Let me tell you a story…The story of a city that’s been at the helm of environmental activism from time immemorial. When the world had not even heard of ‘recycling’, this city was well on its way to make the practice mandatory for its residents.
If you still haven’t guessed, I am talking about New York City – the Big Apple, the Melting Pot, the Capital of the World, the Center of the Universe, or just our good ol’ NYC! Way back in 1895, the then city Commissioner George Waring mandated recycling by directing residents to separate household waste into food, rubbish, and ash.
(Source: nyc.gov)
Cut to 2011 – NYC added yet another feather to its sustainability cap with the opening of a new state-of-the-art 100,000 square feet material recovery facility. A collaborative effort between the City of New York and private recycler Sims Metal Management, the facility receives collections from Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens and is designed to help the air quality in the city as well as reduce its carbon footprint.
Several things happened in between that made NYC a shining example of green living!
Recycling initiatives of NYC
As history is our witness, recycling is a big deal in NYC. In fact, it’s such a big deal that the City of New York has set a record of sorts in the number of recycling programs it has.
The Department of Sanitation New York City, which is responsible for refuse and recycling collection, runs several programs such as curbside collection, containerized collection, school night truck collections, bulk metal recycling, tire disposal, special waste sites, leaf and Christmas tree collection, and chlorofluorocarbon (C.F.C.) evacuation.
The Department has an exhaustive list of regulations separately for recycling at home, schools, businesses, and agencies & institutions. Recycling is also mandatory at all street events in NYC be it block parties or street fairs.
Public space recycling is another one of NYC’s initiatives that reflect its commitment towards a cleaner and greener self. It is also an effective way to communicate to those who live, work, and visit the city that New York takes recycling seriously.
The city also has a Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling (BWPRR), which is focused on encouraging New Yorkers to live by the principle of three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The agency is responsible for marketing recyclables to New Yorkers and conducting public education and awareness drives about recycling, composting, and waste prevention.
(Source: greeninbklyn.com)
Additionally, the city has a provision for recycling items that are not accepted through its recycling program. Called Take it Back NYC, it involves mandatory recycling of items such as auto batteries, cell phones, electronics, motor oil, etc. and voluntary recycling of items like clothing, lights, thermostats, etc. through retailers and/or manufacturers
Besides, NYC is dotted by several private recyclers spread across various parts of the city. For example, one of the leading private recyclers in the city is Sims Metal Management, which has facilities in various locations including Bronx – Edgewater, Ferndale, Queens, and Frankfort.
These private recyclers accept a range of products from customers. While Sims Metal Management specializes in electronic and scrap metal recycling at its Queen, NYrecycling center and as well as other facilities, there are a number of niche scrap yards in the city where customers can sell their recyclables.
Whether its e-waste or metal recycling in Long Island city (or any other part of NYC), these private recyclers make it easier as well as profitable for New Yorkers to recycle.
Last, but not the least, there’s always the option of donating stuff. There are several non-profit organizations in NYC that accept used items from residents. And it seems New Yorkers are blessed with a big heart. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, New York was one of the top 5 states in terms of charitable contributions in 2011.
So, what do you think? Can every city make their recycling program a success? Would love to hear your thoughts! Certainly, NYC is to be applauded for its recycling efforts and there’s a lesson each one of us can take home. Be inspired to recycle!