Glen Cove's revamped recycling program is good for the city's coffers as well as the environment, according to City Hall.
The city mailed a brochure to city residents last week with the updated guidelines, which have the potential to reduce waste volume by up to 30 percent and could save taxpayers as much as $750,000 in disposal costs, the city claimed.
No revenue had been generated by the city's previous recycling program, which was limited in its acceptable items. Under the new contract, New Jersey-based Galaxy Recycling will buy recycled material from the city.
Department of Public Works director William Archambault said changes in the recycling industry provided the city with a new opportunity.
"With the current economic conditions, recyclables have better value," he said.
The new program comes as a 25-year-old, relatively low-cost waste collection contract ended in July and had to be renewed at a significant increase. The city will now pay a rate similar to that of other communities on Long Island, said Mayor Ralph Suozzi, "and we still got a good deal."
The rate, which had risen incrementally over the old contract's duration, increased from $43.50 per ton to $63 per ton with the new contract. Yard waste disposal hadn't been charged for but is now. Add associated costs like vehicle maintenance, fuel and manpower, and the figure comes to about $81 per ton under the new contract, according to Archambault.
Suozzi said the city is talking to management at Avalon Glen Cove about taking its recyclables. As a commercial property, the apartment complex handles its own waste collection and could reduce its pickup costs while benefiting the city's new revenue source, Suozzi said.
Free bins are available to city residents at City Hall upon request. Click here to see the guidelines on the city's website.
To learn the recycling collection day in your neighborhood, call Public Works at 516-676-4853.
Expanded Curbside Collection Recycling Guidelines
Item Accepted Not Accepted Preparation PaperOffice/school paper, newspaper/inserts, envelopes, manila envelopes, junk mail, catalogs/magazines, construction paper, hardcover, paperback and telephone books
Metallic paper, used paper plates and cups Bundle in paper bags or with twine, place on top of bucket Cardboard Cardboard of any color or kind, storage boxes, cereal, food and pizza boxes, drink containers No restrictions No bundling necessary - collected on Wednesdays Plastics All containers with Number 1-7 in the center of the triangle icon Plastic bags/wraps, 6-pack holders/rings Rinse residue, leave loose in bin Small Metals Food and beverage cans, aluminum foil Empty aerosol cans Rinse residue, leave loose in bin Large Metals Refrigerators w/ doors removed, dishwashers, washers, dryers, stoves, air conditioners, bicycles Call DPW (676-4402) at least one day prior to scheduled Wednesday pickup Glass All clear, opaque or colored glass containers Light bulbs, window and auto glass, mirrors, drinking glass, pottery, dishes, clay pots Rinse residue, leave loose in bin Electronics Computers, printers, fax machines, cell phones, CD and DVD players, stereos, televisions, video game consoles, hand-held electronics Microwaves and small household appliances Check city's website for spring and fall E-Waste events Pollutants Pesticides/insecticides, drain/oven cleaners, waste motor oil and anti-freeze, brake/transmission fluids, enamel, lead-/oil-based paints, wood preservatives, auto tires/batteries, consumer batteries, empty bbq-type propane tanks, pool chemicals, A/C refrigerants Water and latex paint cans, dried out Check city's website for fall S.T.O.P. event