
New York City Department of Sanitation
The New York City Department of Sanitation is the department of the government of New York City responsible for garbage collection, recycling collection, street cleaning, and snow removal.
Full Answer
Where does New York dump its trash?
Does NYC still recycle? Well, yes, but not nearly as much as it could. New York City recycles only about a fifth of its garbage — 18 percent of trash from homes and about 25 percent from businesses — according to the city's Department of Sanitation.
Does NYC still dump garbage in the ocean?
Does NYC have recycling? New York City recycles a wide variety of waste, but some materials are more likely to be recycled than others. The city has three solid waste streams: refuse, paper recycling, and metal/glass/plastic recycling. … Aluminum is one of the most valuable recycled metals providing greater incentives for scavenging.
How to recycle correctly in New York City?
This is not always the case with paper and glass, because their recycling does provide benefits, as they can be effectively reused to make cardboard, recycled paper or new glass containers. Cans and other metals, from which a lot of material is also recovered, are easily obtained from any sorting line thanks to the use of large magnets, so ...
What gets recycled in NYC?
You must place recyclables at the curb between 4 PM and midnight on the evening before your scheduled recycling pickup day. If your normal collection day falls on a holiday, Sanitation will collect your recyclables the following week. There is no limit to the amount of material or bags you can put out for collection.

Is recycling required in NYC?
All commercial businesses/commercial tenants are required by law to recycle. This applies to all business entities including stores, restaurants, offices, and other entities serviced by private carters. metal containers (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans, etc.)
How does NYC recycle 2021?
Recycling should be separated into two bins, containers or bags. Metal, glass, plastic and cartons go together, in the blue bin. Please empty and rinse metal, glass, plastic and cartons containing food before recycling. Mixed paper and carboard can go together in the green bin.
What is actually recyclable in NYC?
Recyclable items include: Paper and cardboard. Glass, metal, rigid plastic, and beverage cartons....Glass Items That Can't Be RecycledDrinking glasses and glassware.Eyeglasses.Glass tables.Glass windows.Light bulbs.Mirrors.
Does NYC recycle 6 plastic?
Use any labeled bin (preferably green for paper and blue for glass/metal/plastic/beverage cartons) RECYCLING PLASTICS IS. 1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6, 7)! The numbers shown inside the chasing arrows refer to different types of plastics used in making.
How many garbage bags can I put out NYC?
There is no limit to the number of bags you can put out for collection. You can't remove items, materials, or bags that other residents have placed out for pickup. Only authorized employees or agents of the Department of Sanitation may collect them.
Are pots and pans recyclable NYC?
Along with the obvious Diet Coke and Trader Joe's chili cans, you can recycle things like empty aerosol cans, wire hangers and pots and pans. Knives, believe it or not, are also recyclable—but be sure to wrap them in cardboard, tape them up securely and label them “Caution - sharp.”Nov 25, 2020
How much does NYC recycle?
New York City recycles only about a fifth of its garbage — 18 percent of trash from homes and about 25 percent from businesses — according to the city's Department of Sanitation. Yet seven years ago, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg vowed to double the residential recycling rate to 30 percent by 2017.Jan 29, 2020
Are plastic hangers recyclable in NYC?
The recycling program will include all rigid plastics but will still not include plastic bags. "If it's rigid, recycle it. If it's a plastic bag, no, that's not rigid," Bloomberg said. Other examples of rigid plastics include toys, hangers and coffee cups.Apr 24, 2013
What is DSNY recycling?
DSNY collects organic waste, including yard waste, food scraps compostable paper, and Christmas trees for composting in select locations. The Department is piloting a program for curbside collection of organic waste from residents in single-family homes and is working with multi-unit and high rise apartment buildings to test the program.
How many gallons of plastic can you recycle?
Rigid containers can be used for recycling as long as they are 18-32 gallon capacity, have lids, and are properly labeled. Plastic bags must be clear and 13-55 gallon capacity. Outdoor containers must be labeled on both sides and on the lids with these decals or permanently marked in letters at least 4” high.
Is pizza box recyclable?
According to DSNY Deputy Commissioner Ron Gonen, “if the grease seeps through to where you can see a big hole through the box or if you leave a slice of pizza in there” it is not recyclable.
How many bulk items can DSNY pick up?
DSNY will pick up to six bulk items from one address. Predominantly metal or rigid plastic furniture and appliances too big for your recycling container or a clear bag should be placed beside the recycling container on your regular recycling day. To dispose of appliances containing CFC gas or Freon (e.g. refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners or dehumidifiers), schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery by calling 311 or visiting the Sanitation website.
Does New York City have recycling?
New York City mandates recycling of paper and cardboard by all residences, schools, institutions and agencies serviced by the Department of Sanitation. Recycling should be separated into receptacles for “Paper & Cardboard” and “Metal, Glass, Plastic & Cartons.”
