RECYCLING FAQ's

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1. Can I recycle aerosol cans?

Answer: YES. You must follow usage directions so the entire product is dispensed. Spray nozzles do not need to be removed. If the aerosol can has a plastic lid you should remove it. Do not recycle aerosol cans that have contained paint, starter fluid, pesticides or other hazardous wastes, place them in the garbage. Place aerosol cans with your container group for recycling.

2. Can I recycle hard cover books?

Answer: YES. Hard cover books are now recycled in our system. Local book exchanges, libraries, nursing homes, Salvation Army Thrift Stores and the Kirkland Arts Center will take books for reuse and recycling. Hard cover books must be delivered to the Authority's Residential Convenience Station on Leland Ave in Utica for recycling.  Hard cover books are not allowed to be recycled at the curbside.

3. Can I recycle major appliances?

Answer: YES. Major appliances or white goods (stoves, washers, dryers and hot water heaters) are accepted for recycling at our facilities in Rome and Utica for $5.00 per item. You may also deliver them to local scrap yards for recycling. Appliances containing CFCs (freon), such as refrigerators, air conditioners and freezers are also accepted for recycling at our facilities at $10.00 per item.

4. Can I shred my junk mail, personal papers or confidential papers/material?

Answer: Yes. Any personal or confidential papers should be destroyed before recycling. You may tear or shred personal papers before recycling the material. However, you must place this shredded material in a clear plastic bag and keep it separate from other paper group material. The Authority can offer businesses limited confidentiality during the recycling process. Once material is delivered to the Recycling Center it is baled and shipped to pulp and paper mills for recycling.

5. Can I recycle plastic bags with the recycling number in the triangle?

Answer: NO. Please do not place plastic grocery bags with your recyclable material. We are presently not recycling plastic film such as plastic bags. This material should be reused or taken to local grocery or drug stores that provide film plastic recycling. Do not place bags of plastic bags with your recyclables.

6. Can I place my recyclables in a clear plastic bag so they won't get wet or blow away?

Answer: Yes. Please place your recyclables in the largest clearest plastic bag that you have available. Keep the container group separated from the paper group when using a plastic bag for recycling.

7. Can I recycle prescription medicine bottles?

Answer: NO. Place all prescription medicine bottles directly in the garbage.