• glass (jars and bottles of clear, green or amber color, used to store food or beverages)
• metal containers (for food and beverages)
• plastic containers (coded 1 and 2)
• yard waste (for fall leaves only)
• cardboard (e.g. tissue boxes)
• other items currently required under the original recycling law enacted in 1992-- corrugated cardboard, newsprint and high-grade office paper and bulk metals (e.g. large fixtures and appliances), vehicle batteries and used motor oil.

Large non-residential waste generators are those who "own a building or buildings commonly containing more than 100 employees, patients or students during a 24-hour period." Examples are businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, colleges, governments, department stores, shopping centers, restaurants and hotels. All members of this category are required to have an on-site recycling program.

The amended Source Separation Law, which took effect Dec. 10, 2008, also requires all large non-residential waste generators to provide a solid waste disposal plan, which includes details of the past year’s recycling practices. Starting this year, plans must be submitted online - no paper submissions will be accepted - and updated every three years. You may view or download and print the form so you can assemble the information required and have it ready to input into the online system. The deadline for submitting your business' or institution's plan has been extended to April 30, 2009.

The Recycling Office provides technical assistance and educational materials to help set up programs and promote recycling to employees. Read the Getting Down to Business: Recycling and Waste Reduction in the Office brochure to learn how to separate recyclables from garbage. Recycling bin labels, in English and Spanish for paper bins and a combined English and Spanish label for commingled (cans and bottles) bins, are available by request. Recycling graphics are also available free online.

A guide for residents -- the Quick Recycling Guide  -- is available in English as well as Spanish.

Businesses and schools can assess their own recycling programs to make sure they're recycling all that they can and as effectively as they can. These forms will guide you through your self-assessment: school self-audit and businesses self-audit. This video (05:41 min.) on understanding source separation will guide you in assessing your recycling program. You can also view an instructional video designed to educate and inform Westchester county employees on proper office recycling practices.

Send an e-mail to Matt Anderson if your school would like to get a copy of the video on recycling (in DVD format) while supplies last.

Your compliance with this law is mandatory. If you have any questions, please call 2-1-1.