What Can I Recycle?

Nick Dragonetti • August 31, 2020

What Can I Recycle?


Making the most of materials through recycling is a noble practice, but are you putting the right items into your bin? Many people are unaware of the specifications for recycling, which leads to mishaps and setbacks for facilities — not to mention bad news for the environment.

Misplaced items in recycling bins are a widespread problem. The average contamination rate — how many non-recyclables taint recycling batches — for communities and businesses is approximately 25 percent.

Mistakes in recycling are easy to make, but they're also easy to fix with a helpful guide. If you've been wondering, "What can I recycle and what doesn't meet the standards?" this resource can give you an answer.

Benefits of Recycling

Your thoughts on recycling are probably different from those of some of your friends and family members, as most Americans have differing opinions about it. These Americans also have different influences and levels of access. For every 10 Americans, about three of them say their community strongly encourages recycling. There are significant, real advantages to recycling and re-using that everyone should know so that the number can reach 10.

In the long run, recycling is a beneficial endeavor that can transform your community and the earth. Check out these reasons that you should get involved in recycling.

1. Reduce Landfill Buildup

Unwanted materials have been thrown away in remote spots for centuries, but the space for landfills is quickly diminishing. Unfortunately, land isn't unlimited, and the capacity of existing landfills is shrinking.

You may think this issue is a distant problem, but landfills occupy land that's near you and your day-to-day life. According to the most recent data, there are 27 active landfills in the state of New York — which is likely closer than you expected.

With such an at-hand problem and concerning shortage, recycling presents a helpful solution in waste reduction. A major portion of landfills end up being recyclable products, so when these items circulate through recycling, they free up a huge amount of space.

2. Preserve Natural Resources

Raw materials are exhaustible, but recycling prevents the need to continually harvest new materials. Natural resources can run out, and the rapid cycle of consuming and discarding these materials speeds the process.

Resources develop or grow back at their own rates, but the quicker people go through metals and paper products, the less time these supplies have to replenish. By repurposing materials, we can ensure that these resources aren't depleted as quickly and can benefit future generations. Recycling places less pressure on mines and forests, and it offers a reasonable alternative to acquiring all new resources.

3. Avoid Pollution

Chemicals and harmful substances can unintentionally be placed in landfills, but special procedures in the recycling process can decrease negative impacts. Technology and batteries are two kinds of items that can contribute to pollution because they hold mercury and other harsh materials.

Pollution from excavation and disturbance of land is also serious. Metal mining is a leading contributor to air pollution because it inadvertently releases elements like mercury into the atmosphere. Shifting our dependence from fresh raw materials to reused ones is a promising answer to the problem. Recycling protects settings from contaminants. With less raw material work along with the careful disposal of toxins, recycling is redefining the trajectory of our environment when it comes to pollution.

4. Boost Economic Growth

Aside from environmental health and longevity, there's also an upside for the economy when we recycle more. The economy profits from recycling through more affordable manufacturing, job creation and incentive programs. Repurposing existing goods is less expensive than unearthing new materials. Manufacturing companies can save considerable amounts of money by opting for pre-used materials.

If you're looking to start reducing waste right now by improving your personal waste management, here are a few more ways to get started.



From pickup personnel to material sorters, the recycling industry is producing plenty of new jobs. The more people participate in recycling, the more facilities need employees, which helps the economy thrive.

Incentive programs extending perks to recyclers are also a notable benefit. For instance, you can get rewards like small payments at drop-off facilities when you turn in cans or bottles.

5. Maximize Potential Energy

The energy expended on waste disposal, landfill work and supply extraction is immense. However, recycling conserves energy so that it can be used for other purposes.

The possibilities for better energy use are closely tied to recycling. In America, steel recycling saves the amount of electrical energy needed to power approximately one-fifth of households in the United States for a year. Recycling frees up sub-par uses of power for other applications.

What Can Be Recycled in NYC?

Recycling practices are distinct in each area, and in bustling New York City, there are clear rules for what you can load up in your recycling bins. Based on which materials are worthwhile and safe to process and collect, the New York City government has restricted certain items and kept others. Curbside residential recycling takes many common materials, like rigid plastic, metal, glass, cardboard and paper. Check out this recyclable materials list for a more in-depth explanation so you can be prepared when collection day comes around.

1. Cardboard and Paper

The most substantial portion of municipal solid waste (MSW) is the paper and paperboard category. Fortunately, cardboard, paperboard and paper products are readily collected by recycling facilities.

You can put corrugated cardboard boxes, smooth packaging, egg cartons and trays in your recycling bin. While pizza boxes can even be repurposed, they can't hold any residual food or oily liners. Aseptic packaging is suitable as well.

There's an abundance of potential in paper products, and lots of finishes and consistencies are a part of the list. From newspapers to celebratory wrapping paper and glossy magazines, most types of paper can be processed for reuse. The following paper products are also welcome:

  • Catalogs
  • Receipts
  • Paper bags
  • Phone books
  • Lined paper
  • Copier paper
  • Computer paper
  • Envelopes and mail
  • Paperback books
  • Comic books

2. Glass

The purity in glass doesn't decrease like other substances when it's recycled, and it's more cost-effective for manufacturers to form glass from old glass rather than seeking out additional materials.

Glass bottles and products can have a range of tints like clear, amber or green, but for recycling, they're limited to bottles and jars. If there are any metal caps, remove them for the metal recycling pile. For additional ideas on glass to recycle, check out this list of common recyclables:

  • Soda bottles
  • Wine or beer bottles
  • Perfume bottles
  • Pickle jars
  • Jam and jelly jars

3. Metal

Whether in metal bakeware, canned commodities or any number of other items, metal is a prevalent material, and Americans throw away approximately 2.7 million tons of aluminum, a highly used metal, annually. Helpfully, New York City embraces all kinds of metal in their recycling.

You can distribute aluminum cans and foil, and steel and tin cans should be placed in the bin. Aerosol cans are even admitted into recycling bins. Metal lids, caps and plates also belong. Bulky appliances and tools totally or mostly consisting of metal that can fit into bins are satisfactory as well.

4. Rigid Plastic

Americans are increasingly dependant on plastic, but over 40 percent of it is used only once before it's discarded. The structure of plastic determines whether it can enter recycling systems. If it's extremely bendable and loses its configuration, it's not considered rigid and shouldn't be incorporated into your city recycling.

Many single-use containers are qualified for recycling, like hard tubs, plastic bottles, and trays for food items like yogurt and cottage cheese. Wash these food cases out prior to putting them in the bin. Household bowls and pots are eligible for recycling, as are any appliances that hold their form. Check out a few more examples of rigid plastics:

  • Crates
  • Bottles
  • Jugs
  • Buckets
  • Pails
  • Furniture
  • Jars
  • Toys

What Can't Be Recycled in NYC

As important as knowing what's on the NYC recycling list is knowing what doesn't make the cut. In all cases, containers contaminated with food, dirt or grime should never be placed in a recycling bin. Items have to be dry, too, or they can damage the rest of the contents.

In New York City, several items aren't accepted for recycling programs even though they're typically included in other regions. Check out which items you can't recycle below.

1. Batteries

While batteries shouldn't be thrown in the garbage, New York City curbside recycling also doesn't gather them. Batteries have ingredients that can damage water and soil if they leak out.

Rechargeable batteries, alkaline batteries and button batteries aren't appropriate for your recycling bin. Car batteries are another large-scale product that shouldn't be added, though it should be recycled elsewhere. To protect communities from these toxins, you can drop used batteries off at an authorized location.

2. Foam

Foam products aren't eligible for recycling bins, partly because of their makeup. They have such a high percentage of air that transportation is more expensive and energy-consuming than the end product is worth. Another reason is that they get dirty and unusable quickly.

Many disposable cups, take-out containers, egg cartons and plates are made of polystyrene foam. Expanded polystyrene is used for packing peanuts and other packaging supports.

3. Flexible Plastic

It's only possible to put a single piece of plastic through recycling about two to three times. Then, its quality is so low that it's not fit for use. The recycling lifespan of plastics isn't as extensive as that of other materials, and it's not as doable to sort them at facilities.

It's not surprising that flimsy and bendable plastics, like resealable pouches, aren't collected for recycling. Plastic utensils aren't allowed either.

Film plastics like wrappers can't go in your recycling either, but stores and businesses often accept plastic grocery bags for salvaging. Here are some other flexible plastics you shouldn't include:

  • Toothpaste and lotion tubes
  • Single-use coffee pods
  • Straws
  • Malleable cosmetic containers
  • Basketballs and soccer balls

4. Non-Jar/Bottle Glass Containers

Not all glass melts at the same level of heat, so items beyond jars and bottles complicate recycling. Sticking to a general glass composition is a strategic way for facilities to manage the meltdown process. Also, broken glass isn't acceptable because glass shards and pieces are a danger to glass handlers. Windows and mirrors aren't allowed in recycling bins. In their state, they can easily be broken, so they need special considerations at a drop-off site.

Many individuals think light bulbs can go in glass bins because they're mostly made of glass, but the filament and metal aren't suitable for curbside recycling. The following glass items should stay out of your bin:

  • Pyrex dishes
  • Eyeglasses
  • Nail polish bottles
  • Ceramics

5. Soft or Dirty Paper

A rule of thumb for recycling is to distribute clean items in your bin, meaning no leftover food or other residue. Effective recycling relies on uncontaminated objects, and for vulnerable paper products, this stipulation is a particular concern. Paper can get damaged easily by a number of factors, so look over your paper before piling it for collection.

There are softer, weaker paper products too, and their fibers don't conform to the typical paper recycling system. Soft paper consists of toilet paper, tissues, napkins and paper towels.

6. Tanglers

Sorting is a heavy-duty part of recycling, and certain contents can delay the flow of the process. "Tanglers," or any string-like items that wrap around others, are a recurring problem for recycling enterprises. As the items go through the organizing machine, the strings get caught on the apparatuses.

Tanglers include ropes, computer cords, hoses and wires. Light strands and holiday lights can't be put in recycling bins for the same reason light bulbs can't, but they're also a troublesome tangler.

7. Waxy or Plastic-Coated Paper

Coatings of wax or plastic help paper products withstand contact with grease and water. However, mixed-material papers like these mess up the recycling process for paper. Paper recycling utilizes water to reform products, but plastic and wax don't break down under the same conditions, making the materials incompatible.

These paper products include candy wrappers and some granola bar packages. Freezer containers and to-go food boxes also fall into this category.

8. Electronics

Tossing electronics in dumpsters or bins is dangerous — there are special procedures for disposing of your devices. Particular electronic recycling centers will take your old electronics, but you can't put them in the city recycling areas. Things like TVs, computers, monitors and laptops aren't received anymore. Even accessories like computer mice and keyboards are no longer recyclable. According to electronics recycling NYC policies, the following devices are also banned:

  • DVD and VCR players
  • E-readers
  • Fax machines
  • Digital video recorders
  • MP3 Players
  • Minor servers
  • Scanners and prints
  • Tablets
  • Satellite and cable boxes
  • Video game consoles

Additional Non-Recyclables in NYC

Even after this list, you might have some uncertainties during your sorting. To save you the trouble of looking up policies for additional items, here's a list of extra products you can't recycle:

  • Window blinds
  • Printer cartridges
  • Lighters (cigarette and butane gas)
  • Cassettes
  • VHS tapes
  • Markers and ink pens
  • Hazardous chemical containers

Trust D.B. Container Service With Your Waste Removal

Taking care of your unwanted items in a responsible way is vital, and you need the right container for your daily disposal and waste management needs. Since 2001, D.B. Container Service has been providing high-quality dumpster rentals in a range of sizes.

From 10- to 30-yard dumpster rentals, we offer the ideal size for your project. Whether you're focused on residential use or business purposes, you'll find that our easy and speedy dumpster rentals are highly effective.

Contact D.B. Container Service today for a free quote.

How to Fill a Dumpster

By Nick Dragonetti • April 9, 2021
Every construction project has one thing in common: waste. Whether you're doing renovations on your home or business, or you're clearing out a basement or another space, there's going to be a lot of trash you have to deal with. There's a high chance you're going to be needing a roll-off dumpster to contain all that garbage — but there is a right and wrong way to fill it. Renting a dumpster is convenient because the company delivers it and picks it up. All you have to do is fill it. Loading a dumpster correctly can save you time and money, so make sure you know your gameplan before you rent one.

Garage Organization Tips

By Nick Dragonetti • March 31, 2021
Do you wish your garage was clean, organized and used for more than miscellaneous storage? Many homeowners want to improve their current garage space. A majority of Americans spend a few hours each week in their garage engaging in activities but for many others, clutter and excess storage prevent them from using their garage to its full potential. D.B. Containers is the trusted dumpster rental service for New York City residents to organize and discard the clutter that's been stored in their garage for too long. We realize that cleaning and organizing even the smallest garages can be a huge undertaking which is why we've gathered a list of tips that will help you thoroughly clean and organize your garage while suggesting ways to keep your clutter to a minimum. When Is the Best Time to Clean and Organize Your Garage?

How to Choose the Best Dumpster Size

By Nick Dragonetti • March 11, 2021
If you undertake a significant home improvement project, whether it's a remodel or demolition, you'll quickly realize you need a way to dispose of all the resulting debris. You'll either have to use hundreds of trash bags — which may not even accommodate larger pieces of debris — or you can rent a large, sturdy dumpster that can easily be hauled away once your project is finished. While renting a dumpster may be a no-brainer for your situation, figuring out the size of the dumpster you need is not always as easy. In the guide below, we'll discuss the most common sizes for dumpsters and provide some tips on how to pick the best one for your project. 

12 Things You Can't Put Into a Dumpster

By Nick Dragonetti • January 27, 2021
Many people tend to treat a dumpster like a garbage disposal — anything that isn't going to break it is going into it. In 2017, the United States generated 267 million pounds of municipal solid waste, including garbage, recycling and compost. Though much of that waste comes from household garbage, a lot comes from residential, commercial and contractors' dumpsters as well. But many items are prohibited in roll off dumpsters — or if they are not banned outright, they are accepted only with the payment of additional fees. What cannot go in a dumpster? The answer likely varies depending on where you live and your city's local regulations. But a few items are generally prohibited in all dumpsters, and it's important to be aware of these. Below, we'll discuss why some items cannot be thrown away in dumpsters, list some common items that cannot go into dumpsters, and answer some common questions about what is not allowed in a dumpster, what you can put in a dumpster, and what may be allowed for an extra fee. Why Should Some Items Not Go Into Dumpsters?

How to Reduce Household Waste

By Nick Dragonetti • August 31, 2020
The United States generates unbelievable quantities of municipal waste every year. The latest figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that the United States generates 267.8 million tons of municipal solid waste a year, or about 4.5 pounds of waste per person every day. And of course, all those tons of solid waste can have a devastating effect on the environment. Municipal solid waste landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions — which contribute to the greenhouse effect — in the United States, accounting for 16% of such emissions. Pollution, fossil fuel burning and other greenhouse gas emissions are associated with excess waste as well. What are some ways to reduce the amount of waste in your home? Fortunately, households have a variety of options — the familiar injunction to "reduce, reuse, recycle" is excellent advice to start with. Below, we'll elaborate on some ways to reduce household waste and how to get started incorporating those strategies into your daily life. Benefits of Reducing Your Household Waste

Planning a Home Renovation Project

By Nick Dragonetti • August 24, 2020
Whether you're renovating a room or your whole home, you should plan your steps to remodeling a house before you begin. Creating a home renovation checklist can be exciting as long as you remember to be flexible and patient during any surprises or delays. Use this guide to learn how to plan your home renovation. Build a Project Plan Before you start your project, you need a plan on how to renovate the house. Since a remodel is a complex undertaking, be patient and take several months to consider all the details so you can create one that works for you and your family. Lay out how you want your house to look on a simple piece of paper or blueprints. Ask yourself these questions to help you brainstorm: What do I want to change? After you've lived in your house for several years, you probably have some elements you'd love to change. Design is a crucial component of remodeling your home, and you might need to be a little creative. While thinking about what you want, consider the comfort, privacy and visual appeal of your living space. What do I need to update? Besides the aesthetic design or convenience of your home, you also should consider the safety and functionality features of the space. Knowing what you want and need will help determine where you can save money and splurge. What am I allowed to do? You'll need permits to renovate your house so your project will be up to code according to the zoning regulations in your area. What will my life look like in the next 10 years? Your new bathroom or kitchen could last you several decades before you need to update it. During that time, your family could expand or change. Consider your future as you think about how to plan your home renovation. Do I want to sell the house? If you want to sell your house soon, focus on attracting prospective buyers instead of accommodating your design and comfort preferences. Consider which projects and details would increase your property's resale value. Create a Renovation Project Budget After you've decided what you want to do, you can create a realistic budget. You should make sure you're able to afford your home renovation before you take on the project so you don't run out of money. Decide on a number you're willing to spend and try to stick to it as you order materials and hire a contractor. Consider these factors when creating your budget: The source of the money: You could either pay for the renovation with cash, take out a loan from the bank or use a credit card. Keep in mind that contractors often charge fees if you choose to finance. Where your money is going: When you hire a professional, they order the permits, install your building materials and complete the details of your remodel. They might also dispose of the waste from your previous home components and use specialized equipment to make your living space look updated and clean. Unexpected costs: You often run into surprises when you renovate a house, especially if you live in an old house. If your contractor finds problems in the area, you'll have to pay extra money to fix them. Put a buffer in your budget for these unanticipated expenses.

Post-Construction Cleanup Tips

By Nick Dragonetti • July 15, 2020
Both indoor and outdoor construction jobs can leave behind a lot of waste. Common site waste includes wood, nails, plaster, stone, dirt, brush and hazardous materials like paint stripper and some types of insulation. While post-construction cleaning might seem like a daunting task, there are some tips you can follow to make the process go quickly. Tips for Cleaning up After Construction Projects The key to safe and efficient construction site cleanup is to separate the project into individual tasks and take them one at a time. Remember to wear gloves, face masks, goggles and closed-toe footwear while cleaning to minimize the chance of injury. If you're cleaning up after a large-scale project, you may need to clean some things more than once to ensure the desired level of sanitation. Here are some post-construction cleaning tips to help you break things down into manageable tasks: 1. Clean the Air Purifying the air at your construction site is essential for your health and well-being. Construction site dust is filled with hazardous debris, including crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is a natural mineral substance created from crushing stone, rock, bricks, concrete and similar materials. When inhaled, crystalline silica can lead to lung and kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cancer. The best way to protect yourself from these particles is to wear protective gear, purify the air with an air purifier and promptly change all indoor air filters. Make sure air vents are clear of any debris, dust and obstructions. 2. Sweep and Vacuum the Floors

Dumpster Rental Tips

By Nick Dragonetti • February 21, 2020
If you have decided to rent a dumpster for your home project or contracting or commercial needs, you may feel overwhelmed with questions. How do you rent a dumpster? When should you rent one? How big of a dumpster do you need? Our team of hardworking experts is here to help. Read on to learn the answers to these questions and get some helpful tips for renting a dumpster. How to Rent a Dumpster Use the following guide to navigate through the dumpster rental process: Determine the scope of your project and calculate the needed size of your dumpster rental. Contact a reputable container service with positive customer testimonials and proven success. Clear the space needed for your dumpster rental. Create a plan for filling your container. Load carefully and with purpose — stick to the plan. This will keep you safe and help the process go smoothly. Contact your container company if your dumpster needs emptied and brought back, or when you are finished using it. Tips for Renting a Dumpster Now that you know the steps needed for successful dumpster rental, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Place your dumpster on level ground. Use a ramp when necessary. You can construct one using plywood and cinder blocks. Avoid overfilling your dumpster. This is a safety hazard and could result in additional fees. Use a wheelbarrow to make the loading process faster and safer. Recycle materials when you can . This is good for the environment and economy and can give you more space in your dumpster container for non-recyclable materials. Making the Most of Your Dumpster Rental Plan how you will fill your dumpster . You will find you have much more space to work with — and a much easier time loading — if you figure out your gameplan ahead of time. Understand how to layer the items in your dumpster for maximum efficiency. Set aside things that cannot be thrown away. Decide the exact location you will place your dumpster container and let your neighbors know to expect its arrival if necessary. Decide if more than one emptying trip will be needed. Sometimes, you end up needing to haul away more than you anticipated. Keep an eye on the level of your dumpster and make adjustments as needed. Keep your dumpster's weight limit in mind as well as the length of the rental period. This information will be provided to you. Keeping these numbers in mind will help you avoid incurring additional costs. If possible, have your materials prepared for throw-away before your rental shows up. This way, the process can go as quickly and efficiently as possible and you have a clear picture of the amount of space you will use. Prepare your space for the dumpster before its arrival. This includes measuring the distance from the debris to the dumpster. Plan to place your dumpster on level ground as close to your waste as possible to minimize trips back and forth. As a courtesy — and to avoid having to move your dumpster more than once — be sure your dumpster is not blocking any parked cars, traffic or entrances to homes or businesses. Common Dumpster Rental Questions Have a question about dumpster rental? Keep reading to find answers to some commonly asked questions. What Size Dumpster Do I Need? D.B. Container Service offers 10, 15, 20 and 30-yard dumpster rental options . These dumpster sizes are ideal for the following kinds of projects: 10-yard dumpster rentals: Our 10-yard containers are the ideal size for cleaning out a one-car garage, a small room remodeling project or general spring cleaning around your home. 15-yard dumpster rentals: These can handle the contents of a two-car garage, a large room interior or exterior remodeling project or items from basement decluttering. 20-yard dumpster rentals: 20-yard rentals are suitable for roofing debris, siding, deck removal or basement renovation. 30-yard dumpster rentals: These are best for new construction projects, whole house renovations, commercial clean up and more. If you are still unsure of what size dumpster your project or business needs, give our experts a call at 718-257-2300. We are happy to help you make the best choice. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster?

Spring Cleaning List

By Nick Dragonetti • January 9, 2020
It won’t be long until warmer weather brings back new buds, green grass and birds singing in the trees, so it's time to consider when to start your spring cleaning. It’s wise to start thinking about your spring-cleaning checklist now because a spring clean is different than the usual tidying up you do regularly. A spring clean results in a deep-cleaned house which makes that routine cleaning easier and more efficient. A spring clean means going room by room cleaning and de-cluttering so that our homes are fresher and more organized. When to Start Spring Cleaning The first early days of warm weather are the best time to start spring cleaning. It's essential you air out rooms that have been closed up throughout the winter. As part of your cleaning efforts, you want to bring in fresh air into your home to refresh things like your mattresses, your laundry room and your bathroom. In the New York City area, spring normally starts towards the end of March and early April , when the Yankees and Mets begin playing baseball. In fact, the start of baseball season is a great time to start spring cleaning. Days may still be a bit cool, but they are warmer. We all have a little more energy when spring comes, so it’s a great time to grab your spring-cleaning tools and get to work. To do a thorough spring cleaning, don’t try to do it all in one weekend. You will only get tired and frustrated. Our spring-cleaning checklist stretches over four weekends with each weekend dedicated to a particular section of your home. Focusing all your energy and time on doing that cleaning one day on the weekend will give you both the satisfaction of a job well done and the impetus to move on to the next area the following weekend. Before we get started, here are a couple of quick tips to use in every room of your house: Clean from top to bottom so that you won’t be knocking dust and dirt on a surface that you’ve already cleaned. Work from left to right. So what you want to do is work on one section of each room, starting at the top left and working to the bottom right. This will help you keep track of the areas that you’ve already cleaned. First Weekend: Spring Clean the Kitchen

Can Wrapping Paper Be Recycled?

By Nick Dragonetti • January 8, 2020
For most of us, recycling around the holidays is almost second nature. Recycling as much as we can is environmentally and socially responsible. The holiday season is about giving back to our friends, family and community, and recycling discarded materials and objects is a way to "give back" to the environment. Unfortunately, while our intentions are good, recycling holiday materials is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, many of us do more harm than good when we stuff our festive wrapping paper and curling ribbons into a blue bin. Every year, Americans unintentionally wreak havoc on local and international recycling centers by putting un-recyclable items in their blue bins. Since Americans produce 25 percent more waste than normal between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, this leaves a lot of room for mistakes. Poor recycling habits affect more than our local recycling centers — the United States ships much of its recycling overseas for repurposing, and these countries are increasingly wary of accepting our materials due to bad quality. This holiday season, be informed about your recycling. Whether you are dealing with glittery bows, foil wrapping paper or regal Christmas trees, this guide will help you know which decorations to recycle, which to reuse and which to toss in the trash. Holiday Recycling Tips