Recyclopedia
What and Where Can I Recycle?
Introducing a new feature to help you find how to
Reuse and Recycle hundreds of items. We hope Recyclopedia will help you recycle more!
Envelopes and Letters
Reduce/Reuse
Recycle
These can be placed in paper and cardboard recycling bin. Envelopes with plastic windows are OK to recycle.
Disposal
Please recycle.
Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, home gyms, ellipticals, stair climbers, rowers, stationary bikes, barbells
Recycle
Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup. Make an appointment for pickup here:
Disposal
Depending on what the equipment is, it may be placed at the curb for pickup on a regular trash day. Please reuse or recycle if possible to avoid having it discarded into a landfill.
Expanded Polystyrene (Known as Styrofoam, a Dow Product) Peanuts
Styrofoam is a brand name (Dow trademark) for expanded polystyrene (EPS). When plastic is expanded, air is injected into the resin to create foam. This air can't be removed, so it's technically impossible to "recycle" Styrofoam (because you can't turn it back into regular polystyrene). But it can be shredded into flakes to make new EPS, which is essentially reusing it. Because it's usually cheaper to manufacturer new EPS from virgin plastic, the recycling market is limited. Dart is one of the largest US EPS "recyclers." Click here to visit their website.
Reduce/Reuse
Recycle
Expanded polystyrene peanuts and bubble wrap are accepted at UPS Stores for recycling. (This program was put on hold during the pandemic.)
Disposal
This item is waste and can be placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Expanded Polystyrene (Known as Styrofoam, a Dow Product), Packaging
Reduce/Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item. When you have a choice, please purchase items that are not packaged in Styrofoam.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for packaging made of expanded polystyrene (known as Styrofoam, a Dow product.)
The exception is expanded polystyrene peanuts which are accepted at UPS Stores for recycling.
Disposal
Styrofoam trays and packaging are not accepted yet for recycling. Even though many expanded polystyrene products now have recycling numbers (#6) on them, they cannot be recycled. Place these items with waste for pickup.
When you have a choice, please purchase items that are not packaged in Styrofoam.
Eyeglasses
Reuse
Lions Club International - The Recycle for Sight program has collection boxes in the area. You may also check with your ophthalmologist or optometrist's office to see if there is a collection box in the office.
Recycle
LensCrafters has the Gift of Sight program. Just drop off your eyeglasses to LensCrafters and they will reuse the eyeglasses or recycle them.
Disposal
This item can be placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" and "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Fax Machines
This is e-waste.
Reuse
If your equipment is in working condition, National Cristina Foundation facilitates donation of computer equipment to organizations serving the disadvantaged.
Recycle
This is electronic waste. E-waste can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup. Make an appointment for pickup here:Disposal
Please recycle.
Fiberglass Insulation
This material is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item.
Disposal
Fiberglass insulation is accepted at Westchester County's Hazardous Materials Recovery Facility. H-MRF is located on the Grasslands Campus: 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...
Fire Extinguishers
Your disposal options vary depending on the type of extinguisher.
This item contains hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Reusable extinguishers are metal all-purpose "ABC" type extinguishers, with a metal valve. Please contact AAA Emergency Supply Co. regarding recharging or disposal. Click here to visit their website, or call (914) 949-0512.
Recycle
Metal extinguishers with plastic valves are usually not rechargeable. This type can be recycled with metals if fully discharged and the plastic valve is broken off. They are to be disposed of with scrap metals. Scrap metal can be recycled curbside by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup. Make an appointment for pickup here:
Disposal
Old models no longer in use, such as stainless steel and brass soda acid extinguishers, should not be placed with waste or recycled with metals. Contact AAA Emergency Supply Co. regarding safe disposal.
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...
Flag, American
Do not discard flags with waste. Federal law prescribes proper flag etiquette and disposal. See instructions below.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item.
Disposal
Federal Law, 4 U.S.C. Section 8(k), states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
This process is called a flag retirement. Please send an email to scoutmaster@troop28croton.org to request that the flag be retired. Croton Boy Scout Troop 28 will retire the flag responsibly.
Flammable Liquids (Kerosene, Turpentine, Butane)
This material is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item
Disposal
Westchester County's Hazardous Materials Recovery Facility is located on the Grasslands Campus: 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...