Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 01/07/2021 04:20 PM EST
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

In This Issue

  • What Interests You in 2021 Survey
  • Virtual Public Meeting on Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban
  • Recycling Your Christmas Tree
  • Starting 2021 Off with Waste Reduction & Recycling in mind
  • 30 Day Wasted Food Challenge

What Interests You In 2021? Tell Us Your Thoughts

As 2020 has come to a close and we say hello to a new year, we'd like to take a moment to thank all our readers and those who have written us with questions, suggestions and events in their communities. As we move into 2021, we want to further cater our content to your interests. Please complete a short survey on what you would like to see in the Solid Waste & Recycling newsletter in 2021.

Virtual Public Meeting on Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban

Polystyrene in tall grass

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I), invites stakeholders to attend a one-hour virtual public meeting about NY’s Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban.

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. EST: The NYSDEC, in partnership with NYSP2I, will provide an informational presentation with interactive stakeholder engagement regarding the recently enacted law.

Beginning January 1, 2022, no covered food service provider or store (retail or wholesale) will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute disposable food service containers that contain expanded polystyrene foam in New York. In addition, no manufacturer or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute polystyrene loose fill packaging (commonly referred to as packing peanuts) in the state.

Registration is required to attend the virtual public meeting. Learn more about the law and sign up to receive the latest information.

For questions, email foamban@dec.ny.gov

Recycling Your Christmas Tree

After you’ve taken down all the trimmings, there are a few ways you can go green when saying goodbye to your Holiday tree:

  • Providing shelter for nature. If you have space in your yard, consider using your tree as a brush pile for the birds. Not only will the pile provide extra shelter for feathered friends during the cold winter months, but it’ll also give you some excellent backyard bird-watching opportunities! View tips on outdoor tree disposal options.
  • Tree Collection. Your municipality may offer a free tree collection or recycling program that will turn your tree into mulch or compost. Contact your local department of public works to find out. Remember to remove all lights & decorations first.

Start 2021 Off with Waste Reduction and Recycling Practices in Mind

2021

A few simple changes can have a positive impact for your local recycling program. By learning the “ins and outs” of your local program, you can recycle right this year and help clear up confusion about items that cause contamination in recycling streams across NY. Before you throw an item in the trash, take a second to search some alternative ways to use or manage it. Can it be reused? Can it be donated? Does your recycling program accept it?

String Lights

  • String lights do not belong in your home recycling bin. They get tangled around equipment at the recycling facility, which can be dangerous for workers and expensive to remove.
  • Recycling & Mail Back Programs. Some big box home improvement stores have holiday lights recycling options, and some companies also have mail back programs.
  • Scraps Metal. A scrap metal recycling facility in your area may take them as well. It is best to check with a facility or program before bringing or mailing your lights for recycling.
  • Check with your municipality to see if there are any special collection or recycling services for used lights in your community.

Opting Out of Single Use
As COVID precautions remain in place and dining-in options are limited, reduce waste while supporting local restaurants.

  • When placing your to go order, opt out of single-use cutlery and other single-use items such as condiment packets. Disposable forks, knives and spoons are really not necessary if you are eating at home. They are not commonly accepted as recyclables in most programs.
  • Encouraging “by request only” policy. As more restaurants hear this request from customers, it will encourage them to adopt a “by request only” policy for single-use items and can save businesses money and unnecessary waste in the process.

Giving Clothing a Second Life

  • Clothing and other textiles do not belong in your home recycling bin.
  • Virtual Clothing Swap. If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe in the new year, host a virtual clothing swap with friends and family. You can still have fun by showing items up for grabs over video and then arranging a socially distanced “drop and swap”.
  • Donation. Unwanted items can be donated to a local donation center or try an online thrift shop. Be sure to research the donation center’s criteria for acceptance beforehand to help you sort through items.
  • For textiles that cannot be donated, reuse the fabric to make cleaning cloths or contact your local recycling coordinator for other drop-off options.

30 Day Wasted Food Challenge

30 Day Wasted Food Challenge

Forty percent of all food produced in the US goes uneaten, according to the Natural Resource Defense Council. Wasted food is a major contributor to multiple environmental and social problems that we face today - and most of this waste is happening right under our noses! ReFED estimates US households alone waste 76 billion pounds of food annually, costing each household an average of $1,800 per year!

Challenge yourself throughout January with the 30-day wasted food challenge. This challenge can be accomplished a number of ways, and by the end, it will help you throw away less food in your kitchen, save money and benefit our environment.

  • Week 1: Recognize what food you're already throwing away
  • Week 2: Develop a plan
  • Week 3: Take action
  • Week 4: Reflect

 Learn more about the 30-Day Wasted Food Challenge.

Events:

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars:

Funding/RFP Opportunities - 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.