Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 04/22/2021 04:37 PM EDT
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

New York Statewide Recycling Website Launched Today!

RecycleRightNY Launch

The Recycle Right NY campaign has officially launched a first-of-its-kind statewide recycling website. The newly launched website addresses recycling confusion and contamination, and will serve as the go-to hub for recycling related information for New York residents across the state.

Be sure to visit RecycleRightNY to discover how you can help improve our environment through better recycling habits. On the website, you will learn about:

  • The value of everyday materials and why recycling correctly is important
  • New resources such as a search tool to help you easily find your local recycling guidelines
  • What is and is not recyclable, and how best to recycle in your community
  • A searchable “Recyclopedia” – an encyclopedia for recycling – that will provide waste reduction, reuse, and recycling tips for more than 300 common household items.

The Recycle Right NY initiative began in 2018 and is a collaborative effort of more than 100 recycling professionals throughout New York State working to improve our recycling system. Recycling generates many benefits for our ecosystems, communities, and economies. By keeping valuable materials in productive use, recycling conserves natural resources, reduces litter, saves energy, creates jobs, and so much more.

In honor of Earth Day, celebrate with us, and visit RecycleRightNY and commit to recycling right. The best place to start is to “Know before you throw!” by checking your local recycling guidelines. Encourage your family and friends to do the same, and together we can help New Yorkers become the best recyclers in the nation!

US Composting Council Mentoring Program Accepting Applications

The United State's Composting Council's (USCC) mentoring program is open for applications - mentees and mentors!

The mentoring program helps young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 with professional development as they grow their careers, personal capabilities and businesses in the composting industry. Mentees do not have to be members of USCC, but are encouraged to join throughout the year of mentorship. USCC is also accepting applications for mentors (must be USCC member).

Mentee and Mentor applications will be accepted until midnight April 30, 2021.

2021 New York Recycles Poster Contest Accepting Entries Until May 21

Recycle NY Poster

Do you know any kids or educators that love art and the environment? Are you looking for a meaningful and fun environmental activity for kids? DEC's New York Recycles Poster Contest is a creative way for students in grades K-12 to celebrate the environment, learn about waste reduction, recycling and composting, and show off their creative talents all at the same time. Winners will be selected for each age group, and their posters will receive the honor of having their artwork on public display at DEC's headquarters in Albany, a framed copy of their winning poster, and other prizes.

The themes for the 2021 New York Recycles Poster Contest are:
• NY Recycles!
• Reduce Your Single Use
• Composting is a Heap of Fun!
• Let's Put Litter in its Place!

Posters must be received no later than May 21, 2021. Check out the theme descriptions and contest rules!

NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling Law - Upcoming Webinar

On May 12, 2021 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., DEC is hosting a webinar providing updates on the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law. DEC will provide an overview of the businesses required to comply with the law, review the resources that will be made available June 1, 2021, and identify next steps for businesses. Register now for the May 12th webinar.

Effective January 1, 2022, businesses that generate two tons of wasted food and food scraps per week or more must donate their excess edible food and recycle all remaining food scraps if they are within 25 miles of a food scraps recycler (composter, anaerobic digester, etc.). This law excludes businesses in New York City (that already have a local law in place), hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities and K-12 schools.

Learn more about the NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling law.

Events

Compost & Rain Barrel Sales (Order by Dates)

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

DEC Proposed Regulations

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