Recycling is tough to talk about in general terms, as any city or town will have different policies or systems in place for what exactly is accepted and for whether it’s picked up curbside or needs to be dropped at some transfer station. Check your local city or town’s website or call their office to figure out exactly how it works where you live.
Generally speaking, progressive municipalities tend to pick up and process a similar assortment of materials. New York City’s current recycling program has many universal elements, so it is worthwhile reviewing here. Again—be sure to consult your local authorities before putting anything out on your curb!
What To Recycle in New York City:
newspapers, magazines, catalogs
paper, mail, and envelopes
telephone books and soft-cover books
paper bags
smooth cardboard (such as shoe boxes, cereal boxes with liners removed, cardboard tubes)
pizza boxes
paper/cardboard egg cartons (no Styrofoam)
corrugated cardboard boxes (flattened and tied in bundles)
glass bottles and jars
plastic bottles and jugs (including detergent, shampoo, and lotion bottles)
beverage cartons and drink boxes (milk and juice cartons, juice boxes)
metal cans (including empty aerosol cans)
aluminum foil wrap and trays
household metal (such as wire hangers, pots and pans, dried-out paint cans with lids removed)
any other types of glass (light bulbs, mirrors, ceramics and glassware)
other kinds of plastics (such as deli and yogurt containers, plastic bags, plastic toys, salad bar containers, and furniture)
soiled paper cups, plates, towels, and napkins
batteries
plastic and wood hangers
take-out containers
Styrofoam
Caps and lids from glass and plastic bottles and jars
Plastic “six-pack” rings
