New Enforcement of Recycling Rules in NY

Community residents have reported recent conversations with local Sanitation supervisors about new enforcement of Recycling rules.

Over the past few days, sanitation workers have not been collecting boxes placed on the curb if they are loose or otherwise placed not in accordance with recycling regulations.

Supervisors are following up with summonses for these homes.

Sanitation supervisors have explained that:
You must break down all boxes and bundle with twine.

All other paper should be placed in clear bags.

If you place boxes one inside the other, they may not be picked up.

Make sure the twine ties the bundles in both directions so it does not come apart.

Fines for non-compliance begin at $100.

Here are the full regulations as it appears on the NYC Sanitation website.

Rules for Recycling Paper

Place mixed paper, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and phone books out for recycling collection using any one of the following methods:

Tie with twine into bundles no taller than 18 inches
Place in clear, untinted plastic bags between 13 and 55 gallons
Place in bins 32 gallons or less with green labels on both sides and the lid.
The bag or container must weigh no more than 60 pounds when placed out for collection. Bins must be secured with a tight-fitting lid.

The City does not give away green recycling bins.

Rules for Recycling Corrugated Cardboard (cardboard boxes, etc)

Only corrugated cardboard boxes may be recycled as corrugated cardboard. Heavily-soiled or greasy cardboard should be disposed of with regular trash.

Corrugated cardboard must be flattened and tied with sturdy twine into bundles 18 inches tall or smaller. Bundles must not be placed in containers or clear bags unless broken into small pieces.