What and How to Recycle with Sanitation:PAPER & CARDBOARD
newspapers, magazines, catalogs white and colored paper (lined, copier, computer, staples OK) mail and envelopes (any color, window envelopes OK) paper bags, wrapping paper, soft-cover books, telephone books (paperbacks, comics, etc.; no spiral bindings), cardboard egg cartons and trays, smooth cardboard (food and shoes boxes, tubes, file folders, cardboard from product packaging), corrugated cardboard boxes (flattened and tied)
Place all paper recyclables together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with GREEN recycling decals or marked “MIXED PAPER”. Or place in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.) Flatten and bundle large pieces of corrugated cardboard and tie with sturdy twine, or break into small pieces to place in your recycling bin or bag. (Or place loose in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.)
See how you can reduce your junk mail.
Don’t include the following with your paper recycling (see why):
hardcover books, napkins, paper towels, or tissues, soiled paper cups or plates, paper soiled with food or liquid paper with a lot of tape and glue, plastic- or wax-coated paper (candy wrappers, take-out containers, etc.) photographic paper
BEVERAGE CARTONS, BOTTLES, CANS, METAL & FOIL
- milk cartons & juice boxes (or any such cartons and aseptic packaging for drinks: ice tea, soy milk, soup, etc.)
- plastic bottles & jugs only
- glass bottles & jars only
- metal cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, dried-out paint cans, etc.)
- aluminum foil wrap & trays
- household metal (wire hangers, pots, tools, curtain rods, knives, small appliances that are mostly metal, certain vehicle license plates, etc.)
- bulk metal (large metal items, such as furniture, cabinets, large appliances, etc.)
Empty and rinse containers before recycling. Place all together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with BLUE recycling decals or marked “BOTTLES & CANS”.
Remove caps & lids. Place METAL caps & lids in the recycling bin; put plastic caps & lids in the garbage.
Wrap knives or similar sharp metal objects in cardboard (such as a piece of cereal box) and secure with tape. Label the package “CAUTION: SHARP” and place with other designated metal, glass, plastic recyclables. For Home Sharps/Hypodermics, see Household Medical Wastes.
Place bulk metal next to recycling bins or bags.
Call 311 before discarding appliances that contain CFC gas.
5¢ deposit: Bring deposit bottles and cans back to the store for refunds.
Don’t include the following with your bottle and can recycling:
-
-
any glass items other than glass bottles & jars (mirrors, lightbulbs, ceramics, glassware, etc.)
-
Styrofoam (cups, egg cartons, trays, etc.)
- batteries
-
If item is in good condition, see reuse it nyc for reuse options.
What and How to Recycle: BULKY ITEMS
Furniture and appliances that are predominantly metal and are too big for your recycling container or clear bag (such as washing machines, metal filing cabinets, box springs, or water heaters) should be placed beside the recycling container on your regular Recycling Day.
Before discarding appliances containing CFC gas or freon (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers), you must schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery. You can make an appointment on the Sanitation website or call 311. For safety reasons, the law requires doors to be removed from refrigerators and freezers before placing at the curb.
Non-recyclable trash that is too big for your garbage container or bag (such as mattresses, lumber, or debris from small construction or garden projects) may be placed at the curb on any regular garbage collection day.
The Department of Sanitation will collect up to six bulk items from one address. For more information, see bulk collection on the DSNY website. There are special regulations for wood from trees and for mattresses.
For info on how to handle TVs and other broken electronics, see electronics recycling.
For info on how to donate reusable furniture and other goods, visit NYC Stuff Exchange.
Let’s do this.