Student Tribune
Green Tip: Recycle Right - Know before you Throw!
What is and is not accepted for recycling differs throughout New York State
depending on where you live. It is important to know what can be recycled and
to avoid “wishcycling.” Placing items that cannot be recycled in
your recycling bin leads to contamination which lowers the value of
recyclables. A great resource for learning how and what to recycle can be found
on the Recycle Right New
York website which has the NYS RECYCLOPEDIA, a search tool and guide that
provides reduction, reuse, and recycling instructions for more than 300 common
household items. Monroe County residents should refer to Ecopark guidelines.
Did you know?
Not all paper is recyclable. Receipts are one of those paper items that
do not belong in your recycling bin! This is because most
receipts are made with thermal paper containing chemical compounds that affect
their ability to be made into new products. The best way to dispose of receipts
is in the trash, but if you’re able to, next time skip the slip and ask
for a digital receipt. #KnowBeforeYouThrow #SkiptheSlip
Single use plastics (k-cups, straws, plastic utensils, cups/solo cups) are
not recyclable! Due to their small size and diversity of plastic resin types,
these materials cannot be properly sorted at the recycling plant. These items
should always be disposed of in the trash. Consider purchasing/using reusable
items instead to reduce waste!
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee
12/10/2021