Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

Charge Into the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner, and with the holidays come gift-giving, many of which require batteries. This year, rather than purchasing single-use batteries, think about investing in rechargeable batteries that can be used again and again.

There are many reasons to choose rechargeable batteries:

• Waste reduction – Since rechargeable batteries can be used over and over, there is less waste going to the landfill.
• Save money – Purchasing single-use batteries can be expensive. While it is true that rechargeable batteries cost more upfront, over their lifetime you will save lots of money. Remember, it is always a good idea to unplug your rechargeable batteries once they have a full charge and to check that your devices can use rechargeable batteries.
• Resource reduction – Using rechargeable batteries saves resources and energy versus single-use batteries. Not only are rechargeable batteries able to be used hundreds of times, but it also takes less energy to recharge them than it does to produce single-use batteries.
• Recyclability – Did you know that rechargeable batteries are recyclable and that in New York State they must be recycled? It is illegal to dispose of rechargeable batteries in the trash and they should never be put in your home recycling bin. Properly recycling these batteries saves precious resources and lessens the need for virgin materials. Your old batteries can be recycled into pots and pans, utensils, and even new batteries.
• Recycle Right - When a rechargeable battery has reached the end of it's useful life, find a collection location using Call 2 Recycle. There, you can find collection locations near you to recycle your used rechargeable batteries safely and responsibly. Remember, batteries should never go in your home recycling bin. Learn more about recycling rechargeable batteries and the type of batteries that can be recycled.

Don't Let Your Venison Go To Waste, Donate It

Each year, DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State to help provide food for those in need. Through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, non-profit organizations like Feeding New York State's regional food banks and deer processors, hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year to families in need across the state!

There are many ways hunters can help feed those less fortunate. If you'd like to learn how you can support these programs or donate venison (whole deer or partial) to help feed local families, visit the Venison Donation Coalition or Feeding New York State. 

Upcoming Webinar: Starting a Food Donation Program at your Business

Join food donation experts on January 4, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. to break down key aspects of starting a food donation program at your business or institution. Register now for the webinar. Representatives from DEC will also be available during the event to answer questions about the upcoming Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

Topics include:

• Overview of food safety regulations
• Food donation liability protection
• Food donation federal tax deduction
• Food safety and food handling procedures when donating food
• Food donation best practices
• FeedingNYS food donation assistance program
• Industry advice from Panera Bread & Honest Weight Food Co-op

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. View the list of businesses & institutions required to comply with the law.

This webinar is open to businesses and institutions of any size who are interested in starting a food donation program.

Please contact FoodScrapsLaw@dec.ny.gov with any questions.

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

• January 4, 2022: Webinar: Starting a Food Donation Program at your Business - Virtual
• April 5 - 6, 2022: NYS Organics Summit - Albany

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

• January 14, 2022: Request for Proposals - Technical Assistance to Increase Food Scraps Reduction and Recycling
• Rolling Deadline: NYSP2I Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Reimbursement Program

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.