Streamlined Rules to Make Recycling Easier and Consistent Across all Business Types
New recycling rules for New York City businesses go into effect August 1, the result of efforts to implement uniform and streamlined guidelines for all business types. The rules cover all commercial establishments, and others, that have their garbage and recycling collected by private carters.
Removing the distinction between business types and applying the same rules for all will purportedly lead to greater recycling participation and make recycling easier. Additionally, the rules allow for co-collection of recyclables in a single recycling stream by authorized private carters, helping to make commercial recycling easier to manage and significantly increase the diversion of recyclables from landfills. Previously, businesses recycled different materials based on their business type.
“Streamlined rules not only make business recycling more consistent and easier to understand – they also will help New York City reach its Zero Waste goals,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “No matter if you are at home, at work, or at school, recycling rules are the same throughout the city.”
The rules, published February 2016, become effective August 1. There will be a one-year warning period, until August 1, 2017, after which violations could be written.
Material covered:
· Metal, glass, plastic and beverage cartons
· Paper
· Textiles (If textiles make up more than 10 percent of the business’s waste during any month)
· Yard or Plant Waste (If yard or plant waste makes up more than 10 percent of the business’s waste during any month)
· Organic waste (Certain large, food-waste generating establishments are required by law to separate organic waste for beneficial use.)
Businesses can sign up for training or download official notices at: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/zerowaste/businesses/resources.shtml
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