The New York City Department of Sanitation began enforcement of its recycling laws the first of this month. The city collects glass, plastics metal cans and several types of recovered fiber through a citywide collection program. The focus of the enforcement will be on glass, which only recently was reintroduced to the city’s curbside collection program.
The resumption of enforcement followed an extensive 90 day public outreach campaign during which no summonses were written for failure to recycle glass. On April 1st, the City's weekly recycling program was fully restored after two years of glass and plastic materials suspension necessitated by the City's fiscal challenges.
"The DSNY was aware that New Yorkers deserved time to adjust to a regular recycling schedule, therefore a three month grace period was granted during which no summonses were issued for the improper recycling of glass," said Commissioner Doherty.
A telemarketing campaign has been launched to reach out to residents and remind them to recycle glass properly or face a $25 fine. In addition, the Department has placed ads and flyers in daily and weekly newspapers, placed posters on collection trucks, and mailed brochures to building managers, owners and homeowners to promote further outreach.