New York Expands Public Space Recycling Program

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn have announced the expansion of the city’s public space recycling program. Starting Oct. 27, 105 new blue and green recycling bins will be placed at 33 additional locations throughout the five boroughs.

The expansion was funded with minimal taxpayer money, using existing Department of Sanitation collection resources and partnerships with 18 Business Improvement Districts, according to a press release issued from the mayor’s office.

The Public Space Recycling Pilot is part of the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), which was adopted by the City Council in 2006.

The 33 new sites were added to 10 existing locations. The blue bins collect metal, glass and plastic containers, and the green bins accept newspaper and other paper products.

“The key to maintaining the city’s high quality of life—even during tough times—is learning to do more with less,” says Bloomberg. “Because of careful planning by the Sanitation Department, this expansion of public recycling will have virtually no impact on the city’s budget…It’s a prime example of how we’re continuing to improve New York’s quality of life even as city agencies tighten their belts to deal with the current downturn in our economy.”

“Whether at home or on the street, New Yorkers want to recycle, and by expanding the Public Space Recycling Program we’re giving them even more opportunities to be environmentally responsible,” adds Quinn.

The public space recycling program was launched in April 2007 as part of the city’s 20-year SWMP. The first bins were placed in major commercial strips, in parks and at transportation hubs like the Staten Island Ferry terminals.

Last year, the DSNY collected 1.7 million tons of recyclables. More information, including a listing of the new bin locations, is available online at www.nyc.gov.