In New York City, there are some recycling programs that are mandatory and some that are voluntary. Recycling has evolved over the years and like anything else, it changes and improves. During the pandemic, the organic recycling program was halted due to Department of Sanitation constraints. As of this writing, some neighborhoods have been able to get their organic recycling back, but not all.
Paper, cartons & cardboard:
Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper
Food and beverage cartons
Pizza boxes, egg cartons, corrugated cardboard boxes
Food and beverage cartons
Pizza boxes, egg cartons, corrugated cardboard boxes
Organics Recycling:
Food scraps and yard waste can be recycled and used to create compost and renewable energy.
Metals, glass and hard plastics:
Metal cans, aluminum foil, metal caps and lids
Glass bottles, glass jars
Plastic containers
Glass bottles, glass jars
Plastic containers
refashionNYC:
Used clothing, materials and fabrics are recycled through this program that either donates it to Goodwill or reuses it as insulation or furniture fillers.
E-cycling:
Computers, printers, TVs
The city has published guidelines for setting up recycling areas in apartment buildings as well as a list of recyclable and non-recyclable refuse