Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

Guidance for Managing Recalled Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

In July 2020, the Federal Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested. The FDA is working with manufacturers to recall products. This guidance addresses actions you can take to dispose of recalled hand sanitizer.

• Households with recalled hand sanitizer products should take advantage of any return, takeback, or exchange programs for the products they possess. If a takeback program is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer generated by a household can legally be disposed of with regular trash, though DEC recommends you take it to a local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event or facility. Residents can check with their municipality for available HHW collection events or facilities in the area.
• Businesses are also encouraged to take advantage of any return, takeback, or exchange programs for hand sanitizer products they possess. Hazardous waste regulations provide an exemption for any amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is returned to the manufacturer or to a recycler that can reclaim the material. Generators are required to notify DEC as described in 6NYCRR Part 371.1(c)(7) that they are taking advantage of this exemption. If reclamation or return to the manufacturer is not available, a business that disposes more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of alcohol-based hand sanitizer must ensure the waste is transported under a hazardous waste manifest to an authorized hazardous waste disposal facility. Businesses that generate less than 100 kilograms per month of all hazardous waste may self-transport up to 100 kilograms of the waste to solid waste management facilities that are authorized to receive it. Businesses may send questions to: info.sqg@dec.ny.gov.

Recycle Right on your Summer "Stay-cation!"

Traveling across county lines this summer for a “staycation” in NYS? When traveling by car this summer, here are a few tips to recycle right and reduce waste:

• Bring reusables for food and beverages you might consume, such as coffee mugs, cups, water bottles, and food containers for any leftovers. Share how you choose to reuse with #RRNYreuse on social media.
• Save money, eat healthier, and reduce disposables while you travel by bringing wholesome snacks in reusable containers for the trip.
• Don't forget your reusable bags for things you might need along the way!

Recycle Right. In addition to remembering to Play Smart, Play Safe, and Play Local, be sure to look up the local recycling guidelines for your destination and know what items are acceptable for recycling. Recycling programs vary from place to place and items accepted in your hometown recycling program might not be accepted in another municipality. Contacting the local recycling coordinator, transfer station, or searching the municipality’s website to find out what can be recycled at the location you plan to visit will help you when faced with a recycling question on the road.

Pack It In, Pack It Out. Whether you are going camping in the mountains, hiking along one of New York’s scenic waterfall trails, relaxing on a lake or ocean beach, or firing up the BBQ at a local park, you can help prevent pollution by packing out whatever you carry in. Everyone is responsible for keeping our public lands safe, clean and enjoyable for generations to come!

Thrift for the Planet! National Thrift Store Day August 17th 

If you’re in search of ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, one effective way to reduce waste and conserve natural resources is through buying gently used items and supporting second hand shopping. Thrifting and second hand shopping has environmental, social, and economic benefits such as:

• Job creation that supports materials reuse and the circular economy
• Maintaining value of an item by keeping it in the supply chain instead of sending it to a landfill or incinerator where it has no value
• Reducing consumption of natural resources like water, fibers, metals, and fossil fuels by getting more use of items
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the production and disposal of goods
• Saving money by making useful goods available at a lower cost
• Some thrift stores offer workforce development for individuals in underserved communities
• The thrill of finding unique or vintage clothing, home goods, and other items for less

If you're going out to a thrift store on August 17th, remember to follow guidelines, practice social distancing, and other safety precautions. Prefer to thrift while staying in on National Thrift Store Day? There are many clothing companies and outdoor gear shops that offer gently used clothing, gear, and other items online at a discounted price.

Looking to donate or recycle used clothing?
If you’re ready to clean out your closets, remember that textiles, which are items like clothing and linens, can be donated or recycled through textile recovery locations. If you are donating clothes and other textiles, be respectful of textile donation locations by asking about the donation guidelines and current hours of operation. You cannot recycle textiles in your home recycling bin. Textiles can be dropped off for recycling in any condition (torn, worn, stained, missing buttons, broken zippers, shoe without a mate, etc.) as long as they are clean, dry, and odorless. Textile donation or recycling locations in your area may not be currently accepting items and/or may have new protocols in place, so be sure to call before you arrive. If you can’t find an outlet for your items right now, DEC encourages residents to hold onto the items if possible until more options re-open.

Conference, Workshops & Webinars:

• August 19, 2020: Repair Cafe TV - Jewelry Repair
• September 16, 2020: Updates on the NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling Law - Webinar
• October 20 -22, 2020: Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference - Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

• Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Recycling Grant Program - Rolling Grant Program while funding is available.

Award Deadlines

• August 14, 2020: 2020 NERC Environmental Sustainability Leadership Award

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. 

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