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!
 

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Categories

 

Audio Cassettes

Reuse

Barter, sell or donate.

Recycle

Greendisk- (800) 305-3475 
Greendisk takes all forms of electronic media and their cases. They call it technotrash. The technotrash is cleaned, degaussed, erased and otherwise cleansed of any information. Greendisk reuses what it can and resells it, or recycles what cannot be reused. For a full menu of services, technotrash they accept, and fees, go to the website. https://www.greendisk.com/gdsite/default.aspx

 

Disposal

May be placed with trash.

Bags, Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

Reuse in waste baskets, if clean.

You can reduce the need for plastic bags by carrying reusable ones.

Recycle

Recycle all bags (even if they do not have numbers). All supermarkets, CVS, Target, and some other stores will accept plastic bags for recycling.  (The preferred method is to place all recyclable plastic bags into one bag, and tie it at the top to keep all the bags inside.)  ShopRite has a collection bin out front.

Examples of plastic bags that can be recycled at these drop-off centers include bags for: Retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread, dry cleaning bags, zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry.)  Also product wrap on cases of bottles, paper towels, napkins, bathroom tissue, diapers, sanitary products, etc.

Any plastic film packaging or bag that has the How2Recycle Label shown at right

Disposal

Please recycle unless soiled.

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.

Bottles, Plastic (Clear, Colored, Opaque, Water, Salad Dressing, Soda, Juice, Shampoo)

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

All plastics #1-7 can be put in mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty. Plastic tops can also be recycled.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Bottles, salad dressing

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

You can recycle plastics numbered #1-7. Place in the mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty. Plastic tops can also be recycled.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Brita Water Filters

Reuse

 

Recycle

Brita water filters are #5 plastic. You may recycle.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Bubble Wrap

Reduce/Reuse

Bubble wrap can be saved for reuse in personal shipping protection.

Recycle

Bubble wrap is accepted by the ShopRite bin for plastic bag and other plastic film recycling.

Disposal

Please recycle if possible.

Candy Wrappers

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

Currently this item cannot be recycled.

Disposal

Place with waste.

Caps, Bottle (Plastic, Metal)

Reuse

Please recycle.

Recycle

Recycle in the mixed bin.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Cellophane

Reduce/Reuse

Recycle

Currently there is no recycle option available for this item.

Disposal

Place with waste.

Clothes hangers, plastic

Reduce/Reuse

At checkout, decline hangers if you do not need more of them.  

Donate to a thrift shop.

Recycle

There is currently no recycle option for this item.

Disposal

Place with waste.

Crocs

Reduce/Reuse

Many Crocs distributors accept gently used Crocs back for donation. The Crocs website will direct you to locations that accept donations. Crocs forwards the shoes on to Soles4Souls.

You can donate your Crocs directly to Soles4Souls which collects shoes and distributes them to people in need all over the US and the world.  There is a drop-off site at Designer Shoe Warehouse in Cortlandt Town Center, 3091 E. Main Street, Mohegan Lake.  Bring shoes up to the cashier in the store to donate. (Phone: 914-529-7001)  The East Coast mail-in center is located at c/o ADS Logistics, LP, 23 Mack Drive, Edison, N.J. 08817.

 

Recycle

There is currently no recycle option for this item.

Disposal

This item may be considered waste and placed for pickup.

Cups, Expanded Polystyrene (Known As Styrofoam, a Dow Product)

Some haulers pick up polystyrene but it does not get recycled.

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item, which is a good reason to reduce the number used.

Disposal

Place with trash.

Cups, Plastic

Much plastic ware, including cups, can be recycled.

Reduce/Reuse

Some plastic cups can be washed and reused.

Recycle

You can recycle numbered (#1-7) plastic. All must be rinsed and placed in the mixed recycling bin.

Disposal

If not numbered (#1-7), place with waste.

Dry Cleaning Bags, Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.  Many dry cleaners will provide re-useable bags on request.

Recycle

Dry cleaning bags cannot be recycled with your commingled recycling. These bags can be recycled if clean and dry at the plastic bag recycling container at CVS or ShopRite. New York State law requires these stores to have recycling containers for plastic bags.

Many dry cleaners will accept their bags for recycling. Ask your dry cleaner for details.

 

Disposal

Please recycle.

Ice Cream Containers (cardboard)

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

These can be rinsed and placed in the red bin with mixed recycling (not with paper and cardboard.)  This is to keep the paper and cardboard dry and clean.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Jars, Mayonnaise

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

You may place glass or plastics #1 - 7 in mixed recycling bin. Must be empty and clean. Covers can also be recycled.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Juice and Milk Cartons

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

All milk and juice cartons should be put in the mixed recycling bin.  The cap can be recycled too. Rinse first.  These cartons are NOT put with paper and cardboard in order to keep those materials as dry as possible.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Newspaper Bags, Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

All grocery bags and similar plastic film may be recycled at a store location near you with a collection box near the entrance. Click here to find a location and learn what can be recycled there. ShopRite collects and recycles plastic bags.

Plastic bags cannot be recycled curbside.

 

Disposal

Please recycle.

Peanut Butter Jars, Glass / Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

You can recycle glass and plastics numbered #1-7.  Please wash the jar well.  It must be empty and clean. Plastic tops can also be recycled.  Place in the mixed recycling bin.

Disposal

Please clean and recycle.

Pill Bottles, Empty

Reuse

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

Recycle

Plastics #1-7 are recycled using the mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty. Remove labels for privacy.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

There are a variety of reuse options for different plastics.  If possible, give your plastic containers a second life.

Recycle

Plastics #1-7 are recycled in the mixed bin.  They must be clean and dry.

Plastic bags and other kinds of plastic film can be dropped off in the collection bin in front of ShopRite if clean, dry and free of receipts.  The category of plastic film includes:.

Plastic shopping bags

Product overwrap

newspaper bags

bread bags

food storage bags

produce bags

Zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry)

Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labels),

bubble wrap

air pillows (deflated)

Product wrap on cases of water/soda bottles, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, bathroom tissue, diapers, and female sanitary products

Furniture and electronic wrap

dry cleaning bags

Plastic cereal box liners (but if it tears like paper, do not include)

Recyclable plastic film does NOT include shrink wrap or saran wrap.

Disposal

Please recycle whenever possible.

Plastic Bottle Caps

Reuse

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

Recycle

Can be recycled in mixed bin.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Plastic Plates, Cups, Bowls, Cutlery

Reduce/Reuse

Consider washing and re-using when possible.

Recycle

If #1-7, put in mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty.  Plastics without a number cannot be recycled.

 

Disposal

Please recycle if possible.

Some of these products are made of bioplastics, and you will find that noted somewhere on the product.  It usually will say it is biodegradable.  Bioplastics can be composted, but they need the high heat of an industrial composting facility in order to break down quickly.  They cannot be recycled.  You can try composting them, or place with waste.

Plastic Six-Pack Rings

Reduce/Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.  Avoid them if possible.

Recycle

Place in mixed bin.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Plastic Wrap (Electronics, other large purchases)

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

Plastic wrap for commercial products is accepted in recycling bins for plastic bags and other plastic film.  There is a collection bin for plastic bags and film in front of ShopRite.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Plastic Wrap (Paper Towel / Toilet Paper)

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

Protective plastic film that encloses products can be recycled along with plastic bags.  All supermarkets are required to collect and recycle these kinds of plastic. There is a collection bin for plastic bags and film in front of ShopRite.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Plastic Wrap (Saran Wrap)

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

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

Disposal

Place with waste.

Produce Bags (Plastic)

Reduce/Reuse

Produce bags can be kept and reused for household storage purposes.

Recycle

Plastic bags cannot be put in the recycling bin.  However, all supermarkets will accept plastic bags for recycling.  ShopRite has a collection bin outside the front door.   Click here to find other locations.

 

 

Disposal

Please reuse or recycle if possible.

Pudding Cups

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

Plastics #1-7 go in the mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Pumps, Plastic Bottle

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

Although they are not numbered, pumps from plastic spray bottles may be recycled in the mixed recycling bin. Must be clean and empty.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Pyrex

Reuse

If usable, consider donating to:

Recycle

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

Disposal

Pyrex cannot be recycled. The very reason it is so durable is the reason it cannot be recycled. It does not melt at the same temperature as regular glass. Place with waste.

Rigid Plastics

Reduce/Reuse

Reusable items, such as toys, in good condition may be donated.

As you make purchasing choices, bear in mind that rigid plastics generally cannot be recycled.

Recycle

Currently, there is no recycling option for rigid plastic items with no number.  Only plastics #1-7 can be recycled.

Disposal

Place with trash.

Saran Wrap

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

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

Disposal

Place with waste.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles

Reduce/Reuse

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

Recycle

Plastics #1-7 can be put in mixed recycling bin.  Containers should be empty and clean.  Tops can also be recycled.

Disposal

Please recycle if possible.

Sharps (Hypodermic Needles / Insulin Lancets)

This is hazardous medical waste and must be specially disposed of in appropriate biohazard containers. It cannot be placed with trash for pickup.

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

This item cannot be recycled.

Disposal

New York State Law requires hospitals and nursing homes to accept "sharps" from the community and dispose of them. The hospital or nursing home may require you to register for this service. They may also require you to use their containers. Hospitals and nursing homes may pass on the cost of sharps containers, but cannot charge for the collection or disposal or sharps.  

Shopping Bags (Plastic)

Reduce/Reuse

Bring your reuseable bags and reduce the number of plastic bags. Reuse in waste baskets, or for food storage.

Recycle

All plastic bags may be recycled, but not in recycling bins. Supermarkets, CVS, Target, and some other stores will accept plastic bags for recycling.  The Croton ShopRite has a dropoff bin in front of the store for plastic bags.

Do not put plastic bags in recycling bins.  They can get tangled in the machinery at Westchester's recycling transfer station.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Soy, Rice, Almond, Hemp Milk Cartons

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

All soy, rice, almond, and hemp milk cartons (aseptic packages) should be rinsed and placed in the mixed recycling bin.  They are not placed with paper and cardboard in order to keep the items in the paper/cardboard bin dry. The caps can also be recycled.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Spray Bottles

Reduce/Reuse

  • Reduce the number by re-filling your bottles from a larger container.

Recycle

Please recycle plastics numbered #1-7. Place with mixed recycling. Must be clean and empty. Plastic tops can also be recycled.  If the plastic item does not have a number, the Village cannot recycle it.

Disposal

Please recycle.

Straws

Reduce/Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item, but it is simple to reduce the number used.

Recycle

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

Disposal

Place with trash.

Take Out Food Containers

Reduce/Reuse

Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.  Many restaurants allow you to bring your own containers.

Recycle

If plastic or aluminum, clean it and put it in the mixed recycling bin.  All containers must be empty and clean.  If styrofoam, it cannot be recycled.

Disposal

If it cannot be cleaned, put it in the garbage.    If it is biodegradable, put it in the compost or in the garbage.  Many biodegradable containers are meant to be composted in industrial-scale facilities and will be slow to decompose in a home compost heap.

Tarp, Plastic

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

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

Disposal

Place with waste.

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.

Toys

Reduce/Reuse

SAFE (not-for-profit) will accept gently used stuffed animals, toys, children's books, and baby blankets that are clean and in good condition. SAFE cleans the stuffed animals and toys, and delivers them to children in emergency situations or donates them to other children's organizations, military organizations, libraries, and nursing homes. This is a mail in program. Click here to visit their website for more information and links to other organizations that accept stuffed animals.

Recycle

Most toys are not recyclable.

Disposal

Can be disposed of as waste.

Tyvek, House wrap

Reuse

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

Recycle

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

Disposal

Place with waste. This is not recyclable. Large quantities are considered construction/demolition debris and must be disposed of by your contractor.

Yogurt Containers

Reduce/Reuse

 

Recycle

All plastic containers #1-7 can be rinsed and placed in the mixed recycling bin. Aluminum tops should be removed, rinsed, and placed in the mixed recycling bin as well.

Disposal

Please recycle.

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