

Recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
The requirements detailed below apply to all NYC residences, schools, institutions, and agencies serviced by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY)
.
Have questions about what to do with a specific residential item, use our "How do I get rid of..." feature.
If your location is serviced by a private carter for garbage collection, see the recycling requirements for commercial businesses. If your site's garbage is collected by DSNY but you elect to use a private carter for your recyclables, you must comply with certain reporting requirements.
What to Recycle: Mandated Materials
paper and cardboard
beverage cartons, bottles, cans, metal & foil
bulky items
fall leaves (for certain districts)
Collection, Containers, and Promotional Materials
when to recycle and missed collections
recycling containers & decals
promotional materials
nyc's recycling game
More Info
recycling symbol
how to recycle in nyc video
also see
What and How to Recycle with Sanitation:
PAPER & CARDBOARD
newspapers, magazines, catalogs
white and colored paper (lined, copier, computer, staples 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:
- 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
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What and How to Recycle with Sanitation:
BEVERAGE CARTONS, BOTTLES, CANS, METAL & FOIL
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
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 condtion, see reuse it nyc for reuse options.
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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
.
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When to Recycle and Missed Collections
To find out your Recycling Day use the collection schedule
feature on the Sanitation website
, or call 311.
To report missed collections, call 311, or complete the Missed Collection
form on the Sanitation website.
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Recycling Containers and DecalsThe NYC Department of Sanitation does not supply bins or bags for recyclables (or refuse). Rigid containers can be used for recycling as long as they are 18-32 gallon capacity, have lids, and are properly labeled. Plastic bags for recycling must be CLEAR, 13-55 gallon capacity. See where to buy recycling bins.
outdoor containers and decals
indoor containers and decals
OUTDOOR CONTAINERS AND DECALS
(for setout at the curb for DSNY collection)
Label containers on both sides and the lid with Department of Sanitation decals, or permanently marked in letters at least 4" high:
RECYCLING: MIXED PAPER (green decal)
RECYCLING: BOTTLES, CANS & FOIL (blue decal)
Decal application is most effective when decal is applied during temperatures between 40° and 50°F to a surface that is dry, clean, and smooth.
To request free decals to label containers for Department of Sanitation recycling collection:
Request new decals when fading/peeling occurs.
INDOOR CONTAINERS AND DECALS
(for internal collection of recyclables)
Apartment buildings, city agencies, schools, and other organizations receiving DSNY collection service can request sets of blue and green indoor decals to label indoor recycling containers placed in common areas.
These decals are for indoor use only, since they are too small and not durable enough for outdoor use.
To request free decals to label indoor recycling containers:
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Recycling Symbol
Many residents are confused about what to recycle because so many products display the universal recycling symbol (three chasing arrows), primarily as a marketing tool (see more information on plastics resin codes).
But you don't need to look for a recycling symbol or check the numbers. Refer to the what to recycle lists above to decide what to put into recycling containers.
Only items that have a viable resale market are accepted by New York City's Recycling Program. Do not place items in your recycling containers just because the package displays a recycling symbol or other recycling information. When in doubt, leave it out.
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How to Recycle in NYC Video
Watch "How to Recycle in NYC"
,
a helpful and informative recycling video produced by NYC Media
and Howcast
in consultation with the Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling.
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ALSO SEE:
promotional materials
recycling at home
recycling in schools
recycling in agencies & institutions
recycling in businesses
all about plastics
what happens to recyclables
recycling and nyc's carbon footprint
history of recycling in nyc
frequently asked questions
reports and stats
what's in nyc's waste
get rid of stuff
request forms
helpful links
products and services