Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

NY Foam Ban: Handling Non-recyclable Foam Items

Single-use foam food service containers and packing peanuts are now banned in New York State, but New Yorkers may still encounter some items that are exempt or not part of the new ban.

This foam is a form of plastic (which is why you’ll sometimes see the #6 inside chasing arrows on foam items), but don’t toss it in your home recycling bin! It is not recyclable in residential recycling programs because it is too difficult to separate from other plastics, paper, metal and glass. It’s also a lower value plastic.

New Yorkers with a large quantity of foam that needs to be managed should contact their local recycling coordinator to ask about potential collection options nearby.

Visit DEC's website for more information about NY’s foam container and loose fill packaging ban and available foam alternatives. #FoamFreeNY

Calling All Composting Educators

DEC & NYSAR3 are interested in connecting educators to discuss composting programming specifically around Compost Awareness Week, May 1-7, 2022, opportunities for partnerships and resources that would help promote composting in your local communities. Composting educators, please complete the following survey if you are interested in connecting with other compost educators across New York State and participating in 2022 NYS Compost Awareness Week.

Events

• December 26, 2021 - January 31, 2022: Christmas Tree Recycling for Mulch - City of Rochester
• December 26, 2021 - January 31, 2022: Christmas Tree Recycling - Monroe County
• January 3 - January 31, 2022: Christmas Tree Recycling for Composting - Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority

Materials Management Job Opportunities

• Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) is seeking a qualified Recycling Educator to provide support to its county-wide outreach education programs. For more information on the Recycling Educator position, visit UCRRA's website.

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

• February 1, 2022: Webinar: NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling Law Takes Effect - Virtual
• April 5 - 6, 2022: NYS Organics Summit - Albany

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

• February 9 , 2022: EPA Request for Applications - Research to Reduce Consumer Food Waste in the United States
• February 28, 2022: DEC Grants for Household Hazardous Waste Programs
• Rolling Deadline: NYSP2I Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Reimbursement Program

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.