Recyclopedia By Category

RECYCLOPEDIA - The Three Rs of Recycling 

 
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 75% of the trash Americans throw away each week is recyclable. Yet only 25% is actually recycled. Simple steps can help our home, our families and the environment. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Small recycling efforts make a significant impact.
 
Recycling is more than just filling the red and blue bins every week. There are many questions you can ask yourself from the time of purchase onward. What is it made of? Is the packaging recyclable? How long will it last? What will I do with it once I am done with it? Does it have any life left? Getting into the habit of thinking this way will help you make “reduce” and “reuse” part of the recycling process.
 
Just as important as recycling is to keep your recyclables free of contamination. For example, plastic bags can be recycled, but not curbside. If they are added to your recycling bins, they can clog up the machinery in the transfer station. As another example, greasy pizza boxes should be discarded rather than added to your paper and cardboard bin. The goal is to recycle right, and the information you need can be found in this Recyclopedia.
 
If you cannot find an item in our database, see a mistake, or have other solutions, please email us with your suggestions, corrections and updates. Thank you!
 
 
Categories

 

Aerosol Cans

Reduce/Reuse

Please recycle.

Recycle

If empty and clean, recycle in the mixed recycling bin. Recycle the plastic top as well.

Disposal

If can is not empty, it must be treated as hazardous waste.  Westchester County's Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) is located on the Grasslands Campus at 15 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY.  Schedule a drop-off time here: https://environment.westchestergov.com/h-mrf-reservation

The County periodically holds a Household Recycling Day on a weekend at FDR Park in Yorktown Heights.  Most of the materials accepted at the H-MRF are also accepted on these days. More information here: https://environment.westchestergov.com/news/2583-household-material-reco...

Aluminum, Cans

Reduce/Reuse

This item should be recycled.

Recycle

Recycle in the mixed bin. Must be empty and clean.

Disposal

This item should be recycled.

Aluminum, Foil and Plates

Reduce/Reuse

Recycle

Clean and place in mixed recycling bin.

Disposal

Please recycle unless you are unable to clean it.

Antennas, TV

Reuse

Currently there is no reuse option available for this item.

Recycle

This is scrap metal and can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:
https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

This item should be recycled.

Basketball Hoops

Reuse

Donate if in fair condition.

Freecycle has a White Plains group: https://groups.freecycle.org/group/WhitePlainsNY/posts/all

Recycle

The village picks up scrap metal recycling on Wednesdays by appointment.  Make an appointment here: https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

This item should be recycled.

Binders, 3-Ring

Reduce/Reuse

If lightly used you can donate to Good Will or Love in Action.

Recycle

Binders must be dissected in order to be recycled. Cut off the metal 3-ring mechanism and place in comingled bin. Extract the cardboard and vinyl from the front and back covers.  Vinyl goes in the comingled bin and cardboard in the paper and cardboard bin.

Disposal

Should be recycled. If you cannot take the binder apart, the entire item may be placed with waste.

Caps, Bottle (Plastic, Metal)

Reuse

Please recycle.

Recycle

Recycle in the mixed bin.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Chain Link Fences

Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item

Recycle

This is scrap metal. Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Chains

Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.

Recycle

This is scrap metal and can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Flatware / kitchen cutlery

Reuse

If useable, please considering donating this item.

Many places like Goodwill accept flatware donations

Recycle

Flatware can be can be recycled curbside with other scrap metal by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

This item is waste and can be placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" and "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.

Foil Plates and Food Wrap (Aluminum Foil)

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

This item can be placed in the mixed recycling bin. Please empty and clean first. 

Disposal

Please empty, clean and recycle. 

Gas Grills

Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.

Recycle

This is scrap metal and can be recycled curbside (with gas tank removed).

Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

 

Disposal

This item may be considered waste and placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.

Hot Water Tanks

Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.

Recycle

This is scrap metal.

Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Ask your hauler for a special pickup if necessary.

Metal Sheds

Reuse

Craigslist - Barter, sell, and wanted classifieds.

eBay - Buy, sell, and trade.

Recycle

This is scrap metal and can be taken apart and recycled in pieces curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup


 

Disposal

Please recycle.

Nails and Screws

Reuse

Recycle

This is scrap metal. Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Nuts, bolts, nails and screws

Reuse

Recycle

These are scrap metal and can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Pots and Pans

Reuse

If usable and in good repair, it can be sold or donated to a local thrift store.

Salvation Army: 1-800-958-7825

Love in Action in Yorktown

https://yorktownloveinaction.com/

Goodwill

https://www.goodwill.org/

Recycle

If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal. Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Propane Gas Tanks

Reduce/Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.

Recycle

Bring empty propane gas tanks to Home Depot.

Most sellers of propane will have a return policy for propane tanks.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Recycling bins

Reduce/Reuse

Recycle

Items made of plastic #1-7, can be recycled.  Unfortunately, rigid plastic is generally not recyclable.

Disposal

If no number, must be placed with waste.  Please use your recycling bin as long as possible, since it is made of plastic that cannot be recycled.

Scrap Metal

Reuse

Please recycle.

Recycle

Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

 

Disposal

Please recycle.

Screws and Nails

Reuse

 

Recycle

Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Stoves, Household

Reuse

If in good condition, please consider donating:

Green Demolitions - Phone: (888) 887-5211; Green Demolitions accepts kitchens, appliances (less than 5 years old), bathrooms, home décor, architectural artifacts, building materials, art, and more. Green Demolitions supports outreach programs of All Addicts Anonymous.

Recycle

If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal and can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Teflon Coated Pots and Pans

Reuse

If usable, consider donating to:

Yorktown Love in Action (914) 743-1314

https://yorktownloveinaction.com/

Goodwill  (203) 363-5228

Salvation Army - Phone: 1-800-958-7825

Recycle

If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal. Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Tools

Reuse

Tools in working condition can be donated through Freecycle.

Recycle

If the tool is made of metal it can be recycled as scrap metal.

Disposal

This item is waste and can be placed curbside, but the other disposal options outlined under "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.

If made of hard plastic and wood, place with waste. Remove and recycle rechargeable batteries.

Wheelchairs

Reuse

Afya Foundation - Supply donations are an integral part of Afya's work and are sought after and welcomed. Local drop off location is 140 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers, NY 10701. Phone: (914) 920-5081

Recycle

If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal.  Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup.  Make an appointment for pickup here:

https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

Disposal

Please recycle.

Windows

Reuse

If in good condition, please consider donating:

 

Green Demolitions - Green Demolitions accepts kitchens, appliances (less than 5 years old), bathrooms, home décor, architectural artifacts, building materials, art, and more. Phone 973-461-2339 or go to website for more information: https://renovationangel.com/donate-form 

Recycle

If the window frame is made of aluminum or steel, this is considered scrap metal and can be recycled on Wednesdays by special appointment: https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/metalpickup

 

Disposal

This item may be considered waste and placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" and "Recycle" will avoid it going to a landfill or incinerator.

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