Monroe County's Recyclopedia

Monroe County’s

Recyclopedia

Guidelines for Mixed Recycling at the

Monroe County Recycling Center

Updated 2/2024

This document is regularly updated. In the interest of waste reduction, we suggest that you do not print this guide.

The Recyclopedia can be viewed online at www2.monroecounty.gov/files/DES/recyclopedia.pdf.

Mixed Recycling at the Monroe County Recycling Center

For over 30 years, Monroe County residents have enjoyed a progressive and convenient curbside recycling

program. As is its charge from the County, Waste Management, Inc., the Monroe County Recycling Center’s

(MCRC) contract operator, examines the waste stream for sustainable recovery opportunities. In 2014, the

MCRC started to accept Mixed Recycling materials from its recycling collector customers. Mixed Recycling

means that paper materials no longer need to be separated from containers—all acceptable items

can be mixed together.

The MCRC’s ability to process Mixed Recycling has enabled the collection of recyclables in a one bin system,

including the transition to rolling recycling carts provided by several local municipal and private collection

companies. The benefits of Mixed Recycling include cost effective collection with a compaction truck, reduced

transportation impacts, increased convenience for residents, and often increased recycling rates.

One of the primary challenges with Mixed Recycling is increased contamination: the amount of non-

recyclable materials that are put into recycle bins and ultimately disposed. To that end, Monroe County has

compiled its Recyclopedia as a guide for residents to determine whether or not everyday items are

acceptable for curbside recycling.

Some recycling collection companies are not customers of the MCRC. Residential customers

should contact their collection company to confirm what is accepted and how recycling bins

should be prepared.

Recyclopedia Layout

The first section of the Recyclopedia identifies the paper, plastic, metal and glass items that are recyclable curbside

and instructions on how to properly prepare these materials for collection. Recyclables should always be EMPTY,

CLEAN, and UNBAGGED.

The second section of the Recyclopedia highlights common items that are not acceptable in the Mixed Recycling program

through the MCRC, how to prepare appropriate items for disposal, and whether there is an alternative option (reuse,

donation, composting, store drop offs, mail in programs etc.)

In 2011, Monroe County and Waste Management partnered to create the ecopark, a one-of-a-kind drop off for hard

to handle recyclables for Monroe County residents. Located at 10 Avion Drive in the Town of Chili, the facility is open

on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For a full list of acceptable

items, associated fees and necessary appointments, please visit

www.ecoparkmcny.com. The Recyclopedia also

identifies items that are acceptable at the ecopark.

Table of Contents

1. Acceptable Items .................................................................................................... 4

Paper ........................................................................................................................ 4

Plastic ....................................................................................................................... 6

Metal ........................................................................................................................ 7

Glass ........................................................................................................................ 8

2. Unacceptable Items ................................................................................................ 9

Paper ........................................................................................................................ 9

Plastic ..................................................................................................................... 11

Foam ...................................................................................................................... 14

Pouches & Wrappers ................................................................................................. 15

Metal ...................................................................................................................... 16

Glass & Ceramics ...................................................................................................... 17

Food & Yard Waste .................................................................................................... 18

Electronics ............................................................................................................... 19

Batteries & Light Bulbs .............................................................................................. 20

Clothing, Textiles, and Rubber Materials ....................................................................... 21

Home and Building Materials ....................................................................................... 22

Appliances ............................................................................................................... 23

Medical and Pharmaceutical Waste ............................................................................... 24

Household Hazardous Waste ....................................................................................... 25

3. Additional Resources ............................................................................................

4. Index ................................................................................................................... 28

Acceptable Paper Items

ITEM EXAMPLE PREPARATION

Cartons and Drink Boxes • Beverage cartons including milk,

juice, and water

• Single serve drink boxes

• Broth and soup cartons

• Shelf-stable and refrigerated

cartons

• Empty- no liquids

• Remove plastic straws and place

in garbage

• Reattach caps

Newspapers, Magazines and

Catalogs

• Inserts are also accepted • Remove plastic newspaper bag

and magazine wrap and recycle

at retailers or ecopark along with

plastic bags (NOT curbside)

• Do not tie in bundles

Cardboard

• Shipping boxes

• Box packaging for toys,

electronics etc.

• Empty and flatten boxes

• Remove block, white, packing

foam and recycle at ecopark

(NOT curbside)

• Remove plastic air pillows/

bubble wrap and recycle at

retailers or ecopark (NOT

curbside)

• Reduce to 2X4 feet in size

• Place inside or next to recycle bin

• Do not tie in bundles

Pizza Boxes

• Remove wax paper liners and

place in garbage

Paperboard Boxes and Rolls • Dry goods, like cereal and

cracker boxes

• Tissue, gift and shoe boxes

• Beverage boxes, like soda and

beer flats or cases

• Frozen food boxes

• Rolls from toilet paper and

paper towels

• Remove plastic liners and recycle

at retailers or ecopark along with

plastic bags (NOT curbside)

• Flatten boxes

Acceptable Paper Items

ITEM EXAMPLE PREPARATION

Paper Food Items

• Paper egg carton

• Paper drink tray

• Paper bags

• Empty, clean and dry

• Compost where accepted

• No paper cups, plates,

napkins, tissues, or paper

towels

• No foam egg cartons

Junk Mail and Envelopes

• Advertisements and brochures

• Manilla envelopes

• Envelopes with windows

• No paper envelopes lined

with bubble wrap

Office and school paper

• Construction paper

• Computer paper

• Composition or spiral notebook

paper

• File folders

• Paper with staples, tape, or glue

is OK

• Remove metal spiral from

notebooks and dispose in trash

or recycle at ecopark in scrap

metal

• No three ring binders

Softcover books

• Phone books

• Other softcover books

• Do not tie bundles

• No hardcover books

Wrapping paper

• Plain wrapping paper

• Tissue paper

• Remove ribbons, bows and place

in trash

• No metallic or foil paper

Shredded paper

• Contain in brown paper bag

(staple shut) or box

• Do not put in plastic bag

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

If you do not see an item on this list or are not sure if it is clean enough to recycle, do not put it in your recycle bin.

If a load of recycling contains non-recyclables – even by just a fraction – that entire load risks not being recycled.

Acceptable Plastic Items

ITEM EXAMPLE PREPARATION

Bottles

• Drink bottles

• Shampoo and conditioner bottles

• Squeeze bottles including

condiments and dish soap

• Spray bottles for cleaning

products

• Often marked with #1 or #2

• Empty and clean- no liquids,

food or product

• Reattach caps, lids, and spray

pumps

• No pill bottles (bring over the

counter and prescription pill

bottles to ecopark or other

pharmaceutical drop off for

recovery; see pg 24)

Jars

• Food jars including peanut

butter, mayonnaise, sauce, nuts

etc.

• Often marked #1

• Empty and clean- no food

• Reattach lids

Jugs • Milk, laundry detergent,

windshield fluid, cooking oil, and

vinegar

• Often marked #2

• Empty and clean- no liquids,

food, or product

• Reattach caps

Tubs • Dairy products such as

margarine, butter, sour cream,

and yogurt

• Single-serve yogurt container

• Often marked #5

• Empty and clean- no foods

• Reattach lids

• Remove foil seals and dispose in

trash

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

If you do not see an item on this list or are not sure if it is clean enough to recycle, do not put it in your recycle

bin. If a load of recycling contains non-recyclables – even by just a fraction – that entire load risks not being

recycled.

Acceptable Metal Items

ITEM EXAMPLE PREPARATION

Aluminum cans

• Soda, beer, sparkling water

• Empty- no liquids

Tin / Steel Cans

• Tuna, cat food, canned goods

• Empty, clean and dry

• Keep lid attached

• Label is also acceptable

Aerosol Cans

• Sunscreen, hair spray, shaving

cream, cooking and cleaning

spray etc.

• Empty

• Reattach caps

• No pesticide or spray paint

cans (dispose of empty cans in

trash or bring to ecopark for

recycling)

Pots & pans

• Metal pots and pans

• Sheet trays

• Consider donation if in good

condition

• Clean before recycling

• Dispose glass lid

Foil

• Pie pans, baking dishes

• Aluminum foil

• Empty and clean- no food

• Form foil into ball the size of

baseball or larger

Acceptable Glass Items

ITEM EXAMPLE PREPARATION

Bottles

• Soda, water, wine, beer

• Brown, clear, green, or blue

glass

• Empty- no liquids

• Reattach caps

• Labels are OK

• Dispose of loose metal caps that

cannot be reattached (Do NOT

put in Mixed Recycling) or

bring to ecopark for scrap metal

recycling

• Dispose of corks or look for

reuse option

Jars

• Sauce, pickles, etc.

• Empty- no liquids or food

• Reattach caps and lids

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

If you do not see an item on this list or are not sure if it is clean enough to recycle, do not put it in your recycle bin.

If a load of recycling contains non-recyclables – even by just a fraction – that entire load risks not being recycled.

Unacceptable Paper Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Used paper napkins, paper plates,

and paper towels

• Dispose in trash

• Compost where accepted

• Reusable items (cloth dish

towels and napkins, washable

dishware)

Clamshells with food residue

• Dispose in trash

• Compost where accepted

• Reusable container

Hot coffee cup or fountain soda

cup

• Dispose in trash along with lids

and straws

• Reusable mugs and drink

bottles.

Pizza box with food residue

• Dispose in trash

• Compost where accepted

Hardcover books

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to ecopark for recycling

• Cut pages out of binding to

recycle curbside

• Donate or reuse option

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Unacceptable Paper Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Foil and metallic wrapping paper • Dispose in trash

• Paper-based gift wrap without

foil or metallic coating is

accepted for curbside recycling

Envelopes lined with bubble wrap • Dispose in trash

• Reuse option

Unacceptable Plastic Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Empty Medicine Bottles

(over the counter and

prescription)

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to ecopark or

pharmaceutical drop off for

recovery

Grocery bags (often marked

#2 or #4)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Reuse options

• Return clean and dry plastic

bags to retailers or ecopark for

recycling

Plastic film/wrap including

bread bags, newspaper

bags, cereal box liners,

case wrap, sandwich (such as

ZipLoc™) bags, produce bags,

shipping envelopes, bubble wrap,

dry cleaning bags, and air pillows

(often marked #2 or #4)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Reuse options

• Return clean and dry plastic

film/wrap to retailers or ecopark

for recycling

Pre-washed salad bag, soil and

mulch bags, pet food bags,

degradable bags (often marked

#5 or #7)

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• None

Loose caps and lids

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reattach to recyclable bottles

and containers to recycle

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Unacceptable Plastic Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Plastic clamshells (to-go

containers, plastic egg cartons, as

well as deli, bakery, berry, salad,

and produce

containers)

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reusable items

Single-use plastics including

straws, plastic utensils, and

condiment cups

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reusable items

Plastic coffee pods (like Kcups™)

often marked #5 or #6

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Put coffee grounds in compost

where accepted

• Plastic pod must be disposed in

trash

• Reusable filters

Plastic drink cups (like Solo™

cups or iced coffee cups) and

plastic lids often marked #1 or #6

• Dispose in trash along with any

lids

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reusable items

Plastic flower pots and trays

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Return to retailers or collection

programs where accepted

Compostable or biodegradable

plastic (often marked PLA #7)

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Compost where accepted

Unacceptable Plastic Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Pool covers, liners and tarps

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reuse options

Bulky plastic including

crates, buckets, baskets,

and lawn

furniture

• Dispose in trash

• Reuse options

• Accepted at ecopark in bulky

plastics bin

Vinyl air mattresses, shower

curtains, siding, PVC piping, and

lawn signs

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Reuse options

CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes and

cases

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Mail in programs

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Unacceptable Foam Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Block white packing foam

(often marked #6)

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to ecopark for recycling

(no tape or labels)

Foam egg cartons (often marked

#6)

• Dispose in trash

• Mail in programs for recycling

• Paper and plastic egg cartons

are accepted for recycling

Coffee cups, meat trays, to-go

containers (often marked #6)

• Dispose in trash

• Recyclable packaging

• Reusable containers

Packing peanuts • Dispose in trash

• Return to participating shipping

retailers

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Unacceptable Pouches & Wrappers

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Drink pouch and baby food pouch

• Dispose in trash along with

straws and caps

• Mail in programs for recycling for

select items

Re-sealable food or product pouch

• Dispose in trash

• None

Candy bar and granola bar

wrappers, condiment packages

(ketchup, salad dressing), chip

bags

• Dispose in trash

• Mail in programs for recycling for

select items

Unacceptable Metal Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Propane & Helium tanks

• Do not dispose of in trash-

safety issue

• Exchange 20 lb tanks at

purchase location for refill

• Bring 1 lb and 20 lb tanks to

ecopark for recycling

Aerosol spray paint and

pesticide cans

• Empty cans may be placed in

trash; see pg. 25 for instructions

on full or partially full cans

• Empty cans may be brought to

ecopark for recycling in scrap

metal

Wire coat hangers

• Dispose in trash

• Return to participating retailers

or bring to ecopark for recycling

in scrap metal

Car parts (tire rims, brake

pads, drums, rotors etc)

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to ecopark for recycling in

scrap metal

• Scrap metal yards offer money

for recycling

Chains

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to ecopark for recycling in

scrap metal

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Unacceptable Glass Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Ceramics • Dispose in trash

• Donate if in good condition or

reuse options

Drinking, baking, and canning

glass

• Dispose in Trash

• Donate if in good condition or

reuse options

Window glass and mirrors

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate if in good condition or

reuse options

Food & Yard Waste Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Fruit and vegetable trimmings,

coffee grounds, egg shells, grains,

etc.

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Backyard composting, drop off,

or collection service (paid

programs)

Cooking oil

• Collect in container and dispose

in trash- do not put down drain

• Collect in container and bring to

ecopark for recycling

Solid Grease • Dispose in trash- do not put

down drain

•

Not accepted at ecopark

Christmas Trees

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• See municipal pick up and drop

off services for recycling

• Bring to ecopark for recycling

Brush and leaves • Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Not accepted at ecopark

• See municipal pick up and drop

off services for recycling

• Backyard composting

Grass • Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Grasscycling (leave clippings on

yard after mowing)

• Backyard composting

Pet waste • Dispose in trash

• No

Diapers • Dispose in trash

• Reusable cloth diapers

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Electronic Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Television and

computer monitors

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Bring to electronics recycler,

participating retailer, or ecopark

for recycling

Printers, keyboards, laptops,

VCRs, cell phones, and other

household electronics

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Bring to electronics recycler,

participating retailer, or ecopark

for recycling

Ink jet printer and toner

cartridges

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to participating office

supply stores or ecopark for

recycling

Cords & Cables • Dispose in trash

• Bring to electronics recycler or

ecopark for recycling

String lights

• Dispose in trash

• Bring to participating home

improvement stores, electronics

recycler or ecopark for recycling

CDs, DVDs, VHS Tapes, Zip Disks,

Floppy Discs, Etc.

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Mail back recycling programs or

reuse options

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Batteries & Light Bulbs

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Rechargeable and button

batteries

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Bring to participating retailer or

ecopark for recycling

Lithium batteries

(including

rechargeable

household batteries)

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Bring to participating retailer or

ecopark for recycling

Alkaline batteries

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Pay to recycle programs and

retailers

Car batteries • Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Bring to participating retailers,

scrap yards and municipalities

• Not accepted at ecopark

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)

light bulbs

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity (contain mercury)

• Bring to home improvement

stores where accepted or to

ecopark

Fluorescent light bulbs

(tube, circular, or U-shape)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity (contain mercury)

• Bring to ecopark for recycling.

Not accepted at home

improvement stores.

Incandescent light bulbs

• Dispose in trash

• Pay to recycle programs and

retailers

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Clothing, Textiles & Rubber

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Clothing in good condition

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Consignment stores

• Accepted at wide range of

donation centers

Worn, torn, or stained

clothing

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Accepted at most major donation

centers

Footwear, bedding, curtains,

and stuffed animals

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Accepted at most major donation

centers

Eyeglasses • Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recycling programs

• Lions Club donation boxes or

participating retailers

Tires • Do not dispose in trash with

the exception of City of

Rochester residents, who can

place at curb

• Recycle at automotive tire

retailers

• Bring to ecopark for recycling

(fee applies)

Garden hose • Place in trash

• Donate if in good condition or

reuse options

Rubber gloves • Place in trash

• None

Rubber bands or balls • Place in trash

• Donate if in good condition or

reuse options

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Home & Building Materials

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Carpet and flooring • Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate or reuse options

Mattresses • Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• Service may be offered when

purchasing new mattress

• Pay to recycle options

Wood, lumber, brick and concrete

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate or reuse options

Drywall, sheetrock and gypsum

board

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate or reuse options

Asbestos

• Disposal should be done

professionally

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• None

Lighting, bathroom & kitchen

fixtures (metal and electronic)

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

• Accepted at ecopark and many

scrap metal recyclers

Bathroom & kitchen fixtures

(ceramic sinks, toilets etc)

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate or reuse options

Furniture • Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

•

Not accepted at ecopark

• Donate or reuse options

Smoke detectors and carbon

monoxide detectors

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Contact manufacturer for

recycling options

Fire extinguishers

• Disposal discouraged

• Accepted at ecopark and

participating retailers

Scrap Metal

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

• Accepted at ecopark and many

scrap metal recyclers

Thermometers and

thermostats

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Appliances

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Appliances that do not

contain refrigerant including

washers, dryers, microwaves,

stoves, dishwashers, hot water

heaters, etc.

• Dispose in trash (bulky item fee

may apply)

• Donate or reuse options

• Haul away service may be

offered when purchasing new

appliances

• Accepted at ecopark in scrap

metal bin

• Accepted at many scrap metal

recyclers

Appliances that

contain refrigerant

including

dehumidifiers, air conditioners,

refrigerators, freezers etc.

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity (Freon containing items)

• Donate or reuse options

• Accepted at ecopark for fee

• Accepted at many scrap metal

recyclers (fee may apply)

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Pharmaceutical & Medical Items

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Prescription & over the

counter medicines

(pills,

liquids, sprays, ointments, and pet

medications)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recovery programs

• Participating law enforcement

offices, hospitals, and

pharmacies

• Accepted at ecopark

Sharps & syringes

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recovery programs

• Participating hospitals and

nursing homes

• Accepted at ecopark

Epipens

• Disposal is discouraged due to

free/abundant community

recovery programs

• Participating hospitals and

nursing homes

• Accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Household Hazardous Waste

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Paint: oil-based (any

amount)

•

Disposal

toxicity

is discouraged due to

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Paint: latex (more than

1/3 can full)

•

Disposal

toxicity

is discouraged due to

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

• PaintCare

provides residents with

an additional outlet to safely and

conveniently dispose

of paint and

paint products. The program is

network of drop-

off collection sites,

for residents and businesses

more than 200 retailers and reuse

stores across New York State.

Up to five gallons of material is

accepted per customer, per visit

any

time retailers are open.

View local drop off sites on the

PaintCare website.

Paint: latex less than

1/3 can full

• Mix with kitty litter, shredded

paper, or sand and let dry out

•

Dispose in trash with lid off

• Not accepted at ecopark

Full or partially full

aerosol

spray paint and

pesticide cans

•

Disposal

toxicity

is discouraged due to

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Paint thinners,

strippers, and solvents

•

Disposal

toxicity

is discouraged due to

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Pesticides and

fertilizers

•

Disposal

toxicity

is discouraged due to

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Cleaners (soaps,

waxes, drain cleaners,

etc.)

• Disposal

is discouraged

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

Household Hazardous Waste

(NOT accepted in MCRC Curbside Mixed Recycling program)

ITEM DISPOSAL METHOD ALTERNATE OPTION

Automotive fluids

(antifreeze, brake,

power steering, and transmission

fluids)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Motor oil • Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at auto service

establishments

• Not accepted at ecopark

Gasoline, kerosene,

heating oil, etc.

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Glues, caulk, and paste • Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Photo & pool chemicals

(chlorine, pool tablets,

algaecide etc.)

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Driveway sealer • Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Wood stain &

preservatives

• Disposal is discouraged due to

toxicity

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Mercury (including

thermometers,

thermostats)

• Do not dispose in trash-

Illegal

• Accepted at ecopark with

advance appointment

Fifty five (55) gallon drums • Not accepted at ecopark

• 30 gallon liquid limit accepted

at ecopark with advance

appointment

Glazing, spackle and joint

compound

• Dispose in trash

• Not accepted at ecopark

• Do not dispose in trash or

recycling

• Do not remove batteries

• Do not rinse

• Place in plastic zip-type bag

• Acceptable at all ecopark

collections, no appointment

necessary

• Check with manufacturer for

take-back programs

Items accepted at ecopark

Items accepted at

ecopark for fee

Items accepted at

ecopark that require an

appointment

E-Cigarettes, Vape

Devices and E- Liquids

Additional resources:

Visit our Mixed Recycling website www.monroecounty.gov/recycling

for:

•

Extensive Frequently Asked Questions explaining why items are or are not acceptable

•

Virtual video tours of the Monroe County Recycling Center and ecopark

•

Contact information to schedule a presentation from an Environmental Educator

•

Downloadable print materials including signs and flyers

•

Visit our ecopark website www.monroecounty.gov/ecopark for:

•

Schedule an appointment* for Household Hazardous Waste (*appointment required)

•

List of fees for tires and appliances with freon

•

Search feature with instructions on how to recycle or dispose of even more items

•

Information about other donation, reuse, pay to recycle, and mail in recycling programs

(Contact the manufacturer or retailer to confirm participation and fees.)

monroecounty.gov/recycling

Aerosol cans .................................................................. 7

Air conditioners ........................................................... 23

Air mattresses ............................................................. 13

Aluminum foil................................................................ 7

Antifreeze ................................................................... 26

Appliances................................................................... 23

Asbestos ..................................................................... 22

Automotive fluids ........................................................ 26

Baking glass ................................................................. 17

Batteries

Alkaline batteries..................................................... 20

Button

batteries

....................................................... 20

Car

batteries

............................................................ 20

Lithium batteries ..................................................... 20

Rechargeable batteries ............................................ 20

Bedding ....................................................................... 21

Books

Hardcover books ....................................................... 9

Softcover books......................................................... 5

Brake pads .................................................................. 16

Brake rotors ................................................................ 16

Brown paper bag ........................................................... 5

Bubble wrap ................................................................ 11

Buckets ....................................................................... 13

Butter tub ..................................................................... 6

Cans

Aerosol Cans ............................................................. 7

Aluminum Cans ......................................................... 7

Beer Cans .................................................................. 7

Cat Food Cans............................................................ 7

Full or partially full aerosol spray paint .................... 25

Pesticide cans .......................................................... 16

Soda Cans .................................................................. 7

Spray paint .............................................................. 16

Steel Cans .................................................................. 7

Tin

Cans

..................................................................... 7

Tuna Cans .................................................................. 7

Caps and lids ............................................................... 11

Carbon monoxide detectors ........................................ 22

Cardboard ..................................................................... 4

Carpet ......................................................................... 22

Cartons ......................................................................... 4

Cartridges

Ink jet printer .......................................................... 19

Toner ...................................................................... 19

Catalogs ........................................................................ 4

Caulk ........................................................................... 26

CDs ...................................................... 13

Cell phones ................................................................. 19

Chains ........................................................................ 16

Christmas Trees .......................................................... 18

Clamshells

Biodegradable clamshells ......................................... 9

Foam clamshells ..................................................... 14

Plastic clamshells .................................................... 12

Cleaners ..................................................................... 25

Drain cleaners ........................................................ 25

Soaps ..................................................................... 25

Clothing ...................................................................... 21

Footwear ................................................................ 21

Coffee grounds ........................................................... 18

Compostable plastic ................................................... 12

Computer ................................................................... 19

Computer paper ........................................................... 5

Construction paper ....................................................... 5

Cooking oil ................................................................. 18

Cooking spray cans ....................................................... 7

Crates......................................................................... 13

Cups

Ceramic .................................................................. 17

Foam coffee cups .................................................... 14

Fountain Soda Cup .................................................... 9

Hot Coffee Cup ......................................................... 9

Iced coffee cups ...................................................... 12

Kcups™ ................................................................... 12

Solo™ cups ............................................................. 12

Curtains ...................................................................... 21

Dehumidifiers ............................................................. 23

Dishwashers ............................................................... 23

Drink Boxes .................................................................. 4

Drink tray ..................................................................... 5

Drinking glass ............................................................. 17

Driveway sealer .......................................................... 26

Dryers ........................................................................ 23

Drywall ....................................................................... 22

DVDs .......................................................................... 13

E-Cigarettes…………………………………………………………………..26

E-Liquids............................................................................ 26

Egg cartons

Foam egg cartons ................................................... 14

Paper egg carton ...................................................... 5

Egg shells.................................................................... 18

Envelopes ..................................................................... 5

Paper shipping envelopes lined with bubble wrap ... 10

Plastic shipping envelopes ...................................... 11

Epipens ...................................................................... 24

Extension Cords .......................................................... 19

Eyeglasses .................................................................. 21

Fertilizers ................................................................... 25

Fifty five gallon drums ................................................ 26

File folders .................................................................... 5

Fire extinguishers ........................................................ 22

Flooring ....................................................................... 22

Flower pots

Ceramic ................................................................... 17

Plastic flower pots ................................................... 12

Foam coolers............................................................... 14

Food jars ....................................................................... 6

Freezer ........................................................................ 23

Frozen food boxes ......................................................... 4

Fruit and vegetable trimmings ..................................... 18

Furniture ..................................................................... 22

Garden hose ................................................................ 21

Gasoline ...................................................................... 26

Glass

Bottles

.................................................................. 8

Beer Bottles .............................................................. 8

Wine Bottles ............................................................. 8

Glass

Jars

....................................................................... 8

Glass Jugs ...................................................................... 8

Glazing ........................................................................ 26

Glue ............................................................................ 26

Grass ........................................................................... 18

Grease ........................................................................ 18

Grocery bags ............................................................... 11

Hair spray cans .............................................................. 7

Heating oil ................................................................... 26

Helium tanks ............................................................... 16

Hot water

heaters

........................................................ 23

Junk Mail ....................................................................... 5

Kerosene ..................................................................... 26

Keyboards ................................................................... 19

Laptops ....................................................................... 19

Laundry detergent ......................................................... 6

Lawn furniture ............................................................ 13

Lawn signs................................................................... 13

Leaves ......................................................................... 18

Light bulbs

Compact Fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs...................... 20

Fluorescent light bulbs............................................. 20

Incandescent light bulbs .......................................... 20

Magazines ..................................................................... 4

Mattresses .................................................................. 22

Meat trays ................................................................... 14

Medicines ................................................................... 24

Over the counter

medicines

..................................... 24

Pet

medications

........................................................ 24

Prescription ............................................................. 24

Mercury ...................................................................... 26

Microwaves ................................................................. 23

Milk jug ........................................................................ 6

Mirrors ........................................................................17

Monitors .....................................................................19

Motor oil .....................................................................26

Napkins ........................................................................ 9

Newspapers ................................................................. 4

Packing foam (like Styrofoam™) .................................. 14

Packing peanuts ..........................................................14

Paint ...........................................................................25

Paint thinners ..........................................................25

Solvents ...................................................................25

Strippers ..................................................................25

Paper drink tray ............................................................ 5

Paper plates ................................................................. 9

Paper towels ................................................................ 9

Paperboard Boxes ........................................................ 4

Paste ...........................................................................26

Peanut butter jar .......................................................... 6

Pesticides ................................................................... 25

Phone books ................................................................ 5

Pickle jar ....................................................................... 8

Pie Pans ..............................................................................7

Pots & pans .................................................................. 7

Pill bottles ...................................................................11

Pills .............................................................................24

Pizza Boxes

Clean Pizza Boxes ..................................................... 4

Pizza box with food residue ...................................... 9

Plastic bags ..................................................................11

Bread bags...............................................................11

Cereal box liners ......................................................11

Dry cleaning bags .....................................................11

Newspaper bags ......................................................11

Pet food

bags

...........................................................11

Pre-washed salad bag ..............................................11

Soil and mulch bags .................................................11

ZipLock™ bags .........................................................11

Plastic bottles

Drink bottles ............................................................. 6

Prescription

bottles

..................................................11

Shampoo and conditioner bottles ............................. 6

Spray bottles ............................................................ 6

Squeeze bottles ........................................................ 6

Plastic Jars .................................................................... 6

Plastic Jugs ................................................................... 6

Plastic Tubs .................................................................. 6

Pool

chemicals

.........................................................26

Pool covers ............................................................. 13

Pool liners .............................................................. 13

Pots & pans ................................................................... 7

Sheet trays .............................................................. 7

Pouches

Baby food pouch .................................................... 15

Drink pouch ........................................................... 15

Re-sealable pouch .................................................. 15

Printers ....................................................................... 19

Propane tanks ............................................................ 16

PVC piping .................................................................. 13

Refrigerators ............................................................... 23

Rubber bands ............................................................. 21

Rubber gloves ............................................................ 21

Sauce Jar ...................................................................... 8

Scrap

Metal

................................................................. 22

Sharps ......................................................................... 24

Shaving cream cans ...................................................... 7

Shower curtains ......................................................... 13

Shredded paper ........................................................... 5

Single Use Plastics ........................................................................ 12

Straws ..................................................................................... 12

Plastic Utensils ........................................................................ 12

Condiment Cups .................................................................... 12

Smoke detectors ......................................................... 22

Sour cream tub............................................................. 6

Spackle........................................................................ 26

Spiral notebook ............................................................ 5

Stoves ........................................................................ 23

String lights ................................................................ 19

Stuffed animals ........................................................... 21

Styrofoam .................................................................. 14

Sunscreen cans ............................................................. 7

Syringes ...................................................................... 24

Tarps ...........................................................................13

Televisions.................................................................. 19

Thermometers............................................................ 22

Thermostats ............................................................... 22

Tires ........................................................................... 21

Tissue paper ................................................................. 5

Vape Devices .................................................................. 26

VCRs ........................................................................... 19

VHS tapes ................................................................... 13

Vinyl siding ................................................................. 13

Washers ..................................................................... 23

Waste

Diapers ................................................................... 18

Pet waste................................................................ 18

Windows .................................................................... 17

Wire coat hangers ...................................................... 16

Wood ......................................................................... 22

Wood stain ................................................................. 26

Wrappers

Candy bar wrappers ................................................ 15

Granola bar wrappers ............................................. 15

Wrapping paper

Foil and metallic wrapping paper ............................ 10

Plain Wrapping Paper ……………………………………………..5

Yogurt tub .................................................................... 6