Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling is the law for residents and businesses alike in Westchester County. An amendment to the 1992 recycling law which takes effect Dec. 10, 2008 makes it mandatory for all businesses and institutions in Westchester County to recycle. Certain other amendments were also recently passed, requiring larger businesses and institutions to file with the county a solid waste disposal and recycling plan every three years, starting with the first deadline of March 30, 2009.

Earlier in 2008, Westchester County stepped up its enforcement of the 1992 mandatory recycling law - requiring all municipalities to separate the waste generated within their communities - given the harsh realities of how waste is playing a role in global warming. Recyclables that are not properly separated are no longer being picked up by municipal sanitation departments or private haulers.

Read the Quick Recycling Guide to learn how to separate recyclables for curbside collection. The guide is available in Spanish too. Besides curbside recycling of paper, glass, metal and plastic, you can bring other items for disposal at free county-organized recycling events. We're now able to accept plastic bags for recycling and old or expired medications for disposal at these events.

Residents and Small Businesses

Recycling is the right thing to do to keep our environment clean and green. It's also the law. We encourage everyone in Westchester County -- especially owners of Multi-Family Dwellings such as apartment buildings -- to read the recycling information on this site.

Large Businesses, Schools, Others

Large non-residential waste generators are defined as owning "a building or buildings commonly containing more than 100 employees, patients or students during a 24-hour period." Examples in this category. New amendments to the recycling law take effect Dec. 10, 2008.

Municipalities and Private Haulers

Private haulers and municipal sanitation departments are responsible for picking up and transporting recyclables separate from waste or alternatively taking non-separated waste to a facility which sorts out the recyclables.

County Surplus Auctions on Ebay

Reducing the amount of waste we generate helps protect our environment. Recycling is just one way of reducing that amount of waste -- reusing is another. Westchester County offers its surplus items for reuse through Ebay. Check out what’s available.

Recycling Enforcement

Recycling is not an option. It's the law. Read about the Source Separation Law.

Material Recovery Facility Tours

Take a free tour of the county's recycling center, the Material Recovery Facility (MFR) in Yonkers. The tour provides first-hand insight into the recycling process.

Treasure Hunt is an informational "swap shop" where usable items are reused and residents and businesses giving away items are matched with those who need them. Items swapped are free. Treasure Hunt can be accessed by clicking the above link or by calling 813-5415. The Treasure Hunt brochure lists other ways to give away.

Links to local, state and federal environmental protection agencies and recycling information sources.

The Recycling Office has extensive public information and educational programs. Contact us if you have any questions or need assistance in recycling matters.

Westchester TV Library of Publications Septic Reimbursement Home Heating Costs
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