The New York State Postconsumer Paint Collection Program, which began on May 1, 2022 to encourage responsible paint recycling and disposal, recently surpassed one million gallons of collected paint. [Read more…] about Paint Collection Program Exceeds One Million Gallons
Recycling
Recycling Companies Illegally Dumped 800 Tons of Hazardous E-Waste
Dumping e-waste is illegal and has the potential to damage natural resources and impact the health of New Yorkers. ALPCO Recycling, Inc., (ALPCO), and its owner, Alton Plumb, Jr., as well as Finger Lakes Cleanup and Recycling Consultants, Inc., and its project manager, Craig Foster, have been convicted for their roles in illegally processing and disposing of 800 tons of electronic waste (e-waste) in Wayne County. [Read more…] about Recycling Companies Illegally Dumped 800 Tons of Hazardous E-Waste
NYS Solid Waste Management Plan Comments Sought
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the release of the draft New York State Solid Waste Management Plan for a 60-day public comment period.
The “New York State Solid Waste Management Plan: Building the Circular Economy Through Sustainable Materials Management” recommends actions to reduce the climate impact of solid waste and provides direction for New York’s waste reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, transportation, and disposal investments, policies, and practices over the next decade. [Read more…] about NYS Solid Waste Management Plan Comments Sought
Batteries: Hidden Hazards in the Recycling Stream
In 2018, a total of 323 reported fires occurred at waste facilities across the US and Canada, some of these events causing injury and in some cases, death, to recycling workers and firefighters.
Rechargeable batteries should never go in your household recycling bin with your paper, plastic, metal, and glass. When they get crushed and moved around during transportation and sorting processes, they can catch fire or explode causing dangerous and costly fires in trucks and facilities. [Read more…] about Batteries: Hidden Hazards in the Recycling Stream
New York State’s Foam Ban: A Primer
On January 1st, 2023, NY State celebrated the one year anniversary of the start of the Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban.
Polystyrene foam is a concern for people and the environment. It is a top contributor of environmental litter and is not accepted in most recycling programs in New York State because the foam is difficult to recycle and has a low value. [Read more…] about New York State’s Foam Ban: A Primer
New Paint Recycling Program Launched
The New York State Postconsumer Paint Collection Program is underway, making it easier for households and businesses to safely dispose of leftover paint. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) oversees the program, which is operated by PaintCare to manage unwanted architectural coating products and provide for recycling or proper disposal. [Read more…] about New Paint Recycling Program Launched
First New York State Reuse Summit Set For June 16th
New York State’s first ever Reuse Summit will be June 16th, 2022 in Ithaca, NY.
The goals of this event are to convene community leaders from across New York State, feature innovative and inspirational models of reuse, highlight the many benefits that reuse generates for communities, and explore the challenges and opportunities of expanding reuse. [Read more…] about First New York State Reuse Summit Set For June 16th
$4.5M for Buffalo Center for Plastic Recycling Research and Innovation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced $4.5 million is being awarded to the State University of New York’s University at Buffalo to create a new Center for Plastic Recycling Research and Innovation and support crucial work to reduce plastic waste.
This expanded academic partnership will improve plastics recycling by researching the development of secondary recyclable markets to ease the financial burdens on municipal recycling programs and streamline the recycling process, especially with certain types of lower-grade plastics. [Read more…] about $4.5M for Buffalo Center for Plastic Recycling Research and Innovation
New York State Issues 10th ‘Greening New York State Report’
The GreenNY Council has issued the tenth annual Greening New York State Report for 2020-21, documenting the continued progress made by New York State to reduce the environmental footprint of State operations.
Highlights of this year’s report include a record $300 million invested in green products and services, 4.4 trillion BTUs of energy saving projects completed or underway as part of the BuildSmart 2025 program, and a record 94 percent recycling rate. [Read more…] about New York State Issues 10th ‘Greening New York State Report’
North Country Large Scale Composting Support Available
The Compost for Good (CfG) team has announced they are seeking farmers, haulers, composters, retailers, landscapers, grocery stores, manufacturers, restaurants, etc. in St Lawrence, Franklin, Essex and Clinton Counties to discuss their organics recycling goals and dreams.
Municipalities or non-profit organizations interested in supporting businesses in your areas, or businesses who are trying to navigate the Food Donation and Food Scrap Recycling Law, are encouraged to contact CfG as well. [Read more…] about North Country Large Scale Composting Support Available