NYC Recycling and Waste Diversion in NYC 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'wish-cycling' and why is it harmful to NYC's recycling program?
- A program for donating old bicycles
- Placing non-recyclable items in the recycling bin hoping they will be recycled, which contaminates batches (Correct answer)
- A seasonal recycling drive
- Recycling items only when convenient
Correct answer: Placing non-recyclable items in the recycling bin hoping they will be recycled, which contaminates batches
Wish-cycling occurs when residents place non-recyclables in the bin hoping they qualify, which contaminates entire batches and increases processing costs.
Question 2: E-waste (electronics) in NYC must be disposed of through which channel?
- Regular garbage bags at the curb
- Blue recycling bin
- DSNY e-waste drop-off sites or manufacturer take-back programs (Correct answer)
- Incinerator facilities
Correct answer: DSNY e-waste drop-off sites or manufacturer take-back programs
NYC law prohibits placing e-waste in regular garbage; electronics must be brought to DSNY drop-off sites or manufacturer take-back programs.
Question 3: Which NYC local law significantly expanded the organics collection mandate to large buildings?
- Local Law 11
- Local Law 199 (Correct answer)
- Local Law 80
- Local Law 40
Correct answer: Local Law 199
Local Law 199 of 2019 expanded NYC's mandatory organics collection to cover large residential buildings, requiring them to separate food scraps.
Question 4: How should NYC residents dispose of used cooking oil from households?
- Pour it down the drain
- Place in the blue recycling bin
- Bring it to DSNY drop-off sites or participating locations (Correct answer)
- Freeze it and place in regular garbage
Correct answer: Bring it to DSNY drop-off sites or participating locations
Used cooking oil must be brought to DSNY designated drop-off sites or participating locations; pouring it down the drain clogs sewers.
Question 5: What does NYC's 'zero waste' goal aim to achieve by 2030?
- Eliminate all recycling programs
- Send zero waste to landfills (Correct answer)
- Stop all street cleaning
- Remove all curbside bins
Correct answer: Send zero waste to landfills
NYC's zero waste goal aims to divert all waste from landfills by 2030 through expanded recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs.
Question 6: Which material is banned from NYC landfills and requires separate recycling or disposal?
- Foam polystyrene (Styrofoam) (Correct answer)
- Paper grocery bags
- Wax-coated cardboard
- Biodegradable cups
Correct answer: Foam polystyrene (Styrofoam)
NYC banned foam polystyrene (Styrofoam) from landfills and food service use, requiring it to be recycled or disposed of through special channels.
NYC Recycling and Waste Diversion in NYC 2
What is 'wish-cycling' and why is it harmful to NYC's recycling program?