Mostly, aluminum cans are redeemed through New York's Bottle Bill. Meaning when you purchased soda, seltzer, or alcohol in an aluminum can, you paid a 5-cent deposit. This deposit was set up as an incentive to get citizens to pick up litter.
Nowadays, we have many other beverages in aluminum cans that are not redeemable, but they are still recyclable and should be placed in curbside recycling.
If you choose to redeem the deposit, you can take most cans to stores that have recycling machines. However, these store machines do not have to accept brands they do not sell.
Another option is to go to a local redemption center. These typically are locally owned and can count cans while you wait. Large amounts are best dropped off and returned for later. Many of the centers have arrangements that allow you to donate the deposit you would have received to local organizations, school groups, libraries, etc.
If you are not concerned about receiving your deposit back, you can simply put it into your curbside recycling.
Aerosol cans can be recycled as long as they are completely empty. Please remove all products from these items before recycling them.
Live Ammunition should never be thrown away as waste as they are a hazard. Options for discard include calling local police for collection, calling a local gun shop for possible drop-off, donating it to a local fish and game club, or taking it to a local shooting range for disposal.
Plastic shotgun shells can be reloaded 2, maybe 3 times, but since they are plastic, it's less desirable. When done reusing these shells, put them in the trash. Empty shell casings should not be left as litter.
Shells for rifles and handguns are often reusable many times. Additionally, the metal in the casing is a desired metal for recycling.
If your shooting range does not have a collection system available for either type of ammunition, offer buckets with lids for each type of shell casing.
Antifreeze should never be disposed of in the trash as it contains harmful chemicals. This product can be dropped off at any North Country household hazardous waste event for free.
Appliances such as freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, water coolers, or dehumidifiers cannot be discarded or recycled without the removal of refrigerants (CFC/Freon). After that is accomplished, it can go to scrap metal recycling.
Large appliances that do not contain refrigerants such as ovens, washers, and dryers can be placed out as scrap metal recycling.
Alternatively, look for a manufacturer, retailer, or utility company program to recycle old appliances. If you are replacing an appliance, often the store will accept your old appliance as part of the service. Ask in advance if this is true.
Removal of Hinges on Discarded Refrigerators: A person who discards a refrigerator must remove the locking device or hinges from the refrigerator before placing it out for collection. This is not as important as it was in the past, but safety is no accident.
Asbestos is a product contained in naturally occurring silicate minerals. It can be made into products that are fire-resistant, sound-proof, and insulators of various materials. When made into these items, asbestos is highly toxic. Therefore, asbestos should never be thrown away as garbage. Depending on the type of asbestos, there are different requirements for disposal.
- Friable Asbestos: If the product can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder, it is friable. This is the most dangerous kind of asbestos as the particles can get into the air. This material must be handled by professionals and must be taken directly to a landfill with a 24-hour prior notice for preparation.
- Non-friable Asbestos: If the product cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder, it is non-friable. This asbestos is handled as construction and demolition debris and can be thrown away as trash if properly documented.
Proper disposal of batteries depends on the type. Below is a list of battery types and disposal methods:
- Single-Use Batteries = Take them to a county transfer station and dispose of them in the designated container. These batteries include alkaline, AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 volts. *Jefferson County is no longer accepting single-use batteries at its transfer stations.
- Rechargeable Batteries = According to the law, manufacturers of rechargeable batteries have to take back (for FREE) up to ten batteries per day from any customer for sustainable disposal. Categories of recyclable batteries include nickel-cadmium, sealed lead, lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride, any dry cell battery capable of being charged, and battery packs.
- Automotive Batteries = Since it is illegal to dispose of these lead acid batteries as waste, retailers that sell these batteries are required to accept customer batteries for recycling.
To find a battery recycling location near you, click here.
Bicycles, bikes, tricycles, scooters, and other human-powered vehicles often have second and third lives after their original owner.
Bikes designed for kids tend to have little resale value but are sought after by parents looking for bargains. They make great gifts to kids in the neighborhood.
Adult bikes in all their incarnations are of value. When a bicycle, trike, or scooter has been stored and maintained, they can earn a respectable price in the secondary markets. The lower the price, the faster they sell.
When acquiring a used bike, check tires, shifters, and brakes. These often need a tune-up or parts replacement. Most bikes are useful for years unless the frame is split, cracked, or bent. This is easy to overlook. When scrapping a bike, pull the seats and pedals, maybe the tires, but scrap metal the rest at a transfer site.
Learning how to maintain a bike or having it serviced can extend a bike's life indefinitely. A bike can last 20+ years if not a lifetime.
Looking for a side hustle? Bike mechanics are always in need.
Both hardcover and softcover books are recyclable but require different methods.
- Hardcover Books = The covers of these books must be removed as they are not recyclable. This can be done by cutting the paper out of the book for recycling. Once the cover is removed, it can be placed in the trash for disposal.
- Softcover Books = These can be recycled completely without any alteration as it is comprised of mostly paper.
In a new initiative, the Development Authority of the North Country and the North Country Public Library System have formed a partnership in a North Country Book Recycling Effort. Libraries and certain transfer sites have bins for accepting used books. They will transfer the books accordingly to the North Country Library System to be processed. All the paper will be turned back into new paper products and possibly new books.
Bulky, rigid plastics are too large and are not compatible with recycling. They can be disposed of in the trash. Examples of these products include plastic bins, crates, buckets, toys, cases, trays, pallets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, pet carriers, and water jugs.
Cardboard Products are one of the five main categories of recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, paper, and plastic). Cardboard is considered a fiber product and is in high demand as a recyclable commodity. Most cardboard and fiber products are recycled domestically.
- Cardboard Products you can recycle: corrugated cardboard, lightweight cardboard (cereal & food boxes), pizza boxes, and food & beverage cartons
- Cardboard Products you cannot recycle (must be thrown away as trash): wax-coated cardboard, plastic-coated cardboard, metal-coated cardboard, and styrofoam
- Cardboard that is contaminated with food, paint, or oils is not recyclable.
- For example, a clean pizza box top could be torn off and recycled. The oily bottom could be trashed or composted.
Do you have a used car seat? Consult the used car seat checklist from the United States Department of Transportation
https://www.nhtsa.gov/car-seats-and-booster-seats/used-car-seat-safety-checklist
If you are ready to get rid of a car seat, it will need to be placed in the trash. They are not recyclable in our region.
Most cleaning products have toxic or hazardous chemicals in them, so they should never be disposed of in the trash. Instead, these products can be dropped off for free disposal at any North Country household hazardous waste event.
Some of these cleaning products include: ammonia cleaner, antibacterial cleaner, stain cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, floor cleaner, toilet cleaner, tarnish remover, appliance cleaner, and drain clog remover
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/cleaning.pdf
95% of Textiles can always be recycled as long as they are clean, dry, and odorless. Do not dispose of any good textiles as trash. Always consider reuse or donation before discarding. For more information on specific textiles you can recycle, click here. To find a North Country textile bin for disposal, view the map by clicking the button below.
Clothes hangers can be made out of metal or plastic. Metal clothes hangers cannot be put in your recycling bin, but can be recycled at any county or town transfer station as scrap metal. Plastic clothes hangers cannot be recycled as the plastics they are composed of are not compatible.
Cooking oil covers a wide variety of edible oils. It includes vegetables, peanuts, sunflowers, canola, and many more.
When using these oils in large amounts, you will have leftover oil. These oil typically can be used again, but eventually, you will want to use a fresh new oil.
This oil should never be flushed or poured down a drain. The outcome for septic systems or sewers would be detrimental.
Do not dump this on the land or compost. Cooking oil would be detrimental to your soil and would attract animals.
If you can find a local restaurant with a cooking oil collection unit, you may be able to use their service. Cooking oil is often used in biodiesel manufacturing.
If you want to get rid of the liquid cooking oil, let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a container with a secure lid and place it in the garbage.
Additionally, food grease and oily residue are not recyclable. Put them into common containers like cardboard milk cartons and or plastic tubs. Use what you got.
Often referred to as "C & D".
This is any waste resulting from construction, demolition, remodeling, and repairs. Some of these materials are flooring, bricks, concrete, asphalt, shingles, siding, drywall, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lumber, rock, and other building materials. The only materials of construction and demolition debris that can be recycled are clean lumber and scrap metal.
Individuals working on smaller residential projects may be able to repurpose or reuse materials onsite. Sinks, windows, and doors may have a second or third life if stored properly. If you have an opportunity to salvage from a new build or renovation, make sure you have permission first. Take appropriate actions to guarantee your safety from all hazards. Asbestos in old structures and falling hazards are both possible hazards on job sites.
Small projects can typically be brought to any North Country county transfer station for disposal at a fee. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here. If you are working with a quality contractor, they should know how to handle this waste.
Larger or commercial projects typically will have special waste disposal procedures. This is to protect workers and the environment from hazardous materials. Waste haulers and project engineers should be familiar with the required permits and testing for disposal. Consult www.danc.org for permits and information about special waste.
For more information, check with the NYSDEC.
Unwanted fuel such as diesel can be disposed of at Household Hazardous Waste events.
Diesel fuel and #2 fuel oil are virtually the same fuel in terms of chemical composition. The main difference lies in their intended use.
Never Pour Fuel Down the Drain or on the Ground! A few spilled drops of gasoline or diesel can contaminate large quantities of clean drinking water. It will harm the environment and could lead to a fire or explosion.
Fire codes allow homeowners to store up to 25 gallons in containers, which hold no more than five gallons each. Always store away from ignition sources, such as heat, sparks, or flames. Store away from your house in containers with approved labels and lids that prevent spillage
Diesel fuel can last 1 - 2 years if kept clean and free of contaminants. The other liquid fuels are often stable as long as they are kept safely stored. However, the flammability of these poses enough of a risk that homeowners should avoid storing them inside or for long periods of time.
Dishware can be made out of glass or plastic. Glass dishware is not recyclable, and should be disposed of as trash. Plastic dishware is generally not recyclable unless it has the recycling symbol, otherwise should be thrown away as trash. Ceramics are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash.
Driveway sealer is considered hazardous due to some of the chemicals it contains, so it should never be disposed of as trash. Thus, it can be dropped off for free at any North Country household hazardous waste event.
If you can find a neighbor who can use it, handing it off to them saves you time and them money.
Egg cartons can be made out of paperboard, plastic, or styrofoam.
- The Styrofoam egg carton cannot be recycled, thus it should be disposed of in the trash. If you buy eggs from a friend or roadside stand, they will often accept these cartons to use for their own egg packaging.
- Plastic egg cartons are fairly rare, but if they have a #1 - 5 on the container, they are recyclable.
- The paper or compressed fiber product egg cartons can be recycled, reused, or composted.
Since 2015, New York State has required electronic device recycling. Most types of electronic equipment can be dropped off conveniently at any North Country county or town transfer station. Examples include TVs, monitors, keyboards, mice, laptops, small servers, printers, tablets, mp3 devices, routers, fax machines, gaming consoles, and video recorders.
Fees may apply.
Electric power tools are not accepted for curbside recycling. Power tools along with power cords and rechargeable batteries can be recycled as e-waste. Your local transfer site typically has a place for these items. If the battery is what has gone dead, you can often buy replacement batteries online for a fraction of what a new toolset will cost.
Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition should never be put in the recycling bin or disposed of in the trash. Doing so could seriously injure employees who handle your recyclables or trash. Explosives are also not accepted at household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events and sites. Contact your local police department or fire department and ask how to safely dispose of explosive items in your community.
Explosives cannot be disposed of with hazardous waste because they have their own set of regulations. With the exception of fireworks, contact the police or fire department for further instructions.
Old eyeglasses can be recycled through donation at a local Lions Club or participating optometry centers (ask yours!). To find a Lions Club for eyeglass recycling near you, click here.
Often they will have drop boxes at pharmacies as well.
Depending on the type, most fire extinguishers contain powdered CO2. Other extinguishers may use water, halon, halon alternative clean agents, or dry or wet chemical. The bottom line is it’s just not safe to toss a charged fire extinguisher out with the trash. Also, fire extinguisher tanks contain compressed products, they should never be disposed of as trash due to the hazard.
To determine if the fire extinguisher is still good, consult the pressure gauge on the side. If it has pressure or shows it in an acceptable range, you should be set. For whatever reason you are disposing of the fire extinguisher, unless its extremely old or is no longer operational, you should be able to keep it around as a backup. In many parts of the North Country, fire departments will accept extinguishers for practice and training.
If you are leaving the area or emptying a house before new residents move in, we suggest leaving the fire extinguisher for the next people.
If you find an old empty tank, it can be recycled in the scrap metal bin at any North Country county or town transfer station or returned to the manufacturer for reuse/disposal long as they are completely empty.
To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
Used fireworks launchers and cardboard tubes can still be dangerous even after they have been lit! For everyone's safety, First, soak the fireworks in water for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, place them in a plastic bag so they do not dry out. The soaked, plastic-wrapped fireworks can then be placed in your garbage bin. Fireworks are not recyclable and should not be placed in your recycling bin.
Unspent fireworks should be handled as explosives.
Fluorescent lights (bulbs and tubes) are classified as hazardous waste as they contain small amounts of mercury. Thus, fluorescent lights should never be disposed of as trash. Instead, they can be dropped off for free at any North Country household hazardous waste event.
We are seeing a surge in the recycling of these light bulbs at HHW events. Many people are opting for LED bulbs. An ideal suggestion is to use fluorescent bulbs in rooms that are not frequently in use. Let the lifespan of that bulb run its course.
New light bulbs are great, but you probably still spent money on the lightbulbs you are now turning in. CFL (compact fluorescents still have energy-saving benefits).
Lastly, see if your neighbor wants some free lightbulbs.
Currently, there are no recycling avenues for furniture recycling in the North Country.
If they contain any recyclable parts, such as metal or clean lumber, they can be broken down and separated into recyclable and trash. Try reusing, repurposing, or refurbishing. Upcycling helps keep things out of landfills.
Otherwise, any furniture can be brought to any North Country County transfer station for disposal at a fee.
As with many things, a "free sign" on the edge of the road helps. However, keep it out of the rain and do not leave it long as your problem just gets worse.
When you bring home flower pots, trays, and other garden plastics home, these bulky rigid plastics are not recyclable. Oftentimes, these are made of black plastics which are not recyclable since they affect the coloring of the next product. Some pots can be held for the next year but may get weak over the winter. When in doubt, place them in the trash.
Big and heavy plastic bags that held compost, soil, or mulch are also not recyclable. They are contaminated with soil and are not meant to be reused. Place in the trash.
Cleaning up your garden plastics as soon as possible after planting helps prevent them from being blown around by the wind and becoming litter.
Unwanted fuel such as gasoline or diesel can be disposed at Household Hazardous Waste events.
Did you know there are 16 different types of liquid fuel? Gasoline, Diesel, Propane, and Kerosene are just a few examples.
Never Pour Fuel Down the Drain or on the Ground! A few spilled drops of gasoline or diesel can contaminate large quantities of clean drinking water. It will harm the environment and could lead to a fire or explosion.
Fire codes allow homeowners to store up to 25 gallons in containers, which hold no more than five gallons each. Always store away from ignition sources, such as heat, sparks or flames. Store away from your house in containers with approved labels and lids that prevent spillage
Gasoline and Diesel are liquid fuels that can last for 1 - 2 years if kept clean and free of contaminants. The other liquid fuels are often stable as long as they are kept safely stored. However, the flammability of these poses enough of a risk that homeowners should avoid storing them inside or for long periods of time.
Avoid putting old gas into your car, try using it in your gas-powered tools. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws all run on gasoline. Offer unwanted fuels to neighbors or landscapers working in your neighborhood. They may be happy to take it off your hands but make sure to disclose the fuel’s age.
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/gasoline.pdf
Since all gas and fuel tanks contain compressed products, they should never be disposed of as trash due to the hazard. The recycling ability of these tanks depends on the contents within them. Four kinds of these items with proper disposal are listed below:
- Fuel Oil & Gasoline Tanks = These tanks can be recycled for scrap metal or returned to the manufacturer for reuse/disposal long as they are completely empty. If there is separate remaining fuel, oil, or gasoline, this can be donated to almost any automotive shop for recycling.
- Helium Tanks = These tanks can be recycled for scrap metal or returned to the manufacturer for reuse/disposal long as they are completely empty.
- Propane Tanks = These tanks can be recycled for scrap metal or returned to the manufacturer for reuse/disposal long as they are completely empty.
- Oxygen Tanks = These tanks can be recycled for scrap metal or returned to the manufacturer for reuse/disposal long as they are completely empty.
To locate a North Country transfer station near you for scrap metal recycling, view the map by clicking here.
Garden hoses are not recyclable and should NOT be recycled at the curb. Items like garden hoses are called “Tanglers” and often get stuck in the machinery at the recycling center, leading to injuries or shutdowns so they can be removed. When garden hoses spring a leak, try to repair them. Your local hardware store has products to repair hoses. Look for creative ways to reuse them. Otherwise, they should be placed in the garbage. Cutting them into smaller pieces makes disposal easier for everyone.
Gas power tools are typically dismantled before being considered scrap. Power tools can also be given to a neighbor or donated if they are in good condition. Frequently you can find a new home for these items. There can no longer be any fuel or oil inside the tool before recycling.
If you think it still has life left in it, a roadside sign with a “Free” sign typically works.
Glass Products are one of the five main categories of recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, paper, and plastic). Glass is manufactured to high levels of quality. Due to different types of manufacturing and tempering, not all glass can be recycled.
- Glass Products you can recycle: green/brown/clear containers, canning jars, liquor & wine bottles, and food & beverage containers.
- Glass Products you cannot recycle (must be thrown away as trash): broken glass, drinking glasses, ovenware & ceramics, dishes, mirrors, window glass, and light bulbs.
- Glass beer, soda, seltzer, or water bottles have a 5-cent refundable deposit attached if properly labeled.
Leave grass on your yard after mowing. It builds up the essential organic matter. Sending it out with your garbage is the least favorable option.
Livestock would also enjoy your green grass. Ask permission before offering it to someone's animals.
If you use a bagger, find a corner of your property where you can let it decompose or add it to a compost bin.
Green waste is the waste that arises from landscaping or gardening work and generally consists of leaves, twigs, small branches, bushes, and grass. The waste is biodegradable which means that it can be broken down by natural processes.
Depending on where you live, different strategies are available to you. Click here to learn more: https://www.northcountryrecycles.org/Green-Waste
Both charcoal and gas grills are comprised of metals that can be scrapped for recycling. They can be brought to any North Country county or town transfer station to be recycled as scrap metal. Make sure that the fuel source is always disconnected before recycling. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
Hand tools can be reused, repurposed, and rejuvenated in the right hands. Ask neighbors or friends before tossing. They can not be recycled in your curbside recycling. They must be taken to a transfer site with a scrap metal unit. Hand tools include wrenches, axes, mauls, saws, hammers, wrenches, shovels, hoes, rakes, and many more. If it can not be rejuvenated, it is considered scrap metal.
These kiddie pools are not recyclable in our region. You can cut it into smaller pieces or bring it directly to a transfer site. Haulers will typically not pick this up curbside or in a dumpster.
In warm weather, you probably know someone who would love to have it. A "free sign" along the road tends to relocate pools quickly. Children of all ages will find a purpose for these pools.
Every industry has its own helmet needs, designs, and protocols.
Cyclist and equestrian helmets tend to be made of a reinforced Styrofoam product. When these helmets take a hard hit or crack, even if it's just the outer lining, it's recommended to replace the helmet. This can go directly in the trash as Styrofoam is not recyclable.
Almost all other modern helmets are made of a combo of bulky rigid plastic and Styrofoam. These are also not recyclable.
While every helmet design is different, making sure the harness or the liner is intact is crucial for actual safety. If you are using a damaged or old helmet, you are encouraged to look for a new or modern version.
Depending on what item it is, come holiday products can be recycled.
- Bows & Ribbons: These should not be recycled and should be disposed of in the trash. Always think to reuse before disposal.
- Wrapping Paper: This can be recycled as long as the paper is plain (no metallic, glitter, or velvet). Otherwise, it should be disposed of in the trash. Always think to reuse before disposal.
- Holiday Cards: This can be recycled as long as the paperboard is plain (no metallic, glitter, or velvet). Otherwise, it should be disposed of in the trash. Always think to reuse before disposal.
- Holiday Bags: These can be recycled as long as the paperboard is plain (no metallic, glitter, or velvet). Otherwise, it should be disposed of in the trash. Always think to reuse before disposal.
Household hazardous waste should never be disposed of as trash. The North Country has household hazardous waste events throughout the year to collect these items for proper discard for free.
in the modern era, we have 3 basic types of ice packs.
1) Homemade Bag of Ice
Typically made with a plastic bag and some freezer ice, this common sense ice pack works well for almost any situation. However, the ice should be insulated by a towel from direct contact with the skin as it may create frostbite. if you are not planning on refreezing the bag, recycle the plastic bag as plastic film.
2) Reusable Ice Packs
With the growth of online pre-packaged meals and long-range shipping, a much larger variety of ice packs are in circulation. Some are easily reusable while others are not. Regardless of the source or the interior contents, these do eventually leak. When a leak happens, it's best to place the ice pack in a secondary bag and place it in the trash.
3) Single Use / Instant Ice Packs
When you do not have access to a freezer or cooler, there is such a thing as an instant ice pack. It works much the same as a glow stick by breaking a capsule inside the packet and mixing 2 chemicals to create a cooling effect. While it's not as cold as the other ice packs, it is better for immediate cooling. These packs are typically not reusable. It should be put securely into the garbage.
Do Not Recycle! If you cannot reuse or repair these items, they go in your garbage.
Ink and toner cartridges can be recycled and refilled. Most manufacturers will take back their own products for recycling, such as Staples. Contact any North Country store that sells these items for more information on their practices.
Magazines can be recycled like regular paper.
Depending on what it's made out of, old medical equipment may be recyclable. If they are mostly metal, they can be recycled as scrap metal at any North Country county or town transfer station. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
Otherwise, if the product is in good condition, please consider donating it to a local veterans organization or other people in need. Always think to reuse before disposal.
Properly dispose of needles, syringes, and lancets in a puncture-resistant container labeled "SHARPS". Contact North Country hospitals or other organizations to confirm drop-off availability.
Pharmaceuticals and Medicine Waste are legal drugs that are no longer wanted or to be used.
Medicines of any sort should never be disposed of as trash as they are hazardous to the environment. This can be dropped off for proper disposal at various North Country locations and household hazardous waste events.
Mercury is a hazardous element that can be found in a variety of items, such as appliances, vehicles, thermostats, and smoke detectors. Thus, it should never be disposed of as trash. These products can be dropped off for free at any North Country household hazardous waste event.
Mercury thermometers can not be recycled on household hazardous waste days, but there are several other drop-off locations in North Country. Go to https://thermostat-recycle.org/where-to-recycle/ to find a place near you.
Mercury Thermometers should not be thrown in the normal trash. Mercury is dangerous on many levels for people and the environment. Glass thermometers are also dangerous as they could break while being used. There happens to be many drop-off locations in the North Country that collect thermometers. https://thermostat-recycle.org/where-to-recycle/.
This includes Blood pressure cuffs
Metal Products are one of the five main categories of recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, paper, and plastic).
- Metal Products you can recycle: food & beverage cans, deposit cans, clean aluminum foil, aluminum plates & trays, empty aerosol cans, and metal lids
- Metal Products you cannot recycle in curbside recycling include propane tanks, metal-cardboard containers, clothes hangers, small appliances, and paint cans
Larger scrap metals have to be taken to a North Country county or town transfer station to be recycled in a separate scrap metal bin. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
Mirrors, window glass, and windshields, broken or not, cannot be recycled. These products can be disposed of these items in the trash. If these items are still in good condition, please consider reusing or donating them before discarding them.
Motor oil should never be disposed of in the trash as it is hazardous to the environment. Any unwanted motor oil should be taken to a North Country service station where they will take it and use it for free.
Motor oil bottles cannot be recycled due to their properties. These products can be disposed of as trash.
The proper disposal of paint depends on what it's made out of. Below are the 3 disposal options:
- Consult PaintCare = PaintCare is a new program in New York that lets consumers return unused oil & latex paint to stores for free. Click Here to find a drop-off location.
- Oil-Based Paints = This type of paint cannot be cleaned up with water. So, this paint is considered household hazardous waste due to the hazard it poses to the environment, and can be disposed of for free at North Country household hazardous waste events. We suggest using the PaintCare program.
- Latex-Based Paints = This type of paint can be cleaned up with water. So, this paint can be dried up and disposed of as waste in the trash.
Paper Products are one of the five main categories of recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, paper, and plastic).
- Paper Products you can recycle: printer paper, construction paper, newspapers & inserts, mail, magazines, catalogs, phone books, softcover books, brown grocery bags, and drink cartons
- Paper Products you cannot recycle (must be thrown away as trash): hardcover books, napkins, paper plates, and tissue paper
- Hardcover books can be recycled once the cover has been removed. Then the pages go into normal recycling.
- Napkins, paper plates, and cups can be composted.
- Paper towels and tissues can also be composted IF they have not been used with cleaning chemicals. These chemicals are bad for the micro-organisms in the compost.
In the modern era, PFDs have a wide variety of designs and uses. PFDs are often called "life jackets". Life jackets, life vests, ski vests…they're all common names for PFDs or personal flotation devices. Personal flotation devices are important in keeping the user afloat, making rescue more likely. Anyone working or playing on the water should make sure they have access to quality and appropriate PFDs.
When inspecting a PFD, if it has tears, heavy sun bleaching, or heavy contamination from chemicals, it should be replaced.
A "retired" PFD should be cut into smaller pieces so it no longer is usable and placed in the trash. It can be placed in the trash since it's mainly a variety of Styrofoam and is not recyclable.
It's important to dispose of Pesticides, Insecticides, and Herbicides at a Household Hazardous Waste event. Since chemical mixes are inherently dangerous, keeping them out of the water and soil is crucial for everyone's health. North Country Recycles hosts 5 HHW events every year where we accept both liquid and solid pesticides. Handle with care!
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/pesticid.pdf
Pharmaceutical waste is legal drugs no longer wanted or used.
There are many "Dropbox" locations throughout the North Country that can take unwanted pharmaceuticals. This does not include controlled substances. Consult our page on "Pharmaceutical Waste" to find a location.
Plastic films and bags are considered 'single-use plastics', and are materials such as bags, bottles and other beverage vessels, to-go containers, straws, and balloons, plastic film packaging, and ziplock baggies. These items are recyclable, but not in your recycling bin. To dispose of plastic films and bags, you can drop them off at any large retail store and they must recycle them.
Plastic Products are one of the five main categories of recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, paper, and plastic).
- Plastic Products you can recycle: plastic bottles & containers, milk & water jugs, plastic food containers, and soap & detergent containers
- Plastic products for water, soda, seltzer, and sparkling water have 5-cent refundable deposits. You can separate them from your regular curbside recycling and take them to a redemption center. If you do not care about the refundable deposit, they can go in your regular curbside recycling.
- Plastic Products you cannot recycle (must be thrown away as trash): black plastic, styrofoam containers, bulky plastics, motor oil bottles, and clothes hangers
Due to the material, it is made out of, plexiglass products cannot be recycled. These items can be disposed of as trash.
Due to the material, it is made out of, porcelain products cannot be recycled. These items can be disposed of as trash.
Appliances with cooling (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) contain a product called freon that can be hazardous. Thus, it should never be thrown away in the trash. The freon refrigerant can be removed by local appliance repair shops or retailers. When this is done, the remaining metal parts can be recycled at any North Country county or town transfer station as scrap metal. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here. For more information, click here.
Scrap metals are larger recyclable metals that cannot go into an ordinary recycling bin. These are metals that contain tin, iron, steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, bronze, and brass (examples of these items include silverware, car parts, metal kitchenware, piping, etc.). These products have to be taken to a North Country county or town transfer station to be recycled in a separate scrap metal bin. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
Locally, you may also have a scrap yard that would accept your scrap metal.
Silverware contains recycled materials, but cannot go into an ordinary recycling bin. These products have to be taken to a North Country county or town transfer station to be recycled in a scrap metal bin. To locate a North Country transfer station near you, view the map by clicking here.
There are two different types of smoke detectors. There are different requirements for disposal of each, but both should be returned to the manufacturer for proper recycling and disposal.
- Photoelectric Smoke Detectors: These do not contain any harmful materials. Please consider mailing back to the manufacturer for proper recycling and disposal. If not, these items can be disposed of in the trash.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors: These contain a radioactive material called Americium 241, but it is not harmful to humans as the amount is too small. These detectors have warning labels and cannot be disposed of in the trash. These items must be mailed back to the manufacturer for proper recycling and disposal.
Sporting goods encompass a wide range of items, and with the convenience of the Internet, buying and selling equipment has become easier than ever. Utilizing online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook can help you find great deals and benefit others in your community.
If you plan to resell items, take proactive care of the equipment. Though cleaning may be challenging, it's worth protecting your investment.
Sportswear is often made of synthetic fabrics. Recycling old clothes and uniforms in a local textile recycling bin gives them a new life.
Broken holiday lights should never be placed in the recycling bin because they cause major problems for recycling facilities by becoming tangled in the sorting machinery. Instead, repair broken light strands if possible, or contact local home-improvement stores or scrap metal collection sites to see if they accept them for recycling. Some communities across the State accept holiday lights with other electronic items for recycling but contact your municipality first to see if they are accepted or not. As a last resort, dispose of broken holiday lights in the trash.
If you choose to place it in your trash, it's recommended to cut the lights into smaller pieces. This makes the disposal easier and safer.
Styrofoam is a lightweight plastic called Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) and is usually labeled with plastic #6. This product is very difficult and not cost-effective for recycling, thus it cannot be recycled. This material can be disposed of as trash. Examples of this material include packaging materials, foam carry-out containers, foam dishware, and foam egg cartons.
95% of Clothing, Cloth, and Textiles can always be recycled as long as they are clean, dry, and odorless. Do not dispose of any good textiles as trash. Always consider reuse or donation before discarding. For more information on specific textiles you can recycle, click here. To find a North Country textile bin for disposal, view the map by clicking here.
There is no route currently for recycling video cassettes, VCR tapes, or audiocassettes. This type of plastic should go into your garbage.
