NYC has an extensive recycling program, but there are many ways to recycle additional materials. Here are just a few resources. Please let us know of any ideas you have to add, and feel free to contact us for more information! Check out www.NYC.gov/nycwasteless for an extensive collection of recycling information and resources.
Batteries
Stores that sell rechargeable batteries must take them back for recycling; call 311 for more information on this new law. Single Use Alkaline Batteries can be recycled at 3R Living in Brooklyn, Interstate All Batteries Center in Astoria and at the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Special Waste Drop-Off Site in your borough.
Bicycles
Tired of your old bicycle? Visit Recycle a Bicycle and make some kid’s day, or donate it to Times UP!.
Building Materials
Build it Green! reuses old kitchens, HQ appliances, doors, and unused construction materials.
Cell Phones
Any store that sells cell phones has to take them back. You can also recycle your old phone for a cause through Collective Good, which will refurbish it for reuse if possible.
Compost
Why let your food scraps go to waste? Visit your local community garden and let them turn it into rich compost to grow flowers, vegetables and trees. Find out where at www.nyccompost.org or drop it off at the Union Square GreenMarket with the Lower East Side Ecology Center.
Clothing and Textiles
These materials make up 5.7% of the city’s waste, but are 100% recyclable. CENYC sponsors two recycling drop-offs for textiles old and new. For more information on Material Mondays at the Union Square Greenmarket or Second Chance Saturdays at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, please visit our Recycling Events Page. Items in wearable condition can also find a new home through Freecycle™ New York City. Textiles old and new can be recycled through Wearable Collections or Trans-America, which sell some items to benefit charity and recycle the rest.Computers and Electronics
Electronics are a small portion of the waste stream by volume, but represent about 70% of the toxicity in landfills. Save your spent and unwanted electronics for one of the many e-waste collections that are held by the NYC Department of Sanitation, the Lower East Side Ecology Center, Per Scholas and Recycle This! You can also deliver electronics to Per Scholas five days a week, Build it Greeen! six days a week, and Staples seven days a week for a small fee.
Food
Food that is still edible need not go to waste. Find a soup kitchen or food pantry near you using this handy interactive map from the NYC Coalition Against Hunger. Large volumes of canned food can be donated through the Food Bank for NYC. Contact City Harvest for information on donating large amounts of fresh, perishable and prepared foods.
Furniture
Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, Housing Works, Everything Goes, Furnish-a-Future and other non-profit organizations provide good homes for old furniture.
Ink Cartridges
Refilling ink cartridges reduces the amount of plastics that goes into the landfill. See Fine Star Imaging, Cartridge World, and Staples. Prepaid return labels or envelopes are available on all brands of toner and ink cartridges so you can return them for free recycling.
Plastic Bags and Plastic Film
They make up 7.5% of our waste, and they never degrade. The key is to reduce your use of plastic bags. If you need to recycle your “stash”, you can do so at the Park Slope Food Co-op, Whole Foods and AAA Polymer.
Shoe Repair and Recycling
Don’t throw them out, resole them. An artifact of the past in many cities; the shoe repair business in New York City is thriving. These shops offer great value by extending the life of good shoes. If your running shoes are worn completely, you can recycle them through the Reuse-a-Shoe program, which makes them into athletic surfaces. You can drop off any brand of rubber-soled shoes at Niketown, 6 East 57th Street (212.891.6453) or mail them to the Nike Recycling Center, c/o Reuse-A-Shoe, 26755 SW 95th Ave., Wilsonville, OR 97070.
Reduce Unwanted Mail
The Direct Mail Marketing Association shows you how to remove your name from mailing lists