Item-specific Recycling: Compiled Resources

Recyclable, but cans must be empty (e.g., spray starch, cooking spray, cosmetics, etc.). You must follow usage directions so the entire product is dispensed. If the aerosol can has a plastic lid you should remove it. Do not recycle aerosol cans that have contained paint, starter fluid, pesticides or other hazardous wastes; bring them to the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection, https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/household_hazardous_waste_day.php

Certain types of agricultural film plastics can be recycled through the Recycling Agricultural Plastics Program (RAPP). To participate in RAPP, contact Otsego County Conservation Association at (607) 282-4087. Baling is being performed by Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District, (607) 547-8337.

Once Freon gas is professionally removed, metal air conditioners can be recycled as scrap metal. The Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations will accept air conditioners for a fee even if they contain Freon. The recycling stations in Cherry Valley, Morris (local residents only), Pittsfield, Richfield, Schenevus, Springfield, Unadilla and Westford also accept units for a fee if they still contain Freon. At the Decatur station, the Freon must first be removed by a certified professional.Check with town clerks for details on fees, etc.

If clean, place with recycling. If aluminum foil is soiled, place in regular trash. Clean pieces can be combined into a “ball” for easier recycling.

Bring spent antifreeze to the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection, usually held in early September. Antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be disposed of on the ground, in a sewage system or in a sink drain. Check with your local automobile service station to see if they have a recycling program. Unused antifreeze can be given to another car owner if you no longer need it.

Counter top Appliances (e.g., blenders, toasters, etc.) – Regular trash or, if substantially made of metal, recycle as scrap metal. See “Scrap Metal.” Check with your local service agencies and thrift shops regarding possible donation or resale of working items.

Large floor models (e.g., washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers) – Handled as scrap metal. Freon gas must be professionally removed from cooling items prior to recycling. If still in usable condition, appliances may be shared with those in need; check with Family Services in Oneonta. See also “Scrap Metal.” The transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown take appliances for $25/unit (if they contain Freon gas) or at no charge if the Freon has been removed and a tag of certification is attached. Check with local town clerks to see if your town has a white goods and appliance collection.

Friable (“flies in the air”; dust particles; hazardous; e.g., wrapping material used on pipes and ducts) –Not accepted. This material is regulated by NYSDEC. No friable asbestos can be brought to the transfer station. Friable asbestos is commonly found in furnace and pipe insulation. Individuals personally performing removal of friable asbestos are placing themselves at risk. Please consult the yellow pages under Asbestos Abatement & Removal services. A certified asbestos remover and disposal facility is required. Additional details can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8791.html.

Non-friable (hard, brittle, less hazardous, e.g., house siding material, roofing, floor tiles, cement shingles) – All non-friable asbestos (residential and commercial) is accepted at the Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations. When bringing non-friable asbestos to either station, please double bag and acknowledge to the attendant that the material is non-friable asbestos. Additional details can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8791.html.

Take to the Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day collection each fall. Call (607)547-4225 for details in late August.

Metal barrels can be recycled as scrap metal. Barrels MUST be empty.

Plastic barrels (1-5 gallon) are considered rigid plastic and are not acceptable for curbside recycling pickup but can be brought to the transfer stations and placed in the appropriate recycling container. Barrels can be reused for rainwater collection.

Free to dispose when you buy a new one at any retailer. If you don’t have an old one to trade in, you’ll pay a surcharge. By law, retailers must accept used lead-acid batteries from customers. Automotive batteries are also accepted at Otsego Auto Crushers (607-432-2375) on New York State 23 Southside in Oneonta and at Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Accepted at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall.Otsego Auto Crushers only accepts lead based batteries.

Rechargeable (e.g., nickel cadmium, lithium ion, nickel zinc, nickel metal hydride, sealed lead, and any other battery other than carbon zinc and alkaline) – In New York State it is illegal to throw rechargeable batteries in the trash. You may recycle them at the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall, or drop them off at designated Call2Recycle Battery collection sites, http://www.call2recycle.org/locator/. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Regular (e.g., carbon zinc and alkaline) – Safe to throw away in the regular trash but it is preferable to save and recycle them at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall or inquire where purchased to see if business has a recycling program. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Check with local service agencies that may accept usable bicycles. Unusable bikes can be brought to Otsego Auto Crushers (607-432-2375) or to the Oneonta or Cooperstown transfer stations as scrap metal.

Beginning in 2016, the County placed book bins to accept hard and soft covered books. The book collection containers are located at the Northern Transfer Station, Rt. 28 and 80, and the Oneonta Transfer Station, 75 Silas Lane, Oneonta. There are also various opportunities available in our area for reuse. Contact local book exchanges, libraries, nursing homes, Otsego County Conservation Association Garage Sale in April, local library book sales, Otsego County Jail, and Salvation Army Thrift Stores for information on donating your used books.

Take to local book recycling bins at the County transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown or leave for your solid waste hauler with recyclables. Contact local book exchanges, community yard sales, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals or thrift stores for information on donating your used books.

Not recyclable (e.g. packing peanuts, bubble wrap, air pillow packaging). Call local mailing houses regarding possible acceptance of these items.

Plastic buckets 1-5 gallon in size are recyclable if clean and dry. It is not necessary to remove the handles.

Rings or lids from glass jars can be recycled as scrap metal or with regular recycling. Lids from saucepans can be recycled as scrap metal. Lids from vegetable cans (e.g., beans) Cut around the end of the can almost completely but leaving a little attached so lid can be folded into the can. In this way, it is less likely to cut recycling employees or get caught in machinery.

Plastic caps and lids should be recycled and left on containers. All plastic bottles and containers with numbers can be recycled and lids should be left on them (e.g., soda bottles, yogurt, cottage cheese and pudding cups and containers, soap and detergent containers, and milk and water jugs).

The battery is the most hazardous part of a carbon monoxide detector. Remove the battery and see “Batteries.” Most carbon monoxide detectors have a plastic cover or faceplate which can be recycled. Once you have removed all batteries and recyclable casings, you can safely discard the remainder of the carbon monoxide detector with your normal trash.

Dry food boxes (e.g., cereal, cookies, snacks), non-food boxes (e.g., medicine, tissue, toy, and gift boxes), toilet and paper towel tubes, and pizza boxes (with all food/debris and soiled parts removed) are all recyclable.

Recyclable at local recycling stations or with curbside recycling. Cardboard boxes must be flattened.Wax-coated corrugated cardboard is not accepted and should be disposed of with regular trash.

New York State residents now have a lot more opportunities to recycle their cell phones. Under the New York State Wireless Recycling Act, effective January 1, 2007, all wireless telephone service providers that offer phones for sale will accept your cell phones for reuse or recycling. Chapter 730 of the Laws of 2006 requires these businesses to accept up to 10 cell phones from any person or provide shipping for those phones.Many other means of donating cell phones can be found at the following link – http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8818.html. Cell phones are accepted at the Otsego County Conservation Association’s TerraCycle collection bin at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. A kiosk at the Southside Mall in Oneonta also accepts cell phones with reimbursements for certain models.

Green Disk collects and recycles all “technotrash,” including CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, etc. See http://www.greendisk.com/.

Visit http://www.holidayleds.com/christmas-light-recycling-program.aspx. Check also with local retailers including Lowe’s regarding in-store recycling options.

Call local dry cleaner or Salvation Army to see if they will accept them. Metal clothes hangers can go in “Scrap Metal” at the transfer stations or metal collection facility. Plastic hangers can be recycled.

Thrift shops and family service organizations may take unwanted clothing, bedding, and other textiles in good, clean condition. Another option is textile recycling through Re-Clothe NY (see http://www.nysar3.org/page/re-clothe-ny-78.html) to find a drop-off box in your area).

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

Old lumber, sheetrock, shingles, old fixtures, carpeting, etc. are accepted at the Otsego County transfer stations in both Oneonta and Cooperstown.

Take to local recycling station or leave curbside; must be empty, rinsed clean and dry. Including but not limited to green, amber and clear glass; food and beverage containers; ice cream containers; liquor and wine bottles; deposit bottles; canning jars; plastic containers; soda bottles; milk and water jugs; windshield washer jugs; mustard and ketchup bottles; soap and detergent containers; mouthwash bottles; salad dressing bottles; peanut butter jars; milk and juice cartons; food and beverage cans; deposit cans; foil wrap, foil plates and trays; some aerosol cans (emptied); shampoo bottles; cream tubes; ointment tubes; make-up containers. All of the above can be mixed together for recycling. Lids can be left on. DOES NOT include the following items, which are trash – broken glass, drinking glasses, ovenware and ceramics, dishes, cups, plates, medicine bottles with no recycling number, motor oil bottles. Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts all types of glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055 for information.

Contaminated Soils – Soils being excavated and removed due to pollution (e.g., by an underground leaking oil tank or septic system) need to be disposed of in accordance with NYSDEC regulations. Refer to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation link for further explanation. http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/30902.html.

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

NYSEG sponsors a recycling program for old refrigerators, providing $50 for an old working fridge or freezer. To schedule a FREE pickup, call 1 (877) 691- 0021 or visit http://www.nyseg.com/energyefficiencyprograms/recycle/. Large floor models (e.g., washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers) – Handled as scrap metal. Freon gas must be professionally removed from cooling items prior to recycling. If still in usable condition, appliances may be shared with those in need; check with Family Services in Oneonta. See also “Scrap Metal.” The transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown take appliances for $25/unit (if they contain Freon gas) or at no charge if the Freon has been removed and a tag of certification is attached. Check with local town clerks to see if your town has a white goods and appliance collection.

Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall, if you are not able to find someone who wants to use it. Check with the County Solid Waste Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Green Disk collects and recycles all “technotrash,” including CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, etc. See http://www.greendisk.com/.

Green Disk collects and recycles all “technotrash,” including CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, etc. See http://www.greendisk.com/.

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

Contact your local police department.

Many Lions Clubs and other service organizations collect used eyeglasses. Check with your local area representatives.

Woven polypropylene feed bags, including those for dog, horse and bird food, are not recyclable. Alternatives to throwing in the trash include using the bags for garbage, tarps or grocery bags.

Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for HHWD details in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.New York State periodically holds Clean Sweep Programs to collect hazardous material. Further information is available at www.cleansweepny.org or by calling (877) 793-3769.

Take to the Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day event held in the fall. Contact the Solid Waste and Recycling Department, (607) 547-4225, for details.

Number 1-7 plastics are recyclable. Items should be clean and dry.

Includes new-type “twisty” compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. Throw broken bulbs away as trash in a puncture-proof container. See the following safety precautions: How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb? EPA recommends the following cleanup and disposal guidelines. BEFORE Clean-up, VENT THE ROOM – • Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. • Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one. CLEAN UP for Hard Surfaces: • Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag. • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. • Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag. • DO NOT USE A VACUUM OR BROOM to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. CLEAN UP Carpeting or Rugs: • Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag. • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. • If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken. • Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag. DISPOSAL OF MATERIALS: • Immediately place all clean-up materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash. • Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials. • Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center. FUTURE CLEANING OF CARPET OR RUG: • For at least the next few times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming. • Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Includes new-type “twisty” compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. Currently most fluorescent bulbs or lamps are hazardous waste due to their mercury content. Many home improvement centers have dispensaries for all types of fluorescent bulbs – check with your local store. These bulbs can also be brought to the County’sannual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department fordetails on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225. Incandescent light bulbs are NOT recyclable. Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts all types of glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055 for information.

Food waste is garbage, but home composting is recommended. Contact the Otsego County Conservation Association at (607) 547-4488 or Cornell Cooperative Extension, (607) 547-2536, for more information on composting.

Furniture in good, reusable condition is accepted by area thrift stores and various local organizations including the Family Service Association, Salvation Army, Susquehanna Animal Shelter, the Otsego County Conservation Association for its online annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Garage Sale. Soiled and spent furniture can be placed in the trash. See also the Oneonta Interfaith Committee at http://www.oneontainterfaithcommittee.org/volunteer.html.

Household garbage and other trash can be taken directly to Otsego County’s solid waste transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown at the rate of $3 per 30-gallon bag. Garbage can also be left out for pickup service by your local hauler (see website for list of haulers). Many of the town (not local) recycling stations in the county have a local garbage hauler on-site on Saturday mornings to take bagged garbage for about $2-3 per bag. Check with your town clerk for information.

Plastic cans are recyclable. For metal cans, see “Scrap Metal.”

To dispose of unwanted gas, bring in appropriate container to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225 or visit https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/household_hazardous_waste_day.php.

Recyclable. See “Containers.” Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts all types of glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055 for information.

Yard waste is accepted as trash but it is more cost effective to leave grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings are 80-85 percent water. If you mow your lawn once a week, the clipping will filter down and decompose within 7-10 days. This method also reduces the amount of fertilizer you need by 25-30% by returning nutrients to the soil. Grass clippings can also be used as mulch around the base of shrubs. The mulch will prevent water loss and eventually will decompose. Another option is to compost, mix with leaves, wood chips or garden materials.

Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall, or contact a professional environmental firm for pick up. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225 or see https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/household_hazardous_waste_day.php.

If humidifier is made mostly of plastic it should be placed in the trash. If made mostly of metal it can be placed with scrap metal.

Ink cartridges can be recycled with many companies and with the Otsego County Conservation Association at Mohican Farm, (607) 547-4488, or via OCCA’s TerraCycle collection bin at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market (cartridges are recycled as a fundraiser for OCCA). Office Max has an in-store recycling program. Check other listings in your local phone directory.

Rinse out juice cartons and place in recycling. Small, single serving juice boxes and pouches are not accepted for recycling and should be disposed of in regular trash.

See “Paper.” Households can reduce unwanted mailing by accessing www.PrivacyCouncil.org.The “Opt Out” program will prevent pre-approved credit card mailings. Contact 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or Direct Marketing Service’s Mail Preference Service at https://www.dmachoice.org/register.php.

Plastic – Recyclable.

See “Scrap Metal.” Mowers should be void of gasoline and oil before bringing to the transfer station.

Rings or lids from glass jars can be recycled as scrap metal or with regular recycling. Lids from saucepans can be recycled as scrap metal. Lids from vegetable cans (e.g., beans) Cut around the end of the can almost completely but leaving a little attached so lid can be folded into the can. In this way, it is less likely to cut recycling employees or get caught in machinery.

Plastic lids can be recycled and left on containers. All plastic bottles and containers with numbers can be recycled and lids should be left on them (e.g., soda bottles, yogurt, cottage cheese and pudding cups and containers, soap and detergent containers, and milk and water jugs).

The transfer stations do no accept incandescent light bulbs as recyclables. Place in trash or contact your local hardware store to see if they have a recycling program. Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts all types of glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055 for information.

Soiled and spent mattresses are accepted at Otsego County’s solid waste transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown.

Medicine bottles and containers are not recyclable and should go in the trash unless there is a recycling number, in which case they can be recycled. Medicine bottles and containers with no recycling number are accepted at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection. Check also with local retailers including CVS regarding in-store recycling options.

Do not dispose of prescriptions or other medications by flushing them down a toilet or drain. The safe way to dispose of unused medications (pills, powders or liquid medications) is to take them to a pharmacy collection site or to the annual Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. The City of Oneonta Police Department on Main Street in Oneonta and the County Sheriff’s department on County Highway 33W have prescription drop boxes for the public to dispose of prescriptions and medicines. NO liquid medications or needles (see “Needles/Syringes).

Accepted at Otsego Auto Crushers, 6071 New York State 23, Oneonta, NY; (607) 432-2375. See “Scrap Metal.”

Depending on the type of microwave, it may be treated as scrap metal or trash. If made mostly of metal it can be placed in scrap metal. Microwaves are accepted at the Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations. Working microwaves can be donated to Salvation Army or other family service organizations.

At least four private businesses handle the demolition and removal of mobile homes. Please contact the following – Tom’s Mobile Home Repair and Transport (Tom Gott, Edmeston, 607-965-8021); J&C Mobile Home Transport (Dick Williams, Sherburne, 607-674-4929); Bob Hoffman (serving northern Otsego County only, 315-866-5873).

As required by New York State law, used motor oil must be accepted free of charge at businesses that service motor vehicles and sell more than 500 gallons of oil per year and by retailers that don’t service vehicles but sell more than 1,000 gallons of oil annually. This is limited to 5 gallons/person ach day. Empty motor oil containers should not be included with plastic recyclables; dispose of these in the regular trash. Under Article 23, Title 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), any service establishment that sells at least 500 gallons per year of new oil and performs vehicle servicing must accept from the public at no charge up to 5 gallons of used oil per person per day.

DO NOT set out with recyclables. To dispose, snap off the needle and break the syringe tube to prevent second-hand use. Place used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container (a large laundry detergent bottle is recommended). When the bottle is full, screw the lid on tight and tape the lid shut with duct tape or packing tape. Clearly label the bottle “Needles.” You can then dispose of needles and syringes with the regular trash; however, do not put the container in a bag with other garbage. Leave the bottle on the curb next to your regular trash so your hauler can handle it (it is recommended that you call your hauler to inquire if there are any other, specific requirements for preparing needles and syringes). Needles/syringes can also be dropped off at the outpatient lab at FoxCare and at the outpatient pharmacy at Bassett Medical Center. Needles and syringes are NOT accepted at Otsego County’s HHWD. All hospitals and nursing homes in New York State are mandated by law to accept home-generated sharps as a free community service through their sharps collection programs. In addition, pharmacies, health clinics, community-based organizations, mobile van programs, public transportation facilities, housing projects, police stations, waste transfer stations and other venues have become settings for safe sharps and offer syringe collection drop boxes (or “kiosks”) to help facilitate the safe collection of used sharps. visit the links below for locations in Otsego County. • Hospitals: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/hospital_collection_sites.pdf • Nursing Homes: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/nursing_home_collection_sites.pdf

Place in plastic bag or container so oil doesn’t leak. Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Not recyclable (e.g. packing peanuts, bubble wrap, air pillow packaging). Call local mailing houses regarding possible acceptance of these items.

Chips of old paint or lead-based paint – Place paint chips in heavy plastic bag and close tightly. Discard with regular trash. If dealing with lead paint, see http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/LBPguide.pdf.

Bring unused latex paint to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Mark the lids “L” for latex. Paint is received (with no limit) and eventually re-mixed for free distribution to municipal or not-for-profit agencies. Small amounts of leftover paint should be poured into absorbent material (e.g., kitty litter) and thrown away as trash. Empty paint cans and cans with dried out contents should be thrown away as trash with the lids removed. Clean metal lids can be disposed of as recyclables.

Small amounts of leftover oil-based paint should be poured into absorbent material (e.g., kitty litter) and thrown away as trash. Empty cans and cans with dried out contents should be thrown away as trash with the lids removed. Cans that are full to one-third full should be brought to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Collection in the fall. Mark the lids “O” for oil.

Take to the local recycling station or leave for your solid waste hauler with recyclables. Includes newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, manila folders, envelopes, paper bags; white, colored, notebook and fax paper and carbonless business forms; wrapping paper (non-metallic) and greeting cards; phone books and paperback books (soft cover); clean cardboard including corrugated boxes (wavy middle layer); clean pizzaboxes; ice cream cartons; single layer cardboard (gray, brown, and non-waxy white boxes). All of the above can be mixed together for recycling. PAPER RECYCLING DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING TRASH: food wrappers, cups, tissues, napkins; soaked paper and yellowed newsprint; carbon paper and blueprint paper; metallic gift wrap and all bows; waxed paper; used tissues, paper plates, paper towels and tissue paper; frozen food boxes; soda and beer cartons; construction paper; copy paper wrappers; wax-coated corrugated paper. See also “Books” and “Cardboard.” SHREDDED PAPER: Shredded paper should be stored in a clear plastic bag and placed in the recycling container at either transfer station. The Otsego County Conservation Association also provides a paper shredding service through Empire Recycling Confidata at Earth Festival in Milford each April at no charge.

Place powdered or liquid items in a sealed container and dispose of them at the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sponsors a Clean Sweep Program for disposal of hazardous materials. Details can be found at www.cleansweepny.org or by calling (877) 793-3769.

The Otsego County Recycling Program does not accept plastic bags. Plastic bags can be recycled in retail/grocery bag recycling programs at area grocery and retail stores. See the NYSDEC website for details – http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/50042.html.

Plastic buckets numbers 1-7 are recyclable with or without handles.

Recyclable if numbered 1-7. Containers must be empty, rinsed clean and dry. See “Containers.” Does NOT include containers formerly used for petroleum or other hazardous products such as antifreeze or “spackle buckets.” Plastic milk jugs should be flattened. THE FOLLOWING PLASTICS ARE NOT ACCEPTED: empty plastic bags; plates and tableware; medicine bottles without numbers; motor oil bottles.

See the links at NYSDEC website for details: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/50042.html and http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/wrap/wrap-1.html.

Number 1-7 plastics are recyclable. Items should be clean and dry.

Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Can be recycled at no charge. Old appliances, lawn mowers, bicycles, barbecue grills, sheet metal, aluminum siding, lawn chairs, copper and iron pipes, car parts, pots and pans, metal fencing and posts, etc. Do not include hazardous materials, safes (they contain asbestos), home electronics or paint cans. Take scrap metal to local recycling drop-off stations in Decatur, Hartwick, Morris (Morris village and town residents only), Pittsfield (Burlington and Pittsfield town residents only), Richfield, Schenevus (Maryland town residents only), Schuyler Lake, Springfield, Unadilla and Westford; or to Otsego Auto Crushers (432-2375) on New York State 23 Southside in Oneonta. See a complete list of transfer recycling drop-off stations in Otsego County at https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/s-y/solid_waste/muncipal_drop_off_centers.php.

Printers weighing less than 100 pounds are recyclable. The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles; https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/recycling_information.php.

Ink cartridges can be recycled with many companies and with the Otsego County Conservation Association at Mohican Farm, (607) 547-4488, or via OCCA’s TerraCycle collection bin at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market (cartridges are recycled as a fundraiser for OCCA). Office Max has an in-store recycling program. Check other listings in your local phone directory. Office Max will accept and dispose of toner cartridges, even brands they do not carry.

Can be disposed of at the Otsego County transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown at no charge as scrap metal; also accepted at Otsego Auto Crushers (607-432-2375) on New York State 23 Southside in Oneonta, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday mornings.Valves should be removed before disposal. Propane tanks and cylinders can also be brought to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Collection, usually held in early September.  See  https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/household_hazardous_waste_day.php.

Can be disposed of as regular trash. Even with creosote they are considered regular trash. These should never be burned.

NYSEG sponsors a recycling program for old refrigerators, providing $50 for an old working fridge or freezer. To schedule a FREE pickup, call 1 (877) 691- 0021 or visit http://www.nyseg.com/energyefficiencyprograms/recycle/. Large floor models (e.g., washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers) – Handled as scrap metal. Freon gas must be professionally removed from cooling items prior to recycling. If still in usable condition, appliances may be shared with those in need; check with Family Services in Oneonta. See also “Scrap Metal.” The transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown take appliances for $25/unit (if they contain Freon gas) or at no charge if the Freon has been removed and a tag of certification is attached. Check with local town clerks to see if your town has a white goods and appliance collection.

The Freecycle Network™ is a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers. Membership is free. To sign up in your community, visit https://www.freecycle.org/.

Accepted at the Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations. Old lumber, sheetrock, shingles, old fixtures, carpeting, etc. are accepted at the Otsego County transfer stations in both Oneonta and Cooperstown.

Not accepted for recycling by Otsego County; either place in trash or find a reuse for it.

Can be recycled at no charge. Old appliances, lawn mowers, bicycles, barbecue grills, sheet metal, aluminum siding, lawn chairs, copper and iron pipes, car parts, pots and pans, metal fencing and posts, etc. Do not include hazardous materials, safes (they contain asbestos), home electronics or paint cans. Take scrap metal to local recycling drop-off stations in Decatur, Hartwick, Morris (Morris village and town residents only), Pittsfield (Burlington and Pittsfield town residents only), Richfield, Schenevus (Maryland town residents only), Schuyler Lake, Springfield, Unadilla and Westford; or to Otsego Auto Crushers (432-2375) on New York State 23 Southside in Oneonta. See a complete list of transfer recycling drop-off stations in Otsego County at https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/s-y/solid_waste/muncipal_drop_off_centers.php.

Scrap metal or find a new home.

Smoke detectors may be either photoelectric or ionizing. The ionizing variety may contain a small amount of radioactive material which may pose a hazard to human health if large quantities are accumulated. However, single detectors of either kind may be safely discarded with household trash. Some smoke detectors can be returned to the manufacturer. Check the package to see if a return service is offered. Remove the battery and see “Batteries.”

Contaminated Soils – Soils being excavated and removed due to pollution (e.g., by an underground leaking oil tank or septic system) need to be disposed of in accordance with NYSDEC regulations. Refer to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation link for further explanation. http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/30902.html.

Bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

(e.g., spray starch, cooking spray, cosmetics, etc.) – Recyclable, but cans must be empty. You must follow usage directions so the entire product is dispensed. If the aerosol can has a plastic lid you should remove it. Do not recycle aerosol cans that have contained paint, starter fluid, pesticides or other hazardous wastes; bring them to the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection, https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/household_hazardous_waste_day.php

Place clean and white Styrofoam (a trademark name for extruded polystyrene foam) with no recycling number in clear plastic bags for collection by the Otsego County Conservation Association, (607) 547-4488, at Earth Festival each April after which it is delivered to Shelter Enterprises of Cohoes. We are looking for alternatives – please let us know if you know of a local business that needs.

DO NOT set out with recyclables. To dispose, snap off the needle and break the syringe tube to prevent second-hand use. Place used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container (a large laundry detergent bottle is recommended). When the bottle is full, screw the lid on tight and tape the lid shut with duct tape or packing tape. Clearly label the bottle “Needles.” You can then dispose of needles and syringes with the regular trash; however, do not put the container in a bag with other garbage. Leave the bottle on the curb next to your regular trash so your hauler can handle it (it is recommended that you call your hauler to inquire if there are any other, specific requirements for preparing needles and syringes). Needles/syringes can also be dropped off at the outpatient lab at FoxCare and at the outpatient pharmacy at Bassett Medical Center. Needles and syringes are NOT accepted at Otsego County’s HHWD. All hospitals and nursing homes in New York State are mandated by law to accept home-generated sharps as a free community service through their sharps collection programs. In addition, pharmacies, health clinics, community-based organizations, mobile van programs, public transportation facilities, housing projects, police stations, waste transfer stations and other venues have become settings for safe sharps and offer syringe collection drop boxes (or “kiosks”) to help facilitate the safe collection of used sharps. visit the links below for locations in Otsego County. • Hospitals: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/hospital_collection_sites.pdf • Nursing Homes: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/nursing_home_collection_sites.pdf

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: https://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

Thrift shops and family service organizations may take unwanted clothing, bedding, and other textiles in good, clean condition. Another option is textile recycling through Re-Clothe NY (see http://www.nysar3.org/page/re-clothe-ny-78.html) to find a drop-off box in your area).

If your thermostat/thermometer contains mercury (silvery liquid), bring to the County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall. If broken and/or mercury is leaking, follow procedure under “Fluorescent Bulbs or Lamps (broken),” taking similar precautions for cleanup.

Accepted at the transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown and at Otsego Auto Crushers, (607) 432-2375, for a small fee. Helpful hint – Tires last longer when kept properly inflated. 

Shampoo bottles, cream tubes, ointment tubes, and make-up containers are recyclable; must be empty, clean, and dry. TerraCycle offers various programs by which these items can also be recycled. See https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/.

Office Max will accept and dispose of toner cartridges, even brands they do not carry.

Household garbage and other trash can be taken directly to Otsego County’s solid waste transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown at the rate of $3 per 30-gallon bag. Garbage can also be left out for pickup service by your local hauler (see website for list of haulers). Many of the town (not local) recycling stations in the county have a local garbage hauler on-site on Saturday mornings to take bagged garbage for about $2-3 per bag. Check with your town clerk for information.

As required by New York State law, used motor oil must be accepted free of charge at businesses that service motor vehicles and sell more than 500 gallons of oil per year and by retailers that don’t service vehicles but sell more than 1,000 gallons of oil annually. This is limited to 5 gallons/person ach day. Empty motor oil containers should not be included with plastic recyclables; dispose of these in the regular trash. Under Article 23, Title 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), any service establishment that sells at least 500 gallons per year of new oil and performs vehicle servicing must accept from the public at no charge up to 5 gallons of used oil per person per day.

Dispose of in regular trash.

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling as per the link below: http://www.otsegocounty.com/depts/shttps://www.otsegocounty.com/2019%20Poster_incl%20fees.pdf. Computers (Desktop & Laptop); Televisions (CRT, Flat screen, Plasma, LCD, DLP, Projection); Small Scale Servers; Computer Peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, fax machines, printers less than 100 lbs; scanners less than 100 lbs.); Small Electronic Equipment (digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, DVR players, DVRs, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers and electronic or video game consoles;

Green Disk collects and recycles all “technotrash,” including CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, etc. See http://www.greendisk.com/.

Green Disk collects and recycles all “technotrash,” including CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, etc. See http://www.greendisk.com/.

Pellet bags are not accepted with Otsego County’s no-sort recyclables. Pellet bags can be dropped off at Haggerty ACE Hardware in Cooperstown (collection box at the north end of the store), where they will be picked up by the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) to be recycled with other agricultural plastics as part of the Recycling Agricultural Plastics Project (garden bags NOT accepted). Please note the following procedure for recycling pellet bags – 1) Shake out all pellets and residue from bags. 2) Roll empty bags tightly, or stack and fold. 3) Slide rolled or folded bags into another empty wood pellet bag to store. 4) Keep clean and dry. 5) Include no other plastic or garbage. 6) Wood pellet bags only. Pilot agricultural plastic collection events are currently being held during the year in Otsego County. Pellet bags can be brought to these events. For further information, contact OCCA at (607) 547-4488.

Recyclable, except metallic wrapping paper and bows and ribbons. These should be reused or placed in trash. Take to the local recycling station or leave for your solid waste hauler with recyclables. Includes newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, manila folders, envelopes, paper bags; white, colored, notebook and fax paper and carbonless business forms; wrapping paper (non-metallic) and greeting cards; phone books and paperback books (soft cover); clean cardboard including corrugated boxes (wavy middle layer); clean pizzaboxes; ice cream cartons; single layer cardboard (gray, brown, and non-waxy white boxes). All of the above can be mixed together for recycling. PAPER RECYCLING DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING TRASH: food wrappers, cups, tissues, napkins; soaked paper and yellowed newsprint; carbon paper and blueprint paper; metallic gift wrap and all bows; waxed paper; used tissues, paper plates, paper towels and tissue paper; frozen food boxes; soda and beer cartons; construction paper; copy paper wrappers; wax-coated corrugated paper. See also “Books” and “Cardboard.” SHREDDED PAPER: Shredded paper should be stored in a clear plastic bag and placed in the recycling container at either transfer station. The Otsego County Conservation Association also provides a paper shredding service through Empire Recycling Confidata at Earth Festival in Milford each April at no charge.

City of Oneonta residents can use the yard waste facility on Silas Lane after calling the city’s Department of Public Works for an appointment to enter the yard. Yard waste is accepted as trash at the Otsego County transfer stations. Call the town clerk to see if your town provides yard waste collection.