Omar Khalid
New York City's recycling system diverts tons of waste from landfills daily, and if New Yorkers recycled paper, glass, plastic, and metal to their maximum potential, about a third of the city's trash would be saved from landfills. Plastic bags are a type of film plastic and should not be put in household recycling bins but rather in film plastics recycling bins. Plastic bottles, containers, jars, pails, mixing bowls, cups, and drink boxes can be placed in clear bags or labeled recycling bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic items that can be recycled | Cartons, containers, bottles, jars, pails, mixing bowls, cups, drink boxes, and furniture and appliances (cables, wires, and cords must be removed/cut) |
| How to recycle plastic | Rinse out the containers. Place the plastic in clear bags (13-55 gallons) or labeled recycling bins. Mix with glass and metal recyclable items (not with paper). Ensure the containers of plastic weigh less than 60 pounds. |
| Plastic bags | Plastic bags are a type of film plastic and should not be put in household recycling bins. They can be recycled at certain retail stores and most grocery stores in NYS. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and film plastics
Film plastics can be recycled into composite lumber, which is used to make decks, benches, and playground sets. They can also be reprocessed into small pellets, which are then made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and pipes.
When recycling film plastics, it is important to ensure that they are clean, dry, and free of residue. Receipts and other non-film plastic materials should be removed.
In New York City, the recycling program requires separating the various kinds of recyclables, including glass, metal, plastic, and beverage cartons. Plastic bags and film plastics can be recycled separately through the film plastics recycling program, and other plastics can be recycled through the regular plastic recycling stream.
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Plastic containers
To recycle plastic containers in NYC, start by rinsing out the containers. This makes them easier to process and less attractive to pests. Then, place the containers in a clear plastic bag or a labeled recycling bin. You can mix plastic containers with glass, metal, and other plastic recyclable items, but do not mix them with paper. Ensure that the containers weigh less than 60 pounds and can be easily lifted by two people.
It is important to separate paper from plastic and other materials. While recycling, keep in mind the old mantra: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Try to reduce consumption, reuse items when possible, and recycle what you no longer need. If you are unsure about whether something is recyclable, it is better to put it in the recycling bin than to throw it away, as items placed in the trash will have no chance of being recycled.
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Plastic bottles
To recycle plastic bottles in NYC, you should first rinse out the bottles. Then, place them in a clear plastic bag or a labeled recycling bin. You can mix these bottles with glass, metal, and other plastic items, but do not mix them with paper. Ensure that the containers weigh less than 60 pounds, and that they can be easily lifted by two people.
You can put out as many bags or containers of recycling for pickup as you need to, and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will collect them according to their set schedule.
It's important to note that only certain types of plastic can be recycled. In NYC, you can recycle most rigid plastics, which are items that are relatively inflexible and maintain their shape when bent. This includes food and drink containers, caps and lids, cups and bowls, toys (with batteries removed), consumer packaging, and acetate boxes.
If you're unsure whether an item can be recycled, it's better to put it in the recycling than throw it away. The companies hired by the DSNY to handle recycling are good at sorting items and determining which things can be recycled.
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Plastic furniture
Additionally, consider reaching out to non-profit organizations and social enterprises in NYC that specialize in recycling and repurposing plastic furniture. These organizations might refurbish and donate furniture to those in need or creatively reuse the plastic to produce new items. Inquire about donating your plastic furniture to support their initiatives.
Another option is to contact local recycling centers or material recovery facilities (MRFs) to ask about accepting plastic furniture, especially if it is made from specific types of plastic resin that they process. Call ahead to understand their specific requirements and any necessary preparation before dropping off your furniture.
Lastly, local schools, community centers, or art studios might be interested in using plastic furniture for creative projects or repurposing initiatives. They may use the furniture for art installations or upcycling projects, giving your old plastic furniture a new lease of life. Remember to clean and, if possible, disassemble your plastic furniture before recycling or donating it.
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Plastic recycling symbols
- PETE or PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This plastic is easily recyclable and is often part of curbside recycling programs. It is commonly used for soft drink bottles, fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States and is widely recycled. It is the plastic of choice for containers for items like milk, detergents, and cleaning agents due to its low weight and high strength.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is rarely recycled and is not usually part of curbside recycling programs. It is lightweight and rigid and is often found in bubble foils and trays for sweets and fruit.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE is not usually recycled but can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes. It is used for plastic bags, shopping bags, and highly resistant sacks.
- PP (Polypropylene): This plastic is durable, strong, and lightweight, making it suitable for furniture, toys, and luggage. It is increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.
- PS (Polystyrene): Polystyrene is commonly used in toys, cosmetic bags, and disposable cutlery. It is not easily recyclable and is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs.
- Other Plastics: This category includes plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, nylon, and fiberglass. These plastics may require special recycling methods or facilities.
It is important to note that not all plastic items with these symbols may be recyclable in your area. The recyclability of these plastics also depends on factors such as local recycling infrastructure and the availability of recycling programs. Additionally, some symbols may indicate that an object can be recycled, but it does not guarantee acceptance in all recycling collection systems.
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Frequently asked questions
You can recycle plastic containers, bottles, jars, pails, mixing bowls, cups, drink boxes, and cartons. You can also recycle plastic bags and film plastics at a return-to-retail drop-off location or in specific in-store recycling bins.
Containers should be empty and rinsed before recycling. All materials must be clean, dry, and free of residue. Receipts should also be removed.
You can place your recycling in a clear plastic bag or a labelled recycling bin with a secure lid. The bags should be between 13 and 55 gallons, and the bins should be less than 21 gallons.
Set out your recycling waste in a 55-gallon container after 6 pm, and place your bags of recycling on the curb after 8 pm.
