When you no longer have a use for an item, and it cannot be reused by you or someone else – it is time to recycle it.  Recycling involves producing new products from materials found in used products. 

Sometimes a nearly identical new product can be made from recycled material – recycled aluminum cans are reprocessed into aluminum cans. 

Other times, the process of recycling degrades a material.  For example, recycled office paper is reprocessed into cardboard or insulation because the paper fibers are shortened in the recycling process.

No matter the final product, it is always preferable to recycle materials rather than send them to a landfill.

Curbside Recycling 

Electronics Recycling

Plastic bags can be recycled at any store that distributes them (state law requires collection bins in stores that provide plastic bags).  Materials that can be recycled include plastic shopping bags, food storage bags (cut off the “zippers”), dry cleaning bags, plastic film, and other items of this type.  Be sure they are clean and don’t have any paper or other “contaminates” in them.

Rechargeable Batteries - click here, enter your zip code to find out were you can recycle your used rechargeable batteries.   Rechargeable batteries can be returned to stores that sell them. 

Antifreeze (coolant) is accepted by some radiator service centers for a small fee.  Call to inquire.

Car Batteries can be returned to service stations or retailers where they are sold.  State law requires a $5.00 surcharge for auto batteries purchased without a return; surcharges are refunded if old batteries are returned within 30 days.  Metal scrap dealers may also accept car batteries.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs can be taken to selected retailers for recycling.  NYSERDA lists businesses in our area who accept them.  Other fluorescent bulbs should be disposed of through the household hazardous waste collection program.

Gas and Propane Cylinders (20lbs, grill size) are refillable, or can be returned to propane distributors,
there may be a small fee.  Camping stove cylinders should be disposed of through the household hazardous waste collection program.

Household Batteries (alkaline type) can be safely thrown in the trash; companies have revised their manufacturing process to eliminate the use of mercury. 

Silver oxide button batteries are accepted at many jewelry and camera stores.

Motor oil can be returned to any service station or retailer that sells it. 

Packaging foam (white expanded polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam) used to package appliances and large items can be recycled at Shelter Enterprises in Cohoes.  Call ahead to arrange drop off, 237-4100 x16.  Small items made of Styrofoam, such as cups, cannot be recycled.

        Waste Reduction      Re-buy     Reuse     Curbside Recycling    Electronics Recycling  

Compost / Organics Recycling   Household Hazardous Waste Disposal    Learn more

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