(To view and print the business recycling brochure, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader  from Adobe Systems.  This software is free and you may download it here.)

Welcome to Westchester County’s link on Business Recycling and Waste Reduction, to provide local businesses, institutions and school districts with basic information on how to set up an effective recycling program, save money, and comply with the law. 

Recycling as a Way of Life for Business:  The Westchester County Source Separation Law requires all businesses, institutions, and school districts in Westchester to separate recyclables from their trash. 

Potential $avings :  The majority of office waste is paper.  By separating paper from the trash, your organization may save money in two ways--(1) reduced collection costs for paper items, and (2) reduced costs for garbage collection due to the decreased amount of garbage to be collected. 

These matters will need to be negotiated with your hauler.  (If you do not ask about $avings, it is unlikely that your hauler will bring it up!) 

Assistance Available:  Call the Westchester County Recycling Office at (914) 813-5420 for assistance in setting up an effective recycling and waste reduction program.  The Recycling Office can provide technical advice, as well as informational handouts and stickers to place on containers for recyclables, all free of charge.  Also call for a free copy of “The Bottom Line:  A Guide to Waste Reduction for New York State Businesses.” 

Getting Started
  Designate a Program Coordinator to act as liaison between management, employees and your hauler or market.

  Analyze your trash & contact your hauler – A typical office will generate half a pound of paper per employee each day.

  Market your recyclables – Each market has its own requirements that must be met for material to be recycled.  Ask your market or your hauler how you should prepare your recyclables before you set up a program.

  Develop an internal collection system to encourage participation and make recycling convenient.

  Organize an employee education program to sustain employee participation and keep them informed.

What To Recycle:
Office paper – white and colored
Newsprint
Boxes of corrugated cardboard
Magazines and catalogs
Junk mail and envelopes
Aluminum (cans and clean foil)
Metal cans
Glass bottles and jars
Plastics (coded #1 and #2)

What To Do With Old Computer Equipment:  Donate working computers and components to not-for-profit agencies or schools.  For a list of organizations, visit Westchester Access.  For information about the proper disposal and recycling of non-working or obsolete computers and equipment, call the County Recycling Help Line at (914) 813-5420.

Get Or Give Away Used But Usable Items:  Whether giving away or looking for a used computer, office furniture, office equipment and supplies, visit Treasure Hunt.