Recycling - Rochester, NY area

RochesterEnvironment.com

Recycling in the Rochester-area Resources, Newslinks, information, and commentary: 

 

Page Contents: Recycling NewsLinks | Recycling Options in our area  | Recycling that old computer  | Recycling Education | Get involved locally with Recycling | Resources for Recycling in our area | Official Rochester area Recycling sources and information | Recycling Discussions| Recycling Directories

Sometimes the greatest innovations have already been done.

Recycling iconRecycling, extracting our junk into resources is probably one of the greatest hopes for curbing our environmental problems. No more landfills, no more toxins leaching into our ground and water, no more exporting toxic materials to the developing countries, no more waste--period.

Imagine taking everything we potentially throw away—steel, iron, paper, cardboard, computers, batteries, appliances, even house—and reusing everything. I mean everything, so that nothing gets wasted. Wouldn’t we be for the first time a responsible and thrifty society? Not really. It’s not such a wild new idea. 

If you lived through World War II, or watched The War - A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (2007) you know that massive recycling has been done before in the United States. You know that everyone, especially kids, will pitch in and learn how to extract and prepare everything not essential for the recycling project. You already know that these extracted items can be put in a place where the recyclers can get at them, where the recyclers can take them to industry to reuse them. Everything gets reused, nothing goes into the ground, less natural resources need to be ripped from our environment—sounds like an impossible dream, except that it’s already been done.

We can do it again if the public understands the importance and critical need for this to happen. When not only government, but industry remembers how to do this massive recycling, turning junk into new resources and products, our economy can thrive. Once galvanized recycling on the scale accomplished back in World War Two can be accomplished. 

 
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Donate Recycle Reuse (DRR) Check out this special resource for recycling opportunities for the Rochester area. This "Donate Recycle Reuse" list by one of your neighbors makes it easy to recycle in our area. 

It's a work in progress so, send Jeanette your additions or corrects make sure that next discarded item doesn't go in the landfill. For questions and ideas about this page contact Jeanette jdztechw@rochester.rr.com

 

Recycling Discussions:

Become engaged with the dialogue on Recycling in the Rochester, NY area. Below are various essays that give you an option for your comment. This list includes other area where you can discuss Recycling online:

  • Hey, what do those plastic numbers mean? We know Monroe County only recycles #1 and #2 Plastics, but what do the numbers actually mean?  Here's what they mean: "Plastic Packaging Resins"  -from  americanchemistry.com : Chemistry is essential2living - The American Chemistry Council
  • Maybe this is a recycling concept whose time has come: unclutter your life – give your stuff away "Wouldn’t it be cool if we could magically shift ownership of all this stuff, in one weekend, all over America, with close to zero effort, at no cost? Cool happens all over America (and beyond) on May 15, 2010. It’s called Give Your Stuff Away Day and it will work (almost) like magic, as long as you help promote the idea and follow procedures about acceptable / prohibited items. "
  • Good point to bring up about our area's Recycling: Let's recycle #5 plastics | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle#5-plastics#5-plastics I am writing to suggest that Monroe County begin accepting #5 plastics for recycling. (Currently only #s 1 and 2 are accepted).
  • OSWER Discussion Forum Solid Waste and Emergency Response Discussion Forum In order to enhance the dialogue between EPA and the public, this online forum provides an opportunity for private citizens, environmental groups, businesses, community groups, and local and tribal governments to discuss topics relating to EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. OSWER will post a new discussion topic monthly. --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Don’t Soil the Nest Even a bird knows not to soil its nest. This message seems lost on us, as our nest (our planet) is filling up with our trash. Instead of properly disposing of it (as any bird would), we are living, drinking, eating, planting, and breathing our unmentionable waste products. According to Learner.org, “Every year, the United States generates approximately 230 million tons of ‘trash’--about 4.6 pounds per person per day.” more...
  • New Bottle Bill Regulation: Like the new regulations or not, there will be less plastic bottles littering our state and less going into our landfills because this sort of legislation works. It works simply because people may throw away what they perceive as trash, but they won’t throw away money. Many people scour our city streets for deposit-able bottle to supplement or have an income at all. more...
  • Don't Curb that old TV with New Digital TV Signal Change A preventable environmental problem can be avoided when the new TV signal changes, if you recycle your new TV. But, you don’t have to buy a new TV, get a digital converter coupon and stay with what you’ve got. June 12 TV signals change to digital and for those still using the antenna, instead of cable and satellites, your going to have to do something. That’s if you still watch TV. more...
  • The Bottle Bill Ban Battle This heralding by the media of environmentalists unhappy with the latest ban on the deposit law just passed strikes me as an odd way to look at the halt in the NYS bottle bill that was supposed to go into effect on June 1st, and an odd way to see environmental issues in general by the media. Because, of course, shouldn’t everyone be miffed that the battle to remove discarded bottles from our streets, urban forests, our roadways (you-name-it, bottles are everywhere) via a popular measure (most New Yorkers are for this bottle bill) has been squelched by a judge, bottling companies, some politicians, grocery and convenience stores?  more...

 

Don't Flush Drugs!Proper Disposal of Household Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Proper Disposal of Household Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs

 

 

Do NOT flush or pour unwanted, unused or expired medications down the drain. This includes expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. --New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

 

Also, from Monroe County: Sheriff's Office Collecting Pharmaceutical Waste at B-Zone Substation on Tuesdays Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn announced that the Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the County Department of Environmental Services (DES) to expand Monroe County’s pharmaceutical waste collection program. Residents can drop off their unused, unwanted and/or expired medications to the Sheriff’s B-Zone Substation at 245 Summit Point Drive on Tuesdays only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “This drop-off provides residents with a location to safely and securely dispose of any medicines they are currently not using,” said Sheriff O’Flynn. “This also shows how the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is exploring new ways to ensure the safety of our citizens by keeping potentially harmful pharmaceuticals out of our landfills and water supply.” call the Monroe County DES at 753-7600 (option #3) or check out the County’s household hazardous waste appointment scheduler at www.MonroeCounty.gov/HHW  --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY

Official Rochester area Recycling sources and information:

Check these sites first for recycling rules and regulations on area recycling.  If you have a recycling question, these are the experts.

  • What you can and cannot put in the Monroe County Curbside Recycling Program. Residential Recycling http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-residentialrecycling.php  and check out the document: Material the curbside Recycling Program Does Not Include: http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/Non-Blue%20Box%20Program%20Materials.pdf
  • For Household Hazardous Waste  Environmental Services | Monroe County, NY
  • Brooks Launches “Refill Not Landfill” Campaign To Protect Environment County Executive Maggie Brooks launched the Refill Not Landfill campaign, the latest initiative in Monroe County’s efforts to protect the environment. The nationally recognized campaign encourages all County residents to use refillable containers along with household tap water instead of consuming disposable water bottles in an effort to reduce landfill waste. --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
  • Environmental Services | Monroe County, NY Recycling has been mandatory in Monroe County for residents and businesses/institutions since 1992. Copies of the law and regulations are provided here for reference. The law states, in general, that residents must recycle steel, aluminum, glass (clear, green, and brown only), plastic (numbers 1 and 2 only) and paper (gable-top cartons/drink boxes) food and beverage containers. Empty steel aerosol cans (no pesticides or spray paint) may also be recycled. Residents must also recycle newspapers, magazines and corrugated cardboard. Large appliances are also required to be recycled—this is usually done by your garbage hauler. 
  • News about Trash and Recycling is always important, especially when it's what the EPA is doing about these issues: Environmental Protection Agency - Press Releases - Trash and Recycling
  • Western Finger Lakes Authority Mailing Address - Western Finger Lakes Solid Waste Management Authority 9 Pearl Street, P. O. Box 36 Lyons, NY 14489 -Phone (315)946-7650 FAX (315)946-7657 1-800-724-3867 -Email mtorelli@co.wayne.ny.us
  • Wastes | US EPA Each year, Americans generate millions of tons of waste in our homes and communities. EPA is challenging all citizens to conserve our natural resources by committing to reduce, reuse, and recycle at home, in your community, and at the office. Learn what you can do to make a difference.
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Compost - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation We all use tons and tons of "stuff" in our lifetimes-like the 25 billion Styrofoam cups Americans use and dispose of each year. These items are filling up our landfills and our landscapes. Some-such as plastic six-pack rings-are even responsible for killing wildlife. Instead of buying more "stuff" and throwing it away, try the three "R"s and a "C."
  • Been wondering what happens to your recycled products? Take a tour of the Monroe County Recycling Center, located at 1845 Emerson Street can be scheduled for community, scouting and school groups. Tours of the Monroe County wastewater treatment plants and the Mill Seat Landfill are subject to the operational, seasonal, and maintenance schedules of each facility.

Note: We do not endorse private recycling centers  There are many good recycling companies cropping up in the Rochester-area and RochesterEnvironment.com encourages entrepreneurs to create more venues for recycling.  However, we do not have the capability to vet any private companies and thus we do not endorse private recycling centers.

Recycling Options in Rochester

Innovative Recycling Options for our area:

  • RochesterNY_Freecycle : Rochester NY Freecycle(TM) Rochester NY Freecycle(TM) is for all who want to find a new home for reusable items. Everything must be FREE, legal and appropriate for all ages. Freecycle is a movement of people keeping stuff out of landfills while building a sense of community. Send questions or comments to the Moderators or to The Freecycle Network Find New York groups on The Freecycle Network: click on US East Coast under Freecycle Groups and click on New York to view groups.
  • Donations, especially Rochester-area donations, are a great way to recycle. Instead of throwing out those old clothes, furniture or appliances, why not donate them to a local worthy cause. Check out Friends Helping Friends - "We need the donations of furniture, household items, clothing, old appliances and just about anything that's NOT GARBAGE. We can use it or find someone else who can use it. We will pick up from your home and will do clear outs." --from Friends Helping Friends
  • The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)- Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. Share the Goodwill By donating your gently used clothing and household items or shopping in one of our six fabulous stores, you are doing your part to enhance programs, services and employment opportunities for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Community Wishbook The Community Wishbook is your source of wish list items and volunteer services needed by more than 220 not-for-profit agencies in and around Rochester, NY. Use the Wishbook listings to find an agency that needs your donated item* or  volunteer skill. Then call the contact person at the agency to make arrangements for delivery or pickup of a listed item, or for details on volunteering.
  • Remember to Recycle the big things too: Volunteers of America of WNY Volunteers of American will pick up gently used appliances, furniture, clothing, and other household items. (VOA reserves the right to refuse specific items.) FOR FREE in Monroe County.  Call 647-1150 to schedule your free pick up. Items must be in usable condition (except clothing which is recycled.  VOA also accepts car, boat, and RV donations.
  • New York State Association for Reduction Reuse and Recycling NYSAR3 is about you, the people of New York State interested in learning about, supporting and promoting recycling in New York State. This section is about how you can be involved. If you are not a member the first thing that you can do is join. NYSAR3 membership is inexpensive and affordable to all. By joining you will receive a variety of benefits including the Network, NYSAR3's newsletter; access to the NYSAR3 listserve; discounts at NYSAR3 and Federation Conferences; automatic membership in the National Recycling Coalition and if you represent a business you will get a free listing on the NYSAR3 businesses page. NYSAR3 encourages you to patronize our sponsors and members whenever possible.
  • Recycling in Brighton - Color Brighton Green This page lists ways to recycle common household items in Brighton.  -from This page lists ways to recycle common household items in Brighton. Home Page - Color Brighton Green
  • RecycleinME is a marketplace for scrap metal, non metal scrap, plastic scrap, rubber scrap and paper scrap. Here you will find scrap metal, scrap metal prices, scrap metal suppliers, , scrap metal buyers, scrap metal offer to buy and sell along with other various categories of scrap. Register Now and start receiving business leads.
  • Junk Mail - How to Stop Receiving Junk Mail If you’re interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, here’s something you can do that will help protect the environment and preserve your sanity: reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by 90 percent.
  • Where do you recycling rechargeable batteries? Enter your zip code and find out: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.  Also find out about recycling lead-acid based batteries from Battery Council International BCI actively promotes the recycling of spent lead-acid batteries and the use of recycled materials in the production of new batteries. As part of this endeavor, the organization collects statistical data to provide the annual recycling rate of lead-acid batteries. BCI also developed model battery recycling legislation at both the state and federal levels in the U.S., as a way to efficiently recover valuable resources and keep recyclable materials out of the waste stream. The model has been adopted by legislatures in 37 states across the country.
  • Recycle and help make money for your school:  Ink Jet & Cartridge Recycling Fundraiser The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services & Imagine it… are excited to announce an ongoing fundraising program promoting recycling at home, in schools or at your place of business. It is a simple program that protects the environment and promotes recycling while helping your favorite school or charity programs.
  • Recycling and Composting Online Paper recycling news and trends / The latest news in composting and wood waste management
  • Imagine It Recycling "Imagine it Fundraising Through Recycling is a unique niche in both the fundraising and recycling world. Established in 2002 with the intention to create a simple fundraising program with little effort to all involved. Companies can donate without opening a check book and charities maintain a consistent funding stream with little effort . Currently servicing over 2500 locations in the Upstate NY region, Imagine It has created an easy and FREE recycling program that concentrates on the most important component in out Sustainability efforts... REUSE! In this ever changing electronic evolution Imagine It offer to WIN WIN WIN solution. Together, we can do a world of good. "

 

Refill Not Landfill: Monroe County is poised to make a difference by providing an eco-friendly solution to bottled water.

As you navigate through this site, you will find information about where to purchase your Nalgene refillable bottle as well as get the facts about your household tap water, which is delivered to you every day by the Monroe County Water Authority.

 Excitingly, two dollars from every bottle purchase will be donated to beautifying Monroe County parks.

 

Recycle That Old Computer

Old computers can be particularly toxic when land-filled--and there is no need to curbside them.  Check out the many places you can take your computer when it's time to buy a new one.

  • What to do with that old computer? Here are some links for properly disposing of that old computer, which is very toxic and shouldn't go into the ground Computer Take Back Campaign  - eCycling - EPA - TechSoup - Recycled Hardware: Ten Tips for Donating a Computer - TechSoup.org - Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Program - Electronics Recycling
  • Where to donate that old computer.  One of my favorite long-time shows Sound Bytes, which was my education about computer and the Internet for years and years, has a list of places you can donate that old computer: Donate! - Sound Bytes
  • Recycle your computer for a worthy cause: Computers for Humanity Flower City Habitat for Humanity and the Micrecycle Computer Recycling for Education Program have partnered to help close the Digital Divide by putting a computer into every Habitat for Humanity home in Rochester, NY. " A Mouse in Every House" Each Habitat homeowner will receive a quality computer refurbished by the Micrecycle computer-recycling program, Internet access provided by Netsville, helpdesk and hardware support provided by the CommuniTech and The Academy for Career Development HelpTech programs. Additionally, free training will be available to the one hundred and twenty one Habitat for Humanity homeowners through the network of 27 Cyberlink Community Technology Centers located in the Rochester area. To make this project a success, we are depended upon individuals, groups and companies like yours to donate the computers, internal computer hardware, monitors and peripherals, or cash to purchase the items listed below that will be used to create the systems that will be delivered to the Habitat
  • Micrecycle: Home Our mission is to provide computers for education. Micrecycle refurbishes donated equipment to supply high-quality, affordable computers to families, schools and community organizations. We support community technology access and training for all members of the greater Rochester community. Micrecycle is a volunteer-based program dedicated to the vision that all people have affordable access to the benefits of computer and information technology. Micrecycle is a program of Action for a Better Community, Inc.
  • What to do with those old computers? Recycling Old Computers  The Problem: The National Safety Council estimates that over 315 million computers will become obsolete by the year 2004 – and this may be low since reliable numbers were not available for the number of computers manufactured between 1980 and 1992. --EPA Region 2
  • Don't throw that old computer and paraphernalia in the garbage: The Home Computer Program recycles donated computers. These recycled computers go to urban students. So far, over 1,000 students, many from Josh Lofton High School (Rochester, NY) have received computers.

Monroe County Recycling Facility Environmental Facilities Tours Tours of the Monroe County Recycling Center, located at 384 Lee Road, can be scheduled for community, scouting and school groups. Similar tours of Monroe County wastewater treatment facilities and the Mill Seat Landfill are subject to the operational, seasonal, and maintenance schedules of each facility. To set up a Recycling Center or Wastewater Treatment Facility tour, call 585 753-7646. A tour of the Mill Seat Landfill can be arranged by calling 585 494-3000. When calling, please be prepared with the following information:

Recycling Education

A integral part of recycling properly and sustainably is thinking about how and why we accumulate stuff.

  • Maybe we should consider why we get stuff in the first place: The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
  • A preventable environmental problem can be avoided when the new TV signal changes, if you recycle your new TV. But, you don’t have to buy a new TV, get a digital converter coupon and stay with what you’ve got.  February TV signals change to digital and for those still using the antenna, instead of cable and satellites, your going to have to do something.  That’s if you still watch TV.  But, if you still watch TV, Check this out: The Looming E-Waste Tsunami - Television Recycling What Should You Do With Your Old TV Sets: Unlike leading computer manufacturers, the television industry has been, with the exception of Sony, very reluctant to take responsibility for their products at the end of their useful life. Televisions present all of the same disposal issues as computer equipment and other e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, phones, etc.), from leaded glass to brominated fire retardants. However televisions contain much less valuable materials to offset the cost of recycling than most electronics, discouraging e-waste collectors and processors from handling them.

 

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

 

Get Involved with Recycling in Rochester

There are a couple of groups who efforts are local efforts to improve our area's recycling: what is recycled, how, etc.  Contact them and sign up.

  • Want to g et involved with our area's recycling efforts?  Join the Rochester Sierra Club's Zero Waste Committee
  • Join the new NYS Zero Waste Campaign | For the first time in over a decade, we have a critical opportunity to influence the state's solid waste policy. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is revising the state’s weak Solid Waste Management Plan and outdated Solid Waste Regulations (Part 360).   --from Citizens' Environmental Coalition
  • America Recycles Day "About America Recycles Day America Recycles Day (ARD), November 15, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. Celebrating its 12th year, it has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work and to buy products made with recycled materials. Through America Recycles Day, Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) support local communities and raises awareness by educating citizens about the benefits of recycling. Volunteer America Recycles Day coordinators are positioned throughout the country and work to organize recycling awareness events in their schools and communities, and in conjunction with their local municipalities. "

Resources on Recycling for the Rochester area

Recycling Groups

  • The GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee:  One of GLOW’s primary goals, in accordance with the State Plan, is to develop programs that effectively reduce, reuse, or recycle as much of the material as possible that ends up in the waste stream. In order to reach the 40% goal set by the state for reduction, reuse, and recycling, GLOW works with counties, communities, waste haulers, businesses and institutions in the collection and reporting of recyclables data.
  • GRRN Home The GRASSROOTS RECYCLING NETWORK is a North American network of recycling and community-based activists who advocate policies and practices to achieve zero waste, to end corporate welfare for waste, and to create sustainable jobs from discards. We aim to reverse unsustainable practices and policies by building effective coalitions and partnerships for Zero Waste policies based on government and corporate accountability for waste. The GrassRoots Recycling Network was founded in 1995, inspired by a challenge to develop clear, simple messages and take them to the American public. The initial effort was launched by leaders from the Sierra Club Solid Waste Committee, the California Resource Recovery Association, and the Washington DC-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Recycling Directories

RochesterEnvironment.com does not endorse specific recycling business because we do not have the means to vet them to make sure these business recycle correctly and complete. However many online directories do list business and their listings may be useful for our area.

  • Earth911.com - Find Recycling Centers and Learn How To Recycle In our recycling database, we can help you find over 100,000 recycling locations across the country. With information provided by local governments, industry insiders, organizations and everyday consumers, you can recycle hundreds of products from packing peanuts to computers. We know where you need to go to get things done. We also continue to maintain our bilingual hot line, 1-800-CLEANUP.
  • Eco-Cycle: Working to Build Zero Waste Communities Eco-Cycle is one of the largest non-profit recyclers in the USA and has an international reputation as a pioneer and innovator in resource conservation. We were created 30 years ago by everyday residents who had a passionate belief in conserving our natural resources. These Eco-Cycle volunteers brought recycling to town in 1976, making Boulder one of the first 20 communities in the U.S. to offer curbside recycling. We continue to be driven by these same passions and innovative actions.
  • Environmental Organization WebDirectory - Recycling  Trying to find out how to recycle a difficult item.  Here is probably the Internet's most comprehensive list of sites that will help. /li>
  • Recycler's World & "Recycler's World was established as a world wide trading site for information related to secondary or recyclable commodities, by-products, used & surplus items or materials."
  • Find all the areas around Rochester, New York to Reuse and Recycle EIA Environment: Consumer Education Initiative (CEI) - Reuse And Recycle Programs for New York --from EIA Environment: Consumer Education Initiative (CEI) - The EIA Consumer Education Initiative or "CEI" is a web-based information resource that provides consumers and others with information on recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics. Participating manufacturers include an industry statement in a variety of media, including owner's manuals, company web sites, and product literature, directing consumers to the CEI web page where consumers can find recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics in their area.
  • Here's a site that can help business recycling: MAT-EX Western New York Materials Exchange MAT-EX: Western New York Materials Exchange is a unique opportunity for businesses to exchange unwanted/unusable products that would otherwise be discarded, and/or locate free/inexpensive materials that can be used in daily business operations. MAT-EX does not list hazardous materials. MAT-EX involves over 20,000 businesses in the fifteen county region of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, Erie, Ontario, Allegany, Steuben, Chautauqua, Monroe, Seneca, Tompkins, Niagara Consortium and the Western Finger Lakes region (Wayne and Yates Counties). We invite you to add listings to the Exchange and reply to existing listings. MAT-EX is a free online service.

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