Recycling basics in Sullivan County

By BILL CUTLER
Posted 10/16/19

Global and domestic recycling markets have been weak in recent years, but this does not mean recycling has or should stop. Other than very unpopular landfills or solid-waste incinerators, recycling …

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Recycling basics in Sullivan County

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Global and domestic recycling markets have been weak in recent years, but this does not mean recycling has or should stop. Other than very unpopular landfills or solid-waste incinerators, recycling and composting are the best remaining ways to make unwanted bulk materials “go away” properly. Generally, even though market values for recyclables have been near historic lows, costs are still better than paying for waste disposal at distant resting places. Plus, recyclables enjoy a second use by job-creating companies while boosting local economies and generating wealth for manufacturers.

So, beyond the confusion, what are some “best recycling practices?” Glad you asked! There are tons (pun intended) of ways to recycle in Sullivan County.

Plastic Bags: Return clean plastic bags to stores required to accept them for recycling.
Electronics: Return to manufacturer or deposit at transfer station. A $15 fee each applies to old-style CRT displays.
Scrap metal: Drop off at transfer stations or private scrapyards.
Refrigerators/freezers/dehumidifiers/CFC units: Drop off at transfer stations, $15 fee each applies.
Tires: Return to retailer or drop at transfer station, fee applies.
Clothing and textiles: Drop off at transfer station, or clothing bin/thrift store in community.
Food waste and organics: Compost at home.
Used motor oil: Drop off five gallons or less per visit at transfer stations.
Antifreeze: See attendant at Monticello Transfer Station to drop off small quantities there.
Household hazardous waste (HHW): Save for household hazardous waste collection events, usually held at Monticello Transfer Station during summer.
Cardboard: Drop off at transfer station. Must be clean and contaminant-free.
Mixed Paper: Office paper, magazines, softcover books and “junk” mail. Drop off at transfer stations. Must be clean and contaminant-free.
Newsprint: Drop off at transfer stations. Must be clean and contaminant-free.
Single stream recyclables (SSR): The all-inclusive private hauler “curbside collection” (and transfer station drop-off) category. Recycle clean, empty metal cans, glass bottles, #1 to #7 plastic containers (five gallons in size or smaller only) with private haulers or drop off at transfer stations.
Polystyrene foam: Throw away as garbage. Yes, it’s a type of plastic but not recyclable here.
Mirrors/ceramics/plate glass: Donate, reuse or throw away as garbage.
Unwanted paint: Latex—solidify with cat litter and throw away as garbage when completely hard. Oil-based—treat as HHW and contact the office listed below in spring.
Plastic toys: Donate, reuse, or throw away as garbage.
Diapers/sanitary products: Discard as garbage.
Cigarette butts: Safely extinguish and discard as garbage.
Unknowns: Please check with our transfer station staff before depositing it.

Obviously, there are fine points, details and clarifications about these and many other types of recyclables and waste items. Feel free to contact the Sullivan County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling at 845/807-0290 for details and additional instructions.

recycling, Sullivan County, Department of Solid Waste and Recycling

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