The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team recognizes that America Recycles Day (ARD) is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of recycling. ARD, celebrated on November 15th, is a national campaign that aims to educate people to be more mindful of what they consume, and where and how to recycle properly. In 2023, ARD will center on the “Recycling Reality Check” campaign, aimed at taking some of the mystery out of materials recovery and clarifying some myths surrounding recycling (KAB, 2023).

MYTH: A “chasing arrows” symbol and/or a number printed on a plastic item means the item is recyclable.

FACT: The number printed on plastic items is called a resin identification code, and it is used to identify the chemistry of the plastic used to make the container, not recyclability.

The resin number (or a chasing arrows symbol) is NOT a good indicator that the item is accepted in local recycling. The resin number, along with several other physical qualities like shape, size, color, etc. collectively play a role in whether something can be recycled or not.

Last year, commercial and residential recycling programs recovered over 30,828 tons of regulated recyclable materials in Ulster County – that’s over 61 million pounds of recyclables!

When items are sorted correctly, recycling conserves natural resources, saves water and energy, reduces landfill waste and pollution, and improves the circular economy. When the wrong items end up in the recycling stream, it can damage equipment, harm sanitation workers, and ruin the value of other recyclables!

Whether you recycle curbside, or utilize your local Drop Off Center, our Recycling Outreach Team can help you recycle as much as possible. America Recycles Day is a great time to encourage others around you to recycle more and correctly! Whether you are at work, at school, or at your local community center, here are some best practices:

  • Make sure a recycling bin is always located directly next to every trash bin.
  • Make sure recycling bins are cleaned regularly and are well-maintained.
  • Recycling bins should be clearly labeled.
  • Make sure you understand specific recycling guidelines. If unsure, contact your service provider or contact the Recycling Outreach Team at 845-336-3336.

UCRRA provides free recycling posters and bin stickers and technical services to help you improve your recycling programs. We invite you to join us in celebrating America Recycles Day and all of the ways that we can unite and recycle right.