COMMERCIAL RECYCLING IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

(A Guide to Recycling for Businesses in Dutchess County)

WHY SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS RECYCLE?

As of July 1, 1991 all businesses are required by law to begin recycling.
Recycling conserves valuable natural resources and reduces pollution from manufacturing processes.
Recycling also helps to control the need to expand or create new solid waste disposal facilities.

WHAT MUST BE RECYCLED IN DUTCHESS COUNTY?

Under Dutchess County's Mandatory Recycling Law, the following materials are required to be kept separate from trash:

Office paper - copy paper, stationery, computer paper, ledger

Newspaper

Corrugated cardboard

Glass bottles & jars - clear, brown & green colored

Metal cans - tin/bi-metal/aluminum

Aluminum pie plates and foil

P.E.T.E. and H.D.P.E. plastic containers - except automotive product containers

Major appliances, tires, yard debris

Other wastes such as wood pallets, scrap metal and waste oil can also be recycled.  Contact DCRRA for market lists if your carter cannot handle additional materials.

WHERE TO START?

1.  Contact the carting company that collects your trash.
If you do not deal directly with the carting company, contact your landlord, manager or cleaning service.
The law requires those companies that collect trash to also collect the required recyclable materials.
Your carter can tell you when and how they will collect your recyclables and how to prepare these materials for collection.
In most cases bottles, cans and aluminum products can be mixed together in one recycling container.
Paper and corrugated cardboard should be kept separate from bottles and cans and should be stored someplace clean and dry.
2.  Look in the trash cans.
Determine what types of recyclable materials are being generated by your business.  You may not be generating all materials on the list of required recyclables.  In addition you may find you are throwing away recyclable items not included in the law.
3.  Set up a collection system for within your business.

You will need to figure out how recyclables will get from the point of generation
(i.e. desks, cafeteria) to the storage area for pickup by the carting company.
Separate containers for recyclables should be specifically designated to minimize contamination of recyclables by trash.
Recycling containers should be clearly marked and visually different from trash containers (i.e. size or color) to encourage employees to participate.
It is important to include custodial staff or cleaning services in any planning discussions so that the collection of recyclables from within the business is compatible with the current trash collection system.
4.  Educate employees.
For recycling to work, everyone must participate.  Employees should be given specific information on what is acceptable for recycling; where recycling containers are to be located; when materials will be collected; and how recyclable materials will be collected (will they be required to empty their own recycling containers or will recycling containers be emptied by custodial/cleaning staff).
Let employees know well in advance that recycling will be starting.  Place signs in visible locations and send notices/memos announcing the start up date.
5.  Technical assistance is available.
The Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency has a Commercial Recycling Guide book available to help businesses through the details of developing a recycling program.

Call DCRRA at (845) 463-6020

WHO CAN MARKET RECYCLABLES?

The Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency operates a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) which separates, processes, and markets all glass bottles and jars, metal cans, aluminum products and and plastic containers.  Bottles and cans must be delivered to the MRF.
All other recyclables including office paper, newspaper, and corrugated cardboard can be marketed to any appropriate market.
Check with DCRRA for market lists.

HOW WILL MY BUSINESS BENEFIT FROM RECYCLING?

The benefits of recycling may not be seen immediately.  Developing the infrastructure to collect, process, and market recyclables has taken an initial investment on the part of Dutchess County and the private trash collection industry.
The benefits of recycling will be realized through a cleaner and safer environment.
Recycling is one way for businesses to contribute to a better community.

For more information about commercial recycling,
 call us at (845) 463-6020 or email us: