Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter  

RecycleRightNY: That's a Wrap for Plastic Carryout Bags!

BYOB graphicAs of March 1, 2020, all plastic carryout bags (other than certain exempt bags) are banned from distribution by entities required to collect sales tax in New York State. You can help and BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag!

This law will greatly reduce the number of plastic bags we use and will prevent litter, but did you know there is still a ton of film plastic out there other than plastic carryout bags that can be recycled at convenient drop-off bins? Some examples of other film plastic include:

  • newspaper bags
  • bread bags
  • dry cleaning bags
  • air pillows
  • produce bags
  • product overwrap around items like paper towels

Drop If Off

Remember: although recyclable, you should never include flexible film plastic in your home recycling bin - it gets stuck in the machinery at your recycling facility and will not be properly recycled there. Return to retail drop-off bins for recycling film plastic are still available for all of the other film plastics that are generated from stores and products. Better yet, think of other ways to BYOBag such as trying reusable product bags!

Follow these steps to recycle film plastic correctly:

  • determine if your plastic item is film plastic
  • collect clean, dry, film plastic
  • find a drop-off location
  • return film plastic to designated bins at retail locations throughout the state
  • Do not put film plastics in your home recycling bin

Unsure? Try the Stretch Test

Only film plastics can be recycled in drop-off bins. The stretch test is an easy way to figure out whether or not plastic is film and can be recycled in drop-off bins. Usually if the material is stretchy, you can recycle it in return-to-retail film plastic recycling bins (there are a couple exceptions to watch out for). If it doesn't stretch, tear like paper, or crinkle loudly it belongs in the trash. You can also look for the "How2Recycle" label available on some product packaging for recycling instructions.


DEC Accepting Applications for Environmental Excellence Awards 

Environmental Excellence Award

Is your organization taking innovative approaches to advance sustainable environmental practices?  Are you aware of a program or colleague whose project generates economic growth or harnesses the power of creative partnerships? You could be one of New York’s next Environmental Excellence Award winners!

This award program recognizes projects that demonstrate significant and measurable environmental, economic and social benefits. Businesses, not-for-profits, schools and state and local agencies are eligible to apply. Projects should be up and running for at least one year. To name a few, a program can impact greenhouse gas emissions, food waste reduction, energy efficiency programs, education and training programs, manufacturing process improvements, water conservation, urban forestry, and agricultural practices.

Learn more about the environmental excellence awards and how to apply! Applications are due by Friday, April 17, 2020.


NYSAR3 Green School Grant Program

The NYS Association of Reduction, Reuse & Recycling (NYSAR3) established a grant program for public and private schools grades K-12 to provide funds to rejuvenate existing programs, or to develop new programs centered around the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle). Learn more about the Green School Grant Program, and submit your application by April 8, 2020.


Upcoming Events


Conferences, Workshops & Webinars


Funding Opportunities & Awards - Application Deadlines


We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know more about? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter.