even more in 2020 and make sure that the paper we’re recycling is of high value, clean, dry, and free of food and other contamination.

Do Recycle

• Newspapers, magazines and junk mail (envelopes with plastic address windows are okay)
• White and colored office paper, and stationery
• Paper bags, packaging boxes, paperboard containers and cardboard tubes (non-paper inserts removed)
• Soft cover books
• Bonus: Have a bigger impact by opting out of junk mail by registering on the National Do Not Mail List

Maybe Recycle (Check with your local recycling program guidelines)

• Wrapping Paper
• Pizza Boxes
• Paper cups

Don’t Recycle

• Paper products with metal, foil, glittery or large plastic components
• Paper mailers and envelopes padded with bubble wrap and Tyvek® envelopes
• Plastic inserts, fake credit cards, and other hard plastic cards
• Receipts
• Paper towels and tissues (consider composting instead if chemical cleaners are not used)
• Soiled paper plates, bowls, takeout boxes, etc.

Share the love with an environmentally friendly card, avoid purchasing cards with shiny elements – bonus points for choosing cards with as much recycled content as possible or using upcycled materials to DIY! #RecycleRightNY

Upcoming Events

• February 18, 2020: Climate Action Through Zero Waste - New Paltz
• February 22, 2020: Repair Café - Pine Bush
• February 23, 2020: Repair Café - Gardiner
• February 22 - 28, 2020: ReFashion Week - New York City
• February 27, 2020: Dare to Repair Café - Buffalo
• February 29, 2020: Repair Café - Port Jefferson Station
• February 29, 2020: Repair Café - Rondout Valley (Rosendale-Marbletown)
• NYC Recycling Events

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

• February 22, 2020: Beyond Waste Student Summit - Syracuse
• February 24 - 27, 2020: Organic Lawn & Land Care Course - Clifton Park
• April 7 - 8, 2020: NYS Organics Summit - Albany

Funding Opportunities - Application Deadlines

• February 28, 2020: NYS DEC Household Hazardous Waste Grant Program
• Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Recycling Grant Program - Rolling Grant Program while funding is available.

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? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter.