Reuse and Recycling
Reuse is when a material, that would otherwise be solid waste, is used over again for its original purpose. Recycling is the use of recovered materials in the manufacturing of a product. The reuse and recycling of solid waste in the State is second in the order of preference in managing waste materials under our "State Solid Waste Management Policy."
Recent reuse and recycling efforts of the DEC have focused on the following general areas:
- State assistance program;
- educational outreach and technical assistance;
- beneficial materials use; and
- promotion of secondary materials markets.
Recycling in NYS from 1987 to 1998
Percent Recycled
Progress of Recycling
New York State reached its goal of 40-42% recycling by 1997 which was established in the 1987 New York State Solid Waste Management Plan. Data reported to DEC by local solid waste management planning units show that about 12.6 million tons of materials were recovered for recycling in New York State during 1998.
For more information about New York State's latest recycling progress and rates, see the New York State Recycling Bulletin (PDF, 522 KB)
Public Education and Technical Assistance Many efforts have successfully reduced the amount of waste being disposed through reuse and recycling programs. These continuing efforts include:
- educating local public officials and the public at workshops, conferences, meetings and presentations as to the steps they can take to reuse and recycle;
- providing technical assistance to municipalities and businesses on reuse and recycling opportunities;
- preparing and distributing educational publications on reuse and recycling; and
- reviewing local solid waste management planning unit reuse and recycling initiatives, as outlined in their comprehensive recycling analysis and local solid waste management plans.
