Metal, Glass, Plastic, & Cartons - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


ResidentsSchools & AgenciesGet Rid of …Containerization

Appliances
Automotive Waste
Batteries
Clothing, Household Fabrics, & Accessories
Construction Debris
Dead Animals
Electronics & E-Waste
Furniture, Mattresses, & Rugs
Gas Cylinders & Fire Extinguishers
Harmful Household Products
Ink & Toner Cartridges
Large Items
Light Bulbs
Medical Waste
Mercury & Mercury-Containing Devices
Metal, Glass, Plastic, & Cartons
Mixed Paper & Cardboard
Oils, Grease, & Fats
Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste

Appliances

Automotive Waste

Batteries

Clothing, Household Fabrics, & Accessories

Construction Debris

Dead Animals

Electronics & E-Waste

Furniture, Mattresses, & Rugs

Gas Cylinders & Fire Extinguishers

Harmful Household Products

Ink & Toner Cartridges

Large Items

Light Bulbs

Medical Waste

Mercury & Mercury-Containing Devices

Metal, Glass, Plastic, & Cartons

Mixed Paper & Cardboard

Oils, Grease, & Fats

Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste


Metal, Glass, Plastic, and Cartons

You can recycle metal, glass jars and bottles, rigid plastics (the recycling number on the package doesn't matter), and cartons together in labeled bin with a secure lid or a clear plastic bag.

NOTE: Empty, rinsed containers are easier to process and less attractive to rodents and roaches

Metal

You can recycle all kinds of metal. This includes aluminum foil and trays, metal caps and lids, empty aerosol and paint cans, wire hangers, pots and pans, and metal hardware. Mostly-metal furniture and small appliances can be set out on your recycling day (remove/cut cables, wires and cords — put these in trash).

Glass

You can recycle glass bottles and jars. DO NOT recycle drinking glasses, eyeglasses, glass furniture, mirrors, or light bulbs.

Plastic

You can recycle most rigid plastics (items that are relatively inflexible and maintain their shape or form when bent). This includes food and drink containers, caps and lids, cups and bowls, toys (batteries removed), consumer packaging, and acetate boxes. Mostly-plastic furniture and appliances can be set out on your recycling day (remove/cut cables, wires and cords — put these in trash).

Cartons

You can recycle beverage and liquid food cartons like milk and soup cartons and juice boxes. These are lined with a plastic film to make them leak-proof, and the plastic layer can be removed and recycled.

NOTE: DO NOT recycle these containers with your mixed paper.

What Cannot Be Recycled

Most items that cannot be recycled can be thrown in the trash.

Bowling balls and any sports balls

Cassettes, CDs, and VHS tapes

Condiment packets

Dishes, cups, and mugs (ceramics, glassware, pottery)

Face masks and disposable gloves

Foam products (Styrofoam, packing peanuts)

Glass windows and mirrors

Ice cream tubs

Markers and crayons

Plastic tubes and pouches (toothpaste tubes, fruit pouches)

Soft plastics (plastic bags, bubble wrap, plastic mailing envelopes, candy and snack wrappers)

Tanglers (cables, wires, extension cords, string lights, garden hoses, window blinds)

Wooden furniture and any items made of wood

Some materials MUST be disposed of separately.

Lithium-ion and other non-alkaline batteries

Medical waste, sharps, and containers holding discarded sharpes

Anything labeled hazardous or flammable (cigarette and butane gas lighters, fuel tanks)

Refrigerators and air conditioners

Electronics/e-waste

Businesses

Get more information about recycling and take-back program requirements for businesses.