November 15, 2021
On America Recycles Day (November 15th) the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) recognizes the importance of recycling in our communities. Recycling reduces solid waste sent to landfills, saves energy, prevents pollution, and conserves natural resources. Recycling also creates green jobs, promotes a more circular economy, reduces litter in our communities, and has many other benefits. America Recycles Day is a valued opportunity to raise awareness about recycling in our communities and learn more about the resources UCRRA has to offer as your local Solid Waste Authority.
Last year Ulster County recycled over 38,000,000 pounds of regulated recyclable materials – that’s over 19,000 tons of recyclables! It’s estimated that about 20% of our total waste stream is currently recycled through curbside recycling collection and municipal recycling drop off programs.
It’s also been estimated that the management of solid waste materials currently accounts for 4% of Ulster County’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory. With widespread community engagement, we can reach even greater milestones for waste diversion, lower our local carbon footprint, and work together to create a culture of sustainability around the ways we manage our waste.
Take the America Recycles Day – Be Recycled Pledge Now!
On America Recycles Day, we also recognize that the recycling industry is changing and that recycling messaging can be confusing. We’d like to share some universal recycling tips for any facility/situation:
- Recycle clean containers by the SHAPE: bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cans, etc. A recycling number is NOT a good indicator that an item is acceptable for recycling.
- Contact your recycling service provider to make sure you understand the Do’s and Don’ts of your recycling program. Ask for guidance on what can be recycled in your program.
- Make sure recycling bins are always located directly next to trash bins.
- Keep items loose in the bin; do not bag your recyclables.
- Recycling bins should be clearly labeled. If possible, color-code bins.
- Use signs to identify what can be recycled. UCRRA offers free recycling posters and bin stickers!
- Make sure recycling bins are cleaned regularly and well-maintained.
Nationwide, over 530,000 jobs are attributed to the recycling industry, and these careers represent $36 billion in wages and $6.7 billion in tax revenue each year. Recycling is important in every State’s economy! As we celebrate America Recycles Day, we want to thank all of our essential workers for their dedication and hard work helping us serve Ulster County with our mission.
America Recycles Day (ARD) is a great time to remind people about recycling by circulating office memos, posting about ARD on social media, or by hosting a community recycling event or educational class about the benefits of recycling and waste reduction. The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team is available to support your local recycling program in many ways and we hope that you take advantage of our free services!
Additional Resources for America Recycles Day
NEW Dual Stream Recycling Guide
Learn more about our educational services
ARD 2021Recycling Facts Energy
