NYC Recycling and Waste Diversion in NYC

Question 1

Which materials are accepted in NYC's blue bin curbside recycling program?

Accepted Answer

Glass, plastic, paper, and metal

Answer

NYC's blue bin program accepts glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, metal cans, and paper and cardboard for recycling.

Question 2

What does NYC's organics collection program primarily collect?

Accepted Answer

Food scraps and food-soiled paper

Answer

NYC's organics (brown bin) program collects food scraps and food-soiled paper to be composted or processed into biogas instead of going to landfill.

Question 3

What is the correct way to prepare a cardboard box for NYC recycling pickup?

Accepted Answer

Flatten it and remove packing materials

Answer

Cardboard must be flattened and empty of all packing materials before being placed at the curb for NYC recycling collection.

Question 4

Which plastic items are NOT accepted in NYC's curbside recycling?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bags and film

Answer

Plastic bags and film (soft plastics) are not accepted in NYC's curbside recycling and can jam sorting machinery at recycling facilities.

Question 5

Where can NYC residents drop off plastic bags for recycling?

Accepted Answer

Designated drop-off bins at grocery stores

Answer

Plastic bags must be taken to designated drop-off bins located at participating grocery and retail stores, not placed in curbside recycling.

NYC - Sanitation Test Practice Test