Posts Tagged ‘plastic’
Plastics Recycling Grows Up
After years of trying to explain to my confused clients which plastics went into the recycling bin and which didn’t, I’m delighted to say that New York City has revised its rules.
The New York City Department of Sanitation is now accepting all rigid plastics in recycling pickups. What does that mean, you ask?
Here is a list of rigid plastics from the NYC recycling web site:
- plastic bottles, jugs & jars
- rigid plastic caps & lids
- rigid plastic food containers (yogurt, deli, hummus, dairy tubs, cookie tray inserts, “clamshell” containers, other plastic take-out containers)
- rigid plastic non-food containers
- rigid plastic packaging (“blister-pak” and “clamshell” consumer packaging, acetate boxes)
- rigid plastic housewares (flower pots, mixing bowls, plastic appliances, etc.)
- bulk rigid plastic (crates, buckets, pails, furniture, large toys, large appliances, etc.)
For my own edification, I made up this rule: if it’s plastic and you can crumple it up in your hand, then throw it in the garbage. If you can’t crumple it up in your hand, then recycle it.
Just remember to thoroughly clean all containers with soap and water before recycling. That makes them more saleable to the companies that buy them, which means more money for NYC!
For information about all NYC recyclable rules, see their web site.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling: Part 4
This is the final installment in my 4-part series on recycling in New York City.
Now that you’ve gotten a full rundown on the more well-known recyclables – paper, plastic, metal – let’s review the items that leave most people scratching their heads.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling: Part 2
New York City requires us to recycle:
- paper and cardboard.
- beverage cartons, bottles, cans, metal and foil.
- bulky metal and appliances with CFC gas.
Last week, I discussed paper and cardboard in detail. This week, I’ll do the same with the second category.
Pay attention to the rules about plastic, about which there is much confusion!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling: Part 1
At my clients’ homes – and even in my own home – there is much confusion about what needs to be recycled in New York City.
The simple answer is:
- paper and cardboard.
- beverage cartons, bottles, cans, metal & foil.
- bulky metal and appliances with CFC gas.
Let me explain what specifically that means. This week, I’ll cover paper and cardboard In coming weeks, I’ll cover the other types of recyclables.