Recyclopedia

Glues and adhesive products are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal. Glues and adhesive chemicals are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event

Some aerosol canisters contain toxic chemicals, while others do not.

If the canister contains a toxic substance AND there is still product leftover in the canister, please schedule an appointment to bring chemicals to the Household Hazardous Waste event. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY and an appointment is required. 

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies. 

If the canister contains toxic chemicals and the can is completely EMPTY, it may be discarded in the trash. 

If the canister DID NOT contain toxic chemicals and the can is completely EMPTY, check with your recycling service provider for instructions, or check with a local scrap metal recycling facility.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event, or contact your hauler for recycling guidance. Businesses with large quantities may contact a hazardous waste removal company.

Air conditioners are Freon appliances; they contain refrigerant chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons, which are harmful to the ozone layer and are very powerful GHG. Freon appliances require special disposal; view our Safe Disposal of Freon Appliances Guide.

UCRRA accepts air conditioners. Our minimum load fee and a Freon Appliance charge will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Contact your local scrap metal recycling facility or your local Town Transfer Station to see if they accept air conditioners.

Contact: Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Some transfer stations accept Freon appliances as well.  Please contact the facility for more information.

Tin foil, foil pie pans, and foil trays can be recycled. All foil must be CLEAN and DRY. Roll tin foil into a ball (at least 1 inch in diameter) for better recycling!

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although tin foil is widely accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer or contact your Hauler

There is an etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. While they may be acceptable with textile recycling, it is preferable to ‘retire’ flags at participating organizations.

Ask about flag retirement options at your local VFW or American Legion organizations. There is a local collection box at the Kingston Elks Lodge 550, located 143 Hurley Avenue Kingston NY.

Contact: local VFW, American Legion, etc.

UCRRA does NOT accept ammunition under any circumstances. DO NOT bring any explosives, ammunition, or gun powder to Hazardous Waste Collection events.

Contact: Local police department or a local firearm shooting range

Deer carcasses (such as those found on the side of the road) may be managed by contacting your local Highway Department or Department of Public Works, or by contacting a specialized company such as Pest Master.

UCRRA is authorized to accept deer carcasses (mortality, road kill, etc.) at its Organics Recovery Facility. These animal mortalities are managed in an environmentally responsible manner by industrial composting. This is done in a separate area from other composting operations and the resulting compost is NOT made available for sale. Please contact UCRRA with any questions.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or contact your Town Hall, or contact Pest Master.

Animal wastes (such as manure, cat litter, dog feces) is NOT accepted for composting at UCRRA.  Animal waste should be disposed of in the trash.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer or your Hauler

Antifreeze is considered a hazardous waste and requires special disposal.

Antifreeze is accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable.

Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service located at 10 Commercial Avenue in Highland, NY 12528, (845) 691-6246 accepts automotive fluids (including oil and antifreeze) and oil filters. Some Town Transfer Stations may also accept antifreeze from residents.

Contact:  UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event, or contact your Town Transfer Station. Contact your hauler for recycling guidance. Businesses with large quantities may contact a hazardous waste removal company.

UCRRA will NOT accept friable asbestos.

Friable asbestos is any material that contains more than one percent asbestos by weight or area and can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the pressure of a human hand.

The Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) ( 40 CFR 61, subpart M ) protects the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during renovation and demolition activities. Accordingly, this regulation specifies work practices to be followed for demolitions and renovations of all structures, installations, and buildings.

You must contact an abatement company for safe and sanitary removal.

Contact the New York State Asbestos Contact Person: James Meacham (AHERA/NESHAP). CALL 518-457-1255 or EMAIL James.Meacham@labor.ny.gov

Contact the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service (TSCA Hotline).  The TSCA Hotline provides technical assistance and information about substances regulated under the act and also provides copies of some TSCA-related publications. EMAIL tsca-hotline@epa.gov or CALL (202) 554-1404

Contact EPA’s Asbestos Ombudsman. The Asbestos Ombudsman provides information to the public sector, including individual citizens and community services, about the handling, abatement, and management of asbestos in schools, the work place, and the home. CALL 1-800-368-5888

Contact: Abatement Company

Non-friable asbestos is any material that contains more than 1% asbestos, but cannot be pulverized under hand pressure (ex. tiles).

UCRRA will accept non-friable asbestos in double contractor bags and by appointment ONLY (Kingston Facility ONLY). Please click note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 to schedule an appointment and further instructions.

UCRRA accepts excavated asphalt as construction and demolition debris. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Unused driveway sealer (that is still in liquid form) is accepted at the Agency’s household hazardous waste collection events.

Blacktop Maintenance Corp., 27 Commerce Street, Poughkeepsie at (845) 471-8700

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Automotive fluids are considered toxic substances that require special disposal.

Most automotive fluids are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA hosts collection events each year, open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable.

PLEASE NOTE: MOTOR OIL IS NOT ACCEPTED AT HHW COLLECTIONS.  Under Article 23, Title 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) (link leaves DEC’s website), any service establishment that sells at least 500 gallons per year of new oil and performs vehicle servicing must accept from the public, at no charge, up to 5 gallons of used oil per person per day. Retailers who don’t service vehicles but sell at least 1,000 gallons per year of new oil must either accept used oil from the public, as service establishments do, or contract to have another service or retail establishment accept it on their behalf. Some municipalities in New York State also collect DIY used oil as part of their Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service located at 10 Commercial Avenue in Highland, NY 12528, (845) 691-6246 accepts automotive fluids (including oil and antifreeze) and oil filters.

Contact:  UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event, or contact your Town Transfer Station. Businesses with large quantities may contact a hazardous waste removal company.

UCRRA accepts ballasts. Our minimum load fee and a charge for fluorescent tube ballasts will apply.

Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Eastern State Electrical Supply in Kingston at (845) 331-8500 will accept all fluorescent bulbs and ballasts for a fee.  Residents may also contact their local Town Transfer Station to ask about bulb disposal. Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or a scrap metal recycling facility.

Laundry baskets, storage containers, or other similar bulky rigid plastic objects are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA. These containers should be reused, donated for reuse, or otherwise disposed of in the trash. 

Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although bulky rigid objects are widely NOT accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

If your baskets, storage bins, etc. are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, a charitable organization or your hauler

UCRRA does not accept alkaline batteries. According to NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) household alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous and can be disposed of safely in the trash. DO NOT put batteries in the recycling bin.

Residents or businesses that want to recycle alkaline batteries may look into these mail-back options: Big Green Box info@biggreenbox.com,  E-Lot Recycling (518) 266-9385, American Lamp Recycling at 1-800-315-6262, Best Buy at (845) 336-4090 or visit Call2Recycle.org.

Contact: NYSDEC Recycling Program at (845) 256-3141

The best way to recycle lead-acid batteries is to recycle them with retailers at the time you purchase a new one. Per the Lead-acid Battery Recycling Law retailers and distributors who sell lead-acid batteries are required to accept these used batteries from customers. If you do not return a used battery when buying a replacement, you will be charged a $5 “return incentive payment.” The retailer who sold you the battery will refund the $5 payment if you return a used battery within 30 days of the purchase date of the new battery. Please note that per NYS DEC, illegally disposing of a lead-acid battery can result in a civil penalty of $50 for each violation.

Alternatively, UCRRA accepts lead-acid automotive batteries during normal business hours. Our minimum load fee and a Lead-Acid Battery charge will apply. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.  

Scrap metal recycling facilities, Town Transfer Stations, AutoZone, Advanced Auto parts, and other auto part stores may accept car batteries.

Car batteries are also accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA hosts collection events each year open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, visit UCRRA’s HHW page, your local scrap metal recycling facility:  West Kingston Recycling in Kingston at (845)331-3312; Canos in Saugerties at (845) 331-7600; or A. Messina and Sons in Gardiner at (845)883-6543, a Town Transfer Station or auto part store.

UCRRA does NOT accept rechargeable batteries. The improper disposal of rechargeable batteries leads to injuries, fires, and explosions in solid waste facilities. PLEASE DO NOT put batteries in the recycling bin.

The NYS Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act was signed into law December 10, 2010, providing that manufacturers must arrange for and finance the recycling of all used rechargeable batteries collected by retailers. Retailers selling rechargeable batteries are required to post signage in-store advising consumers of the disposal ban and of the opportunity to recycle batteries at their locations.

Many local retailers that sell rechargeable batteries (Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, etc.) will also accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. Visit www.Call2Recycle.org for a list of drop-off locations or Earth911.com.  Always call ahead to confirm hours, accepted items, etc.

Contact: Retail stores that sell rechargeable batteries (Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, etc.) may accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. Contact the Customer Service desk for more information. Visit www.Call2Recycle.org for a list of drop-off locations or Earth911.com.

DO NOT put bicycles or bike parts in the recycling bin.

If your bike is still in good condition try donating it to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

If the bike needs to be repaired, contact a bike repair shop. 

Alternatively, bicycles can be recycled at a scrap metal recycling facility.

Contact: local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

UCRRA accepts boats for disposal.

Please note: you must schedule an appointment to bring boats to UCRRA. Please click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Boats are subject to our normal fee, with an additional processing fee based on the length of the vessel.

Please note: All fuels must be removed beforehand.  Freon appliances and tires will be subject to additional fees; see Fee Schedule.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Hardcover books should be reused as much as possible. Hardcover books can be recycled with mixed paper ONLY if the binding has been completely removed.

If your books are still in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away or visit other materials exchange websites such as www.freecycle.org

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or contact your hauler.

Soft cover books should be reused as much as possible. If the book is damaged, it can be recycled with other types of mixed paper.

If your books are still in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away or visit other materials exchange websites such as www.freecycle.org

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or contact your  hauler

Film plastics should NOT be put in household recycling bins and should only be put in designated film plastics collection bins at participating retail stores. The NYS Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act requires larger retail stores, including most grocery stores, to make film plastic collection bins available so consumers can recycle their clean and dry film plastics.

Film plastic (including bubble wrap) requires special recycling in order to be turned into new materials. Learn more: www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/ or visit DEC’s webpage about film plastic recycling to learn more.

Drop off film plastics at your local grocery store, home improvement center, big box store, etc.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or NYSDEC at (518) 402-8706

5 gallon buckets and pails are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. These containers may also be reused or donated for reuse.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although some bulky objects are commonly accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

If your buckets. are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or contact your hauler.

Windows, doors, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, tiles, miscellaneous can be donated to reuse organizations if the items are in good, usable condition.

Contact: Contact a local  reuse organization.

UCRRA accepts unusable building materials (windows, doors, cabinets, tiles, etc.) for disposal.

Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule

If you use a hauler, please check with your hauler for instructions.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, your hauler or your Town Transfer Station.

UCRRA accepts campers/mobile homes for disposal.

Please note: you must schedule an appointment to bring this item to UCRRA. Campers/mobile homes are subject to our normal disposal fee (click here for UCRRA’s fee schedule), with an additional processing fee based on the length of the vehicle.

Please note: All fuels must be removed beforehand. Additional fees will be charged for Freon appliances and tires; please view our Fee Schedule for pricing.

Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston at (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties at (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner at (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

If the container is plastic and the cap/lid is plastic, keep the cap/lid on the container for recycling.

Please remove and discard any nozzles (pump squirt nozzles) from spray bottles before recycling.

Contact: If you have curbside recycling collection, please contact your hauler for their recycling guidelines, or UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 with questions.

If the container is glass and the lid is metal, remove the lid before recycling. Please remove and discard any nozzles (pump squirt nozzles) from spray bottles before recycling.

Contact:  If you have curbside recycling collection, please contact your hauler for their recycling guidelines, or UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 with questions.

Car seats have an expiration date and may be difficult to donate/sell.

UCRRA accepts this item for disposal. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Target Car Seat Trade-In

Contact: www.corporate.target.com

Stand alone carbon monoxide detectors may be recycled by the manufacturer.

Contact: Contact the company imprinted on the back of the device for disposal instructions.

All corrugated cardboard can be recycled, unless it is wet.

Please flatten/break down boxes. Remember to remove any inner packing materials from boxes, and refer to our instructions for film plastic recycling.

There is no need to tie or bundle boxes together, though if you use a hauler that picks up your recycling curbside, it’s best to check their recycling guidelines about bundling large quantities of cardboard.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, your hauler or local Town Transfer Station with questions

UCRRA accepts carpet and carpet pads for disposal.  Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you use a hauler, please check with your curbside hauler for disposal instructions.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler

Cartons from milk, juice, soups, broth, etc. are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Beverage cartons are sometimes accepted in single stream recycling programs, but recycling guidelines can vary from company to company. To learn more about carton recycling, visit the Carton Council.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler

If your Building Materials are still in good, usable condition, please consider donating them to a local reuse organization.

If the ceiling/floor tiles are not in good condition, UCRRA accepts this item for disposal. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Check with your curbside hauler for instructions.

Contact: a local reuse organization, UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler.

Recycle your old or unwanted cell phone at any cellular service center (Verizon, BOOST, AT&T, apple, etc.)  The device DOES NOT have to be associated with that service provider’s plan to be acceptable for recycling. You may also recycle the charging units/wires associated with the cellular telephone at these locations.

Most cellular telephones are accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program. Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

Ceramic mugs, dishes, pottery, or flower pots are not recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

If your ceramics are still in good, usable condition, please consider donating them to a local reuse organization, post on social media pages to give away or ask family and friends if they would like the item.

Contact:  a local reuse organization, UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler.

Clamshell packaging refers to two molded plastic halves joined together by a hinge. In the recycling industry, clamshell packaging is also called “Thermoforms” 

Examples: salad containers, fruit/berry containers, Take-Out boxes, bakery containers, etc.

Clamshell containers are NOT recyclable at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. These containers are widely NOT recyclable and should not be placed in the recycling bin.

OTHER OPTIONS: Reduce your use of unrecyclable plastic as much as possible. Visit our webpage linked here to find a BULK/REFILL option, or a local business that participates in the TIFFIN PROJECT. Visit our FAQ page to learn more about clamshell packaging.

Food service establishments can reference this helpful guide for sourcing more sustainable alternatives!

Contact: UCRRA at 845-336-0600. If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although clamshells are  widely NOT accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company. 

Household cleaning products (bleach, ammonia, bathroom cleaner, etc.) are toxic chemicals that require special disposal.

Most cleaning products are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA hosts collection events each year, open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions. Remove and discard pump nozzles on spray bottles (they are never recyclable). 

OTHER OPTIONS: Reduce your use with eco-friendly cleaning products.

Contact:  UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event. Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

DO NOT put clothing in your home recycling bin. Most fabric can be reused or recovered through special textile recycling programs. 

UCRRA has textile recycling collection boxes in the parking lot of our facilities. There are many other drop off bins located in the community. Visit our list of reuse organizations to find a clothing/shoe donation box near you. Unless expressly stated on the collection boxes, you may recycle fabric in that program.

All fabric, clothing, shoes, linens, sheets, towels, costumes, backpacks, purses, curtains, etc. can be recovered for recycling regardless of the garment’s condition (torn, worn, stained, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc.) as long as the fabric is clean, dry, odorless, and free from any mold or bodily fluids.

To find a clothing/textile drop off bins near you visit https://www.nysar3.org/textile_recovery_locations.php. Note: Textile collection boxes sponsored by “St. Pauly Textile” DO NOT accept scrap fabric for recycling, only for reuse/donation.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or town transfer station

K-cups and coffee pods are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

Choose a refillable coffee pod to reduce waste. Refillable coffee pods are sold in most retail centers that sell coffee pods and single cup coffee machines.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with Your local hauler for their recycling guidelines. Although coffee pods are widely NOT accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Cups, plates, straws, forks, or other food service packaging marked as “compostable” or “biodegradable” are NOT conventionally recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin with other bottles, cans, paper, etc.

Compostable packaging is generally NOT processable in backyard composting systems and should not be composted at home, unless the composter is advanced, the compost pile is big and well managed, AND the product is an uncoated certified compostable paper product. However, even in these circumstances, some “compostable” products may not fully break down or they may leach chemicals into the compost pile.

UCRRA accepts food scraps from commercial customers only; no residential drop off. Our partners must enroll in our composting service and the use of any compostable products must be expressly approved by UCRRA. Special criteria apply.

If you utilize a food scrap drop off service, please contact that service directly to ask about compostable packaging.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or contact  food scrap drop off service.

Most computer equipment including laptop, desktop, monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, small scale servers, etc. is accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

UCRRA accepts concrete for disposal as construction and demolition debris. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Blacktop Maintenance Corp. at (845) 471-8700, located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Recycle Depot at (845) 452-3939 located in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or one of the businesses above.

UCRRA accepts construction and demolition debris for disposal. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If your Building Materials are still in good, usable condition, please consider donating them to a local reuse organization.

Some C&D materials may also be accepted at Recycle Depot at (845) 452-3939 located in Poughkeepsie, NY.

If you use a hauler who picks up your waste curbside, please check with the company for their guidelines on putting C&D curbside.

You may also contact one of these haulers for C&D dumpster/roll-off collection services. 

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler for curbside collection options, C&D dumpster/roll-off collection services or a local reuse organization if items are in good condition.

Corks from wine bottles are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin, though reuse options might exist.

Please visit www.recork.com or contact a local reuse organization and inquire about donating corks as craft supplies.

Contact: Recork

Craft supplies are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin, though reuse options might exist. If the items are not in good, usable condition discard the items in the trash unless the craft supplies are potentially hazardous wastes (oil paints, sealants, adhesives, etc).

OTHER OPTIONS: See also: CRAYONS/MARKERS. If the items are in good, usable condition, contact a local reuse organization. 

Contact: contact a local reuse organization and inquire about donating craft supplies. Or try contacting Boys & Girls Clubs, churches, community organizations, PTAs, or schools.

Crayons, markers, pens, and highlighters etc. are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin, though reuse options might exist.

Alternative recycling options are limited. Some take-back programs like Crayola Color Cycle or Terracycle might be available or you can contact a local reuse organization.

Contact: ColorCycle, Terracycle, or contact a local reuse organization. 

Single-use cups (such as To-Go cups that hold fountain drinks, iced coffee etc. and paper cups that hold hot beverages) are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. These types of cups are widely NOT accepted for recycling by curbside collection services as well.

There are many durable, reusable, plastic-free alternatives to single use disposable items. Look for stainless steel travel kits wherever you would shop for reusable food storage items – or simply bring your own from home! 

Food service establishments can reference this helpful guide for sourcing more sustainable alternatives!

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although cups are widely not accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Discard diapers in the trash. A recycling logo may indicate if diapers are made from recycled materials, however, they should NEVER be put in the recycling bin. Interestingly, used/dirty diapers are a very common contaminant at recycling centers across the country! Diapers are also NOT acceptable for composting, despite labels that may claim the diapers are made with biodegradable materials. 

If you have brand-new, unused, packaged diapers, they may be accepted by Family of Woodstock, People’s Place and other charitable organizations. Contact a local reuse organization

Contact:  Contact a local reuse organization

Drink pouches and baby food pouches are NOT recyclable at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations.  These should be disposed of in the trash.

 Alternative recycling options are limited. Some take-back programs like Terracycle might be available for large quantities of this item. 

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or Terracycle at 866-967-6799

E-media (cassette tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.) are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

E-media (cassette tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, etc.) is also NOT accepted in the UCRRA’s electronics recycling program. However, the devices that play disks and cassettes (VHS players, DVD players, game consoles, radios, etc.) are acceptable for electronics recycling.

Alternative recycling options are limited. Some take-back programs may be available through organizations like www.greendisk.com; and some DVDs may be sold back to Amazon.com. 

Try posting on materials exchange websites (Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, FreeCYCLE, etc. E-media may be donated to local charitable organizations if the items are in good condition. Contact a local reuse organization.

Paper egg cartons are widely acceptable for recycling, while plastic egg cartons are NOT acceptable for recycling.

Please refer to our instructions for CLAMSHELLS and POLYSTYRENE. 

Reuse cartons as much as possible. If you live near a farm, or a farmers market, contact the farmer to inquire about donating your used egg cartons.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Cartons are sometimes accepted in single stream recycling programs, but recycling guidelines can vary from company to company. To learn more about carton recycling, visit the Carton Council.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office at the Main Office, SATURDAYS ONLY (seasonally April-November) from 8am-2pm. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities please make an appointment by contacting the Main Office at (845) 336-0600. Please visit our webpage for electronic recycling program to learn more.

Please note: Accepted items must be in conformance with the NYS Electronics Reuse & Recycling Act. Restrictions Apply.

Electronics recycling may be available at your local Town Transfer Station or at electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Staples, or at electronics repair centers such as Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc.

To establish a large electronics recycling program at a business/community center, please contact ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at (855) 253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping Inc. at (518) 535-1510 or EWaste+ at 888-715-1039.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Please DO NOT put eyeglasses in the recycling bin.

The Lions Club welcomes eyeglass and hearing aid donations at various locations in the community. Browse this list to find a local eyeglasses donation box or learn more here.

Esopus Eyeglasses Donation Boxes (Lion’s Club)

Port Ewen Pharmacy
177 Broadway, Port Ewen NY

Kingston Eyeglasses Donation Boxes (Lion’s Club)

Ulster County Office Building
240 Fair St, Kingston NY

Kingston City Hall
420 Broadway, Kingston NY

Kingston Ambulatory Surgery
40 Hurley Ave #13, Kingston NY

Health Alliance, Mary’s Ave.
105 Mary’s Ave, Kingston NY

Ulster Savings Bank
280 Wall St, Kingston

Dr. MohsinCheema, M.D.
370 Washington Ave, Kingston

Saugerties Eyeglasses Donation Boxes (Lion’s Club)

Saugerties American Legion Post 72
30 John St, Saugerties NY

Saugerties Post Office
111 Market St, Saugerties NY

Saugerties Public Library
91 Washington Ave, Saugerties NY

Town of Saugerties Town Hall
4 High St, Saugerties NY

Saugerties Senior Citizen Center
Corner of Market St and Robinson St, Saugerties NY

For safe disposal: relieve the pressure, remove the head, and recycle empty with scrap metal. When relieving the pressure, review manufacturers’ instructions, or use the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) PASS technique:

• Pull the pin: discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.
• Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the ground.
• Squeeze lever above the handle: discharge the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
• Sweep from side to side.

After pressure has been relieved, (when nothing else comes out) remove the head from the fire extinguisher. DO NOT place the fire extinguisher in the recycling bin.

This items is accepted at UCRRA’s HHW events. UCRRA hosts FREE Household Hazardous Waste collection events. These events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an online appointment is required.

Alternatively, you may can contact your local fire department for more information about fire extinguisher disposal.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or visit UCRRA’s HHW page for more information

This item is NOT acceptable at UCRRA Household Hazardous Waste events. DO NOT BRING FIREWORKS OR EXPLOSIVES TO THE HHW PROGRAM. Thank you for your attention. 

Whether they are USED OR UNUSED, DO NOT place any part of fireworks in your recycling container. All fireworks should be discarded as trash, with attention to the following guidelines;

Put used or unused fireworks in a bucket of water overnight. Remember that fireworks can still be burning on the inside long after the sparks have stopped. 

Remove them from the water and double wrap the completely soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or two plastic bags so they don’t dry out. Place the double-bagged fireworks in a larger trash bag and put them out with your household trash, very close to the day your trash will be collected. 

Contact your local fire department for more information.

Flea/tick treatments are considered a hazardous waste and require special disposal. Visit the Medication Drop Off Locations for disposal options. 

Some items may be considered a PESTICIDE are may be accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact UCRRA to confirm. Distinctly, MEDICATIONS OF ANY KIND are NOT ACCEPTED at UCRRA’s collection events. Please note: the HHW program is open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Please see Medication Drop Off Locations

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

UCRRA accepts various types of flooring for disposal. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you use a hauler, please check with your curbside hauler for disposal instructions.

If you have extra flooring materials that are in good condition, try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler

Flower pots are not accepted in the recycling program at the UCRRA or at any of the participating Town Transfer Stations. Flower pots are widely considered to be NOT recyclable because they are contaminated with dirt, or because they are made from black plastic. Always check with your recycling service provider for instructions.

Flower pots may be donated for reuse. Contact your local nursery, Lowes or Home Depot during planting season for reuse.  

Food is too good to waste! Learn tips in our new Home Guide to Reducing Food Waste.

Donate edible food at your local food bank/pantry. Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization.

Food scraps are recoverable through composting!

Residents can learn how to compost at home or visit our list of food scrap drop off locations. UCRRA offers free classes about composting, and offers a compost bin & rain barrel sale every Spring (online store is open March-April). Check our Events & Classes schedule.

Businesses with large quantities of food scraps may visit our webpage to learn more about local composting options.

Food is too good to waste! Learn tips in our new Home Guide to Reducing Food Waste

Contact: Angelina Brandt, Director of Sustainability by email apeo@ucrra.org or call (845) 336-0600

Freon appliances contain refrigerant chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons, which are harmful to the ozone layer and are very powerful GHG. Freon appliances require special disposal; view our Safe Disposal of Freon Appliances Guide.

UCRRA accepts Freon appliances. Our minimum load fee and a Freon Appliance charge will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Contact your local scrap metal recycling facility or your local Town Transfer Station to see if they accept freon appliances. 

If you have an old, working refrigerator or freezer contact Central Hudson at 866-706-3995 regarding their ‘Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling’ program. They will pick-up your item for FREE and pay you.  For more information regarding the Central Hudson program please click here.

Contact: Local scrap Metal Facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. View our list of town transfer stations. Please contact the facility for more information. For more information regarding the Central Hudson program please click here.

UCRRA accepts furniture for disposal.  Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule

If you have furniture in a good, usable condition, consider donating it to a local charitable organization. Many organizations will come pick up bulky items for free! Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization. 

Contact:  Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization or contact UCRRA at 845-336-0600.

Gasoline and other fuels are considered hazardous waste that requires special disposal. Gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc. are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events, which are ONLY available to Ulster County residents and require an online appointment.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Contact your local fire department to ask about other disposal options.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event. Businesses with large quantities may contact a hazardous waste removal company.

Glass bottles and glass jars are widely accepted for  recycling. All containers must be CLEAN and DRY. 

Remove and recycle metal lids separately from glass containers. Remove and discard corks in the trash, or refer to our Recycleopedia list for CORKS. 

DO NOT recycle windows, mirrors, ceramics, or other types of non-container glass in the recycling bin. 

Glass bottles that can be redeemed for their 5 cent deposit can be taken to reverse vending machines (beverage outlets, grocery stores, etc.) which is very helpful to the overall recycling system. Recycling glass in this manner generates a much more pure and clean stream of glass cullet that has a higher value than single-streamed glass.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

DO NOT put guitar strings in the recycling bin. This item is trash.

Send full sets of gently used guitar strings in the mail to the Second String Project or to Terracycle. Or check with your local music store.

Home heating oil is considered a hazardous waste and requires special disposal.

While home heating oil is accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events, please note that restrictions apply. (NO DRUMS/TANKS OR CONTAINERS LARGER THAN 5 GALLONS ALLOWED. MAX LIMIT OF 25 GALLONS TOTAL) UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses, or residents with large quantities, or residents with immediate disposal needs should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service (Highland, NY) may accept this item. Contact VAZCO directly at 845-691-6246. Some Town Transfer Stations may accept this item in small quantities.

UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, visit UCRRA’s hazardous waste page, contact your Town Transfer Station or  Vaz-Co Reclaiming Services at 845-691-6246.

UCRRA does NOT accept ink/toner cartridges in the electronic recycling program.

Many office retail centers accept this item for recycling. Contact the local Target, Staples stores or donate your used inkjet cartridges to Cast Aside to Survive 

Reusing ink cartridges creates less waste, but they can only be refilled a few times. Refilling ink cartridges is cheaper than buying new ones and you can search the web to find helpful instructions. If you opt to refill inkjet cartridges, avoid letting the cartridge run out of ink completely. Once the inkjet sponges become dried out, they cannot be refilled.

Contact: Contact the local Target, Staples stores or donate your used inkjet cartridges to Cast Aside to Survive 

Insect repellent is considered a hazardous waste and requires special disposal.

This item  is accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

If the can is completely EMPTY, check with your recycling service provider for instructions, or check with a local scrap metal recycling facility.

Businesses should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Farmers with large quantities of pesticides should refer to the SWEEP NY program.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, visit UCRRA’s hazardous waste page or contact your recycler.

Junk mail, including envelopes, office paper, postcards, newsprint and news inserts, etc. is widely accepted for recycling. There is no need to remove the plastic window in envelopes.

Opt out of junkmail! To get off the junk mailing list visit DMAchoice.org,  www.yellowpagesoptout.com, or www.catalogchoice.org.

Waste fuels are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

While kerosene is accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events, restrictions apply. (NO DRUMS/TANKS OR CONTAINERS LARGER THAN 5 GALLONS ALLOWED. MAX LIMIT OF 25 GALLONS TOTAL. CONTAINERS WILL NOT BE RETURNED). UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses, or residents with large quantities, or residents with immediate disposal needs should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Removal Companies.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or visit UCRRA’s hazardous waste page for more information

These instructions pertain to non-freon appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, laundry washing machines, laundry dryers, etc. 

UCRRA accepts bulky home appliances for disposal, but please note that other options are available. If brought to UCRRA, our minimum load fee will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you have appliances that are in a good, usable condition, consider donating it to a local charitable organization. Many organizations will come pick up bulky items for free! Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization.

OTHERWISE – Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or local scrap metal recycler.

These instructions pertain to small, non-Freon kitchen or household appliances. 

Small household appliances are generally NOT accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program, because many of these items (including microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, vacuum cleaners, etc.) are NOT covered products under the NYS Electronics Recycling Act. 

UCRRA DOES accept small home appliances for disposal, but please note that other options may be available. Refer to the other options listed below. 

If brought to UCRRA for disposal, our minimum load fee will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you have appliances that are in a good, usable condition, consider donating it to a local charitable organization. Many organizations will come pick up bulky items for free! Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization. 

OTHERWISE – Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Staples will also accept small kitchen appliances that DO NOT contain Freon and that are less than 40 lbs.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station, or local scrap metal recycling facility. Contact the local Staples store at (845) 336-0386.

These items are NOT recyclable and should NOT be put in the recycling bin. Please note that other options may be available. Refer to the other options listed below.

If the items are in a good, usable condition, consider donating it to a local charitable organization. Visit our webpage to find a local reuse organization. Or donate to Upstitch, an arts and craft reuse organization in the Capital District (by appointment only) that specializes in recovering this item. Call Upstitch at (518) 618-2825.

Please note that households are exempt from the ordinary hazardous waste regulations, so there are no legal requirements for the management of hazardous waste lamps by households. Lamps discarded by households are also exempt from New York State’s Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law.

Please DO NOT put lightbulbs in the recycling bin.

There are some best practices that homeowners can use to protect themselves from broken lightbulbs:

• Carefully handle lamps when removing, installing or storing these bulbs to avoid breakage.
• Keep new bulbs in their original packaging until needed. Place used bulbs in rigid containers, like cardboard boxes and store away from areas where the box may be knocked over or crushed.
• Bring bulbs for recycling (where applicable) when you don’t need them anymore; avoid holding on to bulbs longer than necessary.

Contact a specialized lamp recycler, such as American Lamp Recycling at (845) 896-0058.

Contact: If you require assistance with a particular issue with hazardous lamps or light bulbs from a household, you may contact DEC for technical assistance by phone at (518) 402-8678 or by email at SWMFprogram@dec.ny.gov

Similarly to halogen lamps, LED light bulbs do not contain mercury but may possibly contain lead solder, depending on the bulb.  LED bulbs are generally nonhazardous and may be discarded in the trash.

Please DO NOT put lightbulbs in the recycling bin.

There are some best practices that homeowners can use to protect themselves from broken lightbulbs:

• Carefully handle lamps when removing, installing or storing these bulbs to avoid breakage.
• Keep new bulbs in their original packaging until needed. Place used bulbs in rigid containers, like cardboard boxes and store away from areas where the box may be knocked over or crushed.
• Bring bulbs for recycling (where applicable) when you don’t need them anymore; avoid holding on to bulbs longer than necessary.

Contact: Contact a specialized lamp recycler, such as American Lamp Recycling at (845) 896-0058.

Fluorescent and HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lamps contain Mercury. When broken, incinerated, or buried in a landfill, they release mercury into the air, water and soil and endanger human health and the environment.

NYS Hazardous Waste Regulations ensure many environmental protections are in place and require safe disposal for large quantities of fluorescent lamps. In NYS, residents (small quantity generators) are exempt from these laws. Despite this, UCRRA encourages all businesses and households to responsibly recycle their mercury-containing lamps.

Fluorescent light bulbs are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required. Some restrictions may apply (NO MORE THAN 24 BULBS PER HOUSEHOLD IS ACCEPTED). 

UCRRA accepts Fluorescent light bulbs during normal business hours. If brought to UCRRA for recycling, our minimum load fee and a fluorescent lamp fee will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Please DO NOT put lightbulbs in the recycling bin.

There are some best practices that homeowners can use to protect themselves from broken lightbulbs:

• Carefully handle lamps when removing, installing or storing these bulbs to avoid breakage.
• Keep new bulbs in their original packaging until needed. Place used bulbs in rigid containers, like cardboard boxes and store away from areas where the box may be knocked over or crushed.
• Bring bulbs for recycling (where applicable) when you don’t need them anymore; avoid holding on to bulbs longer than necessary.

Residents may contact their local Town Transfer Station to ask about bulb disposal, and fees may apply.

Local home improvement stores (Lowes, etc.) may accept CFL bulbs, and fees may apply.

Eastern State Electrical Supply in Kingston at (845) 331-8500 will accept all fluorescent bulbs (including long tubes) for a fee.

For large quantity generators (businesses, schools, etc.) contact American Lamp Recycling at (845) 896-0058.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, or sign up for an HHW event, or contact your Town Transfer Station. Local home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). Eastern State Electrical Supply in Kingston at (845) 331-8500. American Lamp Recycling at (845) 896-0058.

Incandescent light bulbs are non-hazardous. Therefore, these bulbs can be discarded in the trash.

Please DO NOT put lightbulbs in the recycling bin.

There are some best practices that homeowners can use to protect themselves from broken lightbulbs:

• Carefully handle lamps when removing, installing or storing these bulbs to avoid breakage.
• Keep new bulbs in their original packaging until needed. Place used bulbs in rigid containers, like cardboard boxes and store away from areas where the box may be knocked over or crushed.
• Bring bulbs for recycling (where applicable) when you don’t need them anymore; avoid holding on to bulbs longer than necessary.

Halogen lamps do not contain mercury but may possibly contain lead solder, depending on the age and manufacturer of the bulb.  Halogen bulbs are generally nonhazardous and may be discarded in the trash.

Please DO NOT put lightbulbs in the recycling bin.

There are some best practices that homeowners can use to protect themselves from broken lightbulbs:

• Carefully handle lamps when removing, installing or storing these bulbs to avoid breakage.
• Keep new bulbs in their original packaging until needed. Place used bulbs in rigid containers, like cardboard boxes and store away from areas where the box may be knocked over or crushed.
• Bring bulbs for recycling (where applicable) when you don’t need them anymore; avoid holding on to bulbs longer than necessary.

Contact: Contact a specialized lamp recycler, such as American Lamp Recycling at (845) 896-0058.

UCRRA accepts mattresses for disposal. Our minimum load fee and a mattress charge will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. 

Contact a local mattress outlet to inquire about any product stewardship by the mattress manufacturer. Recycling options are limited. Residents may be able to bring this item to their Town Transfer Station for disposal – contact the Town for more details. If using curbside trash collection, please contact your hauler for guidelines about this item.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, town transfer station or your local hauler

Regulated medical waste includes infectious animal waste, human pathological waste, human blood and blood products, needles and syringes, and other infectious waste.

UCRRA can NOT accept medical waste under any circumstances.

See our pages regarding SHARPS DISPOSAL or MEDICATIONS or contact UCRRA with questions.

Contact: Stericycle at 866-783-7422

Containers that once held medications or vitamins are widely considered to be NOT recyclable. Empty pill bottles are NOT accepted at UCRRA or at any of the participating Town Transfer Stations.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although empty pill bottles are widely NOT accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Contact: Contact your hauler to ask for instructions.

Never pour medications down the drain or put in the trash. DO NOT put medication bottles in the recycling bin, even if the bottles are empty. UCRRA can NOT accept pharmaceuticals, medications, or controlled substances under any circumstances. These items are NOT accepted at our household hazardous waste collection program.

There are many free, anonymous, safe disposal options in your community:

• Ellenville Regional Hospital Location: 10 Healthy Way, Ellenville NY 12428 (Emergency Department Vestibule) Phone: 845–807-7564

• Matthews Pharmacy Location: 101 Canal St, Ellenville NY 12428 Phone: 845-647-6222

• Catskill Pharmacy Location: 6401 US-209, Kerhonkson NY 12446  Phone: 845-626-0900

• Walmart Napanoch Location: 7500 rt 209, Napanoch NY 12458 Phone: 845-647-2671

• Nekos-Dedrick’s Pharmacy Location: 86 N. Front St, Kingston NY 12401 Phone: 845-338-8000

• Boiceville Pharmacy Location: 4103 rt 28, Boiceville NY 12412 Phone: 845-657-6511

• SUNY New Paltz Location: 1 Hawk Drive, Service Building #100 New Paltz NY 12561 Phone: 845-257-2222

• Dedrick’s Pharmacy Location: 190 Main St, New Paltz NY Phone: 845-255-0310

Source: This campaign was created by Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network with the help of many partners in the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant’s Communications Workgroup in 2023. Learn more here. 

Additionally, you may contact your local police station, SUNY Ulster or SUNY New Paltz for year round disposal that is also free and anonymous.  Please click here for list of Law Enforcement Drop Off Sites for medications.

Learn more about medication disposal options on the DEC’s webpage linked here. 

Contact: Please refer to the list(s) linked above.

Discard menstrual products in the trash. A recycling logo may indicate if products are made from recycled materials, however, they should NEVER be put in the recycling bin. These products are also NOT acceptable for composting, despite labels that may claim they are made with biodegradable materials. 

If you have brand-new, unused, packaged menstrual products, they may be accepted by Family of Woodstock, People’s Place and other charitable organizations. Contact a local reuse organization

 Contact a local reuse organization

Any mercury-containing devices are hazardous, should be used and stored with great care, and require special disposal.

Mercury is accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY and an appointment is required. Mercury switches should be packaged in secondary containment and residents should use caution when handling, transporting mercury containing devices. 

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

NYSDEC Hazardous Materials Program (845) 256-3137

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Any mercury-containing devices are hazardous, should be used and stored with great care, and require special disposal.

Mercury thermostats are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY and an appointment is required. Mercury switches should be packaged in secondary containment and residents should use caution when handling, transporting mercury containing devices. 

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our  list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

UCRRA does NOT accept motor oil during normal operations or during Household Hazardous Waste collection events. 

Under Article 23, Title 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) any service establishment that sells at least 500 gallons per year of new oil and performs vehicle servicing must accept from the public, at no charge, up to 5 gallons of used oil per person per day.

If doing home oil-changes, don’t mix oil with other petroleum products or wastes! Store the oil in a clean plastic container with a tight fitting lid – and label the container! 

Motor oil should be accepted for recycling at quick lube facilities, mechanic garages, dealerships or marinas who provide oil changing services or a retail establishments (big box stores or automotive parts stores) that sell significant quantities of new oil

Some Town Transfer Stations may accept used motor oil for recycling. Please contact the facility directly.

Contact: AutoZone, Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service are a few places that accept motor oil from the public. Contact the service stations directly with any questions.  To learn more about service stations accepting waste oil please contact the NYS DEC at 518-402-8652 or visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8786.html for more information.

Nail polish contains pigments and coatings that would be hazardous in large quantities, but are relatively non toxic in small quantities. Always use up the nail polish product as much as possible before discarding the container. Dry the product by setting the opened container outdoors for 24 hours. Do not recycle a glass or plastic nail polish container. Discard this item in the trash.

For products still in usable condition, share with family, friends, or neighbors by posting the item for free on social media or through a materials exchange website (Craigslist, Freecycle, etc.)

Do NOT discard this item in the trash. Do not recycle empty containers that held hazardous substances.

Nail polish remover contains acetone, a very caustic chemical that is considered hazardous waste.

This item would be accepted at Household Hazardous Waste collection events. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our  list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

For products still in usable condition, share with family, friends, or neighbors by posting the item for free on social media or through a materials exchange website (Craigslist, Freecycle, etc.)

Most home office equipment including fax machines, printers, scanners, office phones, etc. etc. is accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

Puncture the dome end of the oil filter and drain any oil into a container for 12 hours, ensuring the filter is completely empty. If doing home oil-changes, don’t mix oil with other petroleum products or wastes! Store the oil in a clean plastic container with a tight fitting lid – and label the container! Refer to our guidance for MOTOR OIL. 

Recycle the filter with a scrap metal recycling facility and take the used motor oil to a service station.

Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service located at 96 Stevens Lane Gardiner NY (845) 691-6246 accepts automotive fluids (including oil and antifreeze) and oil filters.

Local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

DO NOT put empty tanks in the trash or recycling bin.

UCRRA encourages residents to use the options listed below to the greatest extent.

DO NOT put oxygen tanks in the recycling bin.

Most vendors and medical suppliers who distribute medical gas tanks will accept used tanks through an exchange/recycling program. Contact the manufacturer listed on the tank, or whoever supplied the gas.

Large tanks that are completely EMPTY might be accepted at a local scrap metal recycling facility. Please call ahead for further instructions.

UCRRA encourages resident to use these options to the greatest extent.

Contact: This page is under construction. Please check back for more details. 

Paint disposal is now even more convenient for residents and businesses across New York State, thanks to the New York State Paint Stewardship Law (enacted December 16th 2019, effective May 1st 2022). This program is administered by PAINTCARE INC., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing paint manufacturers (paint producers) and paint stewardship programs in U.S. states where paint stewardship laws have been adopted.

Paint Care sites have been established across NY and the list is growing! The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team encourages residents to utilize these options for easy, convenient, free paint disposal.

PAINTCARE drop-off sites include:

Sherwin-Williams
568 Albany Ave Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 339-6994

Herzogs True Value Home Center
151 Plaza Rd Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-6300

Saugerties Lumber True Value
223 Ulster Ave Saugerties, NY 12477
(845) 246-4915

Habitat for Humanity Restore
406 NY-28, Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 853-7499

Slutsky Lumber
1 Pine St, Ellenville, NY, 12420
(845) 647-4141

Ace Hardware of Ellenville
140 S Main St, Ellenville, NY, 12428
(845) 647-7850

Sherwin-Williams
684 Dutchess Tpk Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 486-4640

Herzogs Paint Centers
409 Manchester Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 471-0133

Please note: there is no need to dry the latex paint. These drop off sites accept liquid latex paint. *Latex Paint that has completely dried and hardened in the can can safely be discarded in the trash. 

Who Can Use This Program: Households and Businesses
Restrictions: Sites vary on accepted limit 5-10 gallons per visit.
Hours: Paint is accepted during regular business hours; Call ahead for hours and additional info.
Note: These sites accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish in containers up to 5 gallons in size. These sites do not accept aerosols (spray paint or other spray products), containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking or empty.

Residents with additional hazardous chemicals beyond paint should request an appointment to participate in the Agency’s HHW program, as latex paint is now accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

Please visit PaintCare.org to learn more about paint recycling.

Contact: Sherwin Williams, Herzogs, Habitat for Humanity, or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. Questions about Paint Care? Contact Kelsey O’Toole, Upstate NY Paint Care Program Coordinator at (315) 418-6520 or email kotoole@paint.org

Paint disposal is now even more convenient for residents and businesses across New York State, thanks to the New York State Paint Stewardship Law (enacted December 16th 2019, effective May 1st 2022). This program is administered by PAINTCARE INC., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing paint manufacturers (paint producers) and paint stewardship programs in U.S. states where paint stewardship laws have been adopted.

Paint Care sites have been established across NY and the list is growing! The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team encourages residents to utilize these options for easy, convenient, free paint disposal.

PAINTCARE drop-off sites include:

Sherwin-Williams
568 Albany Ave Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 339-6994

Herzogs True Value Home Center
151 Plaza Rd Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-6300

Saugerties Lumber True Value
223 Ulster Ave Saugerties, NY 12477
(845) 246-4915

Habitat for Humanity Restore
406 NY-28, Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 853-7499

Slutsky Lumber
1 Pine St, Ellenville, NY, 12420
(845) 647-4141

Ace Hardware of Ellenville
140 S Main St, Ellenville, NY, 12428
(845) 647-7850

Sherwin-Williams
684 Dutchess Tpk Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 486-4640

Herzogs Paint Centers
409 Manchester Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 471-0133

Who Can Use This Program: Households and Businesses

Restrictions: Sites vary on accepted limit 5-10 gallons per visit.

Hours: Paint is accepted during regular business hours; Call ahead for hours and additional info.

Note: These sites accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish in containers up to 5 gallons in size. These sites do not accept aerosols (spray paint or other spray products), containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking or empty.

Residents with additional hazardous chemicals beyond paint should request an appointment to participate in the Agency’s  Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection program. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

Contact: Sherwin Williams, Herzogs, Habitat for Humanity, or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. Questions about Paint Care? Contact Kelsey O’Toole, Upstate NY Paint Care Program Coordinator at (315) 418-6520 or email kotoole@paint.org

UCRRA accepts wood pallets for disposal.  Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule

Pallets may be reused for various reasons. Consider sharing with friends, family, neighbors or posting your unwanted items on a materials exchange website (Craigslist, Freecycle, etc.)

Businesses that generate large quantities of standard 48×40 wood pallets may contact a special collection company, such as Valley Pallet.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or Valley Pallet at  845-795-1084

Paper wrappers, such as parchment paper or fast-food wrappers are NOT acceptable for the recycling bin and should NOT be recycled like other mixed paper products.

These items cannot be successfully composted at home and should be avoided.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your  food scrap drop off site, or your local hauler.

Napkins, Tissues, Paper Towels, etc. are NOT acceptable for the recycling bin and should NOT be recycled like other mixed paper products.

Instead of buying disposable paper products, choose to buy more reusable cloth napkins, reusable kitchen towels, or other reusable options.  Reusable items are better for the environment and your wallet!

Some paper products such as napkins, tissues, paper towels etc. may be successfully managed in backyard composting. Be sure to NOT include any paper towels that were used to clean chemicals of any kind.

If you utilize a food scrap drop off site, be sure to get clarification on what types of these products (if any) are acceptable.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your  food scrap drop off site, or your local hauler.

Paper plates are NOT acceptable for the recycling bin and should NOT be recycled like other mixed paper products. 

Instead of buying disposable paper products, choose to buy more reusable options when possible.  Reusable items are better for the environment and your wallet!  

Some unbleached, uncoated paper products may be successfully managed in backyard composting. 

If you utilize a food scrap drop off site, be sure to get clarification on what types of these products (if any) are acceptable.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your  food scrap drop off site, or your local hauler.

Paper beverage trays (such as the trays that hold multiple TO-GO drinks) are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. However, the single use TO-GO cups are widely NOT recyclable regardless of if they are paper or plastic. Please see our instructions for CUPS. 

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or contact your local hauler for recycling guidelines.

Paperboard (such as cereal boxes, toilet/paper towel rolls, tissue boxes, etc.) are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. Paperboard can be recycled along with other types of mixed paper.  Remember to remove any inner packaging (such as cereal bags, etc.) and check out our instructions for FILM PLASTICS.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your local hauler

Fitbit, Withings, Garmin, Fossil or other wearable activity trackers are NOT covered electronic equipment under NY’s E-waste Law, so they are NOT accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

A program called Recycle Health accepts these devices through a mail-back program. It’s as simple as downloading a shipping label and sending the package to the non-profit organization.

Contact: https://www.recyclehealth.com/

Personal protective equipment like face masks and disposable gloves are NOT recyclable.  Please discard these items in the trash.

Recycling options are limited. Visit Terracycle.com for more information regarding their collection program.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your local hauler

Pesticides, Insecticides and Fungicides are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

Pesticides, Insecticides and Fungicides are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable.

Check out the CLEANSWEEP NY program.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or visit Clean Sweep

Recycling options for photographs and photographic films are very limited. Printed photos are generally not accepted for recycling and photograph film paper is also not acceptable for the recycling bin.

Please note that digital cameras and camcorders are accepted in UCRRA’s Electronics Recycling Program. Check out our instructions for ELECTRONICS.

Chemicals associated with developing film are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

Photographic chemicals are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Pizza boxes are widely NOT acceptable for recycling  due to the added chemicals that make pizza boxes grease-resistant. Pizza boxes should NOT be recycled like other mixed paper products or corrugated cardboard. Pizza boxes should be discarded in the trash.  

This item should NOT be composted at home due to the PFAS chemicals in the fiber of most pizza boxes. 

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although this item is widely NOT accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

DO NOT place plastic bags or film plastics in your recycling bin!

Bring all plastic bags to a local grocery store or a large retail outlet; collection location boxes are usually located near bottle/can redemption centers or in front of stores.

Plastic films include:  bread bags, sandwich bags, produce bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, packing pillows, shrink wrap from toilet paper/paper towels, etc. All of these film plastics can be recycled in with your other plastic bags!

Not sure if a film is acceptable or not? When in doubt try the stretch test. If the plastic material stretches when pulled apart, it’s the right type of film plastic for this recycling program.

*Even though plastic bags are banned statewide, the requirements of New York State’s Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act still apply to grocery/retail stores. Learn more about these laws or learn more about PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING FOR CONSUMERS.

Contact: If a grocery store is not offering film plastics for recycling, please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 518-402-8706 or email plasticbags@dec.ny.gov with any questions or compliance concerns.

Plastic bottles (such as soda, water, salad dressing, shampoo, soap, etc.) are widely recyclable and are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations.

Rinse containers clean before recycling. There is no need to remove labels on containers. UCRRA advises to keep plastic caps/lids ON if the container is also made of plastic..

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although this item is widely accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

The New York State Returnable Container Act, also known as the “Bottle Bill,” covers some beverage containers. Residents can redeem their 5 cent deposits back returning these beverage containers to local redemption sites. To see which beverage containers are covered by the Bottle Bill, CLICK HERE.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

Single-use plastics (including small single serve condiment packets) are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. Condiment packets are widely not accepted for recycling by curbside collection services as well.

The Ulster County Skip the Straw Act, Local Law Number 2 of 2019, provides that single use plastic straws can be made available to patrons of restaurants and fast food establishments only upon the customer’s request. This law was later amended by Local Law Number 7 of 2019 to include plastic stirrers, plastic cutlery and condiment packets.

Bulk-dispensing options are more economical for food service establishments and they greatly reduce waste!

Please note that condiment bottles and jugs are highly recyclable.

Contact: Contact environment@co.ulster.ny.us with any questions or concerns.

Plastic jugs (such as milk, juice, water, laundry detergent,, etc.) are widely recyclable and are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations.

Rinse containers clean before recycling. There is no need to remove labels on containers. UCRRA advises to keep plastic caps/lids ON if the container is also made of plastic.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although this item is widely accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

Single-use plastics (including plastic straws) are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. Beverage straws are widely not accepted for recycling by curbside collection services as well.

The Ulster County Skip the Straw Act, Local Law Number 2 of 2019, provides that single use plastic straws can be made available to patrons of restaurants and fast food establishments only upon the customer’s request. This law was later amended by Local Law Number 7 of 2019 to include plastic stirrers, plastic cutlery and condiment packets.

There are many durable, reusable, plastic-free alternatives to single use disposable items. Look for bamboo or stainless steel travel kits wherever you would shop for reusable food storage items – or simply bring your own from home!

Contact: Contact environment@co.ulster.ny.us with any questions or concerns.

Plastic food tubs (such as yogurt, sour cream, butter, cottage cheese, etc. etc.) are acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations.

Rinse containers clean before recycling. There is no need to remove labels on containers. UCRRA advises to keep plastic caps/lids ON if the container is also made of plastic.

If you use a hauler who picks up your recycling curbside, please check with the company for their recycling guidelines. Although this item is widely accepted in local recycling programs, recycling guidelines can vary from company to company.

Contact: UCRRA Recycling Hotline at (845) 336-3336, Town Transfer Station or contact your hauler for recycling guidelines.

Single-use plastics (including utensils/cutlery) are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. Plastic utensils are widely not accepted for recycling by curbside collection services as well.

The Ulster County Skip the Straw Act, Local Law Number 2 of 2019, provides that single use plastic straws can be made available to patrons of restaurants and fast food establishments only upon the customer’s request. This law was later amended by Local Law Number 7 of 2019 to include plastic stirrers, plastic cutlery and condiment packets. 

There are many durable, reusable, plastic-free alternatives to single use disposable items. Look for bamboo or stainless steel travel kits wherever you would shop for reusable food storage items – or simply bring your own from home!

Contact: Email environment@co.ulster.ny.us with any questions or concerns.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS)  foam products are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. EPS foam is widely not accepted for recycling by curbside collection services.

The Ulster County Food Service Waste Reduction Act, (Local Law Number 4 of 2015)  prohibits the use and distribution of expanded polystyrene containers at food service establishments.

The New York State Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Polystyrene Loose Fill Packaging Ban prohibits covered food service providers or stores (retail or wholesale) to sell or distribute disposable EPS foam food service containers statewide. In addition, no manufacturer or store will be allowed to sell or distribute polystyrene loose fill packaging (commonly referred to as packing peanuts) in the state.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is a major contributor to environmental litter, causing negative impacts to wildlife, waterways, and natural resources. EPS foam is lightweight, breaks apart easily, and does not readily biodegrade, rendering it persistent in the environment and susceptible to becoming microplastic pollution. In addition, EPS foam containers and loose fill packaging are not accepted by most recycling programs in New York State because the foam is difficult to recycle, easily contaminates the recycling stream, is often soiled, and has low value.

Reduce your use of unrecyclable plastic as much as possible. Visit our webpage linked here to find a BULK/REFILL option, or a local business that participates in the TIFFIN PROJECT.

Food service establishments can reference this helpful guide for sourcing more sustainable alternatives!

Contact local your local Post Office, FedEx, shipping center, or antique center to ask if they can reuse any packing peanuts. Or reuse packaging/shipping materials whenever possible; sharing with friends and family who are moving, share on social media, etc.

Contact: To find a location where you can drop-off packing peanuts visit www.epspackaging.org. Questions about the NYS EPS ban may be directed to FoamBan@dec.ny.gov

Chemicals associated with pool cleaning and pool maintenance may be considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

Pool chemicals are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Businesses with hazardous waste should refer to our list of Hazardous Waste Companies.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event, or contact your hauler for recycling guidance. Businesses with large quantities may contact a hazardous waste removal company.

Beach balls, floats, tubes, pool noodles, other pool toys and kiddie pools should NOT go into the recycling bin. Some pool floats/toys come with repair kits to help patch a hole or fix them. If they are unrepairable please place them in your trash bin.

If your pool items are in good condition, try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

You can also reimagine these items as something else! Kiddie pools make great sand boxes. There are lots of ideas on how to ‘upcycle’ items on the internet!

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

Pots or pans are ONLY recyclable through a scrap metal recycling program. Pots and pans and other cookware should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

If your items are in good condition, try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

Contact: local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

DO NOT put propane tanks in the recycling bin.

Small propane tanks that are completely EMPTY may be accepted at a local scrap metal recycling facility. 

UCRRA encourages resident to use these options to the greatest extent. 

Small propane tanks are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

Contact: 

Contact a local scrap metal recycling facility including West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact your Town Transfer Station and inquire about this item. Or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event.

DO NOT put propane tanks in the recycling bin.

Most propane suppliers will exchange an old tank when a new tank is purchased, even if there is a small amount of propane left in the tank. To find an exchange location in your community, visit the Blue Rhino or AmeriGas websites.

Large tanks that are partially full are also accepted by Freedom Propane Corp.

Large tanks that are completely EMPTY may be accepted at a local scrap metal recycling facility.

UCRRA encourages resident to use these options to the greatest extent.

Propane tanks are accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste events. UCRRA’s collection events are open to Ulster County residents ONLY, and an appointment is required.

UCRRA accepts propane tanks if brought with other trash items. Our minimum load fee and a propane tank charge will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

Contact: For tank exchange contact the options listed above. For recycling contact a scrap metal recycling facility –  West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543.

Contact your Town Transfer Station and inquire about this item. Or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or residents may sign up for an HHW event.

Receipt paper is widely NOT acceptable for recycling. 

Thermal paper is a form of specialized paper that, when subjected to heat, changes color without the need of standard ink. It is commonly utilized in thermal printers for devices  such as cash registers, credit card terminals, and adding machines.

Receipts contain chemicals that can contaminate recycled paper. BPA, the chemical used in most receipts, is hard to remove, during the paper-recycling process.

Receipts should be disposed of in the trash.

This item should NOT be composted at home due to the chemicals in the paper.

Go paperless and refuse receipts at checkout!

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, town transfer station or your local hauler.

Refrigerators and freezers are Freon appliances; they contain refrigerant chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons, which are harmful to the ozone layer and are very powerful GHG. Freon appliances require special disposal; view our Safe Disposal of Freon Appliances Guide.

UCRRA accepts Freon appliances, but please note other recycling options exist. If brought to UCRRA, our minimum load fee and a Freon Appliance charge will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule.

If you have an old, working refrigerator or freezer contact Central Hudson at 866-706-3995 regarding their ‘Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling’ program.

Or alternatively, contact a local scrap metal recycling facility including West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact: Local scrap metal recycling facilities listed above, or contact your Town Transfer Station and inquire about this item. Or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Do not put scrap metal in the recycling bin or in the trash.

Rigid metal objects can harm sanitation workers and damage equipment. Even small metal items (excluding cans and lids) should not go in the recycling bin. Please properly recycle scrap metal.

Contact: Residents may contact their town transfer station to ask about this item. Otherwise, local scrap metal recycling facilities include West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Sealants and water proofing products are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

Sealants and water proofing products are Paint Care eligible products. Responsible disposal of these items is now even more convenient, thanks to the New York Paint Stewardship Law. 

Paint Care sites have been established across NY and the list is growing! The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team encourages residents to utilize these options for easy, convenient, free disposal.

PAINTCARE drop-off sites include:

Sherwin-Williams
568 Albany Ave Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 339-6994

Herzogs True Value Home Center
151 Plaza Rd Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-6300

Saugerties Lumber True Value
223 Ulster Ave Saugerties, NY 12477
(845) 246-4915

Habitat for Humanity Restore
406 NY-28, Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 853-7499

Slutsky Lumber
1 Pine St, Ellenville, NY, 12420
(845) 647-4141

Ace Hardware of Ellenville
140 S Main St, Ellenville, NY, 12428
(845) 647-7850

Sherwin-Williams
684 Dutchess Tpk Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 486-4640

Herzogs Paint Centers
409 Manchester Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 471-0133

Please note: there is no need to dry the products. They must be in liquid form. 

Who Can Use This Program: Households and Businesses

Restrictions: Sites vary on accepted limit 5-10 gallons per visit.

Hours: Products are accepted during regular business hours; Call ahead for hours and additional info.

Note: These sites accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish and other accepted items in containers up to 5 gallons in size. These sites do not accept aerosols (spray paint or other spray products), containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking or empty.

Residents with additional hazardous chemicals beyond paints, stains, etc. should request an appointment to participate in the Agency’s HHW program, as wood stain and varnish is also accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable. 

Contact: Sherwin Williams, Herzogs, Habitat for Humanity, or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. Questions about Paint Care? Contact Kelsey O’Toole, Upstate NY Paint Care Program Coordinator at (315) 418-6520 or email kotoole@paint.org or visit PaintCare.org

DO NOT put home-use medical needles (which includes syringes, lancets, and other needles) in the trash or in the recycling bin.

SHARPS disposal is protected by NYS law – any nursing home, hospital, assisted living facility, etc. must accept sharps from the public for free, safe, anonymous disposal. Please view the list linked below that was updated in 2022. We recommend always calling ahead to get the most updated, accurate instructions for each location. 

SHARPS must be maintained and transported in an approved, puncture-proof SHARPS container. These containers can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Please note: SHARPS or medical waste of any kind is expressly NOT authorized for UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program.

Contact:

• Ellenville Regional Hospital Location: Reception desk, ask for Rural Health Network Dept,10 Healthy Way, Ellenville Phone: 647-6400  ext. 215

• HealthAlliance – Mary’s Ave Campus Location: Containers can be dropped off at the Information desk 105 Mary’s Ave., Kingston Phone: 845-338-2500 ask for Front Desk 

• Hudson Valley Rehabilitation & Care Center Location: Reception desk in lobby  260 Vineyard Ave, Highland Phone: 845-691-7201

• Wingate at Ulster Location: Reception desk in lobby 1 Wingate Way off Route 9W, Highland  Phone: 845-691-6800

Source: This campaign was created by Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network with the help of many partners in the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant’s Communications Workgroup in 2023. Learn more here.

See also:

• New Paltz Police Department: Kiosk located at the station, 83 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY

Please click here for our list of drop-off locations. This list was updated in 2022 and will be updated in the future. We recommend always calling ahead to get the most updated, accurate instructions for each location. Please note: “Kingston Surgical Center” is now the site of Emergency One Urgent Care and DOES NOT accept SHARPS at that facility.

Complaints: If you are denied SHARPS drop off at a hospital or nursing home, members of the community can file a complaint with the NYSDOH intake unit by emailing: nhintake@health.ny.gov

UCRRA accepts sheetrock/drywall for disposal. Our minimum load fee will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your local hauler

Shredded paper may be recycled if placed in a clear plastic bag. This is the only exception for when to put plastic bags in the recycling bin! If shredded paper is loose, it can not be effectively captured and recovered. If shredded paper is found in a clear bag, it’s easily identifiable and can be redirected for proper recycling at recycling facilities.

Always contact your recycler for instructions. Shredded paper is accepted in the recycling program at UCRRA and at participating Town Transfer Stations.

Please note: UCRRA does not provide paper shredding services.

Paper shredding services:

Iron Mountain at 1-877-413-4710

Legal Shred at 1-844-shred-00

Shred-it at 866-587-0321

Staples at 845-336-0386

UPS Store at 845-336-4877

or contact your local bank for confidential file destruction options.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler for recycling guidelines. For paper shredding services, contact the companies listed above.

Two common types of smoke detector found in homes are ionization and photo­electric detectors. Ionization smoke detectors contain a very small amount of radioactive material, Americium 241, and are required by law to have a warning label. It is not necessary to treat these items as low-level radioactive waste. The amount of radioactive material is so small it is widely believed that they do not pose a risk to human health, which is why they are available for general consumer use. Photoelectric-type smoke detectors do not contain radioactive material. It is generally safe to assume these devices can be discarded with your normal trash. However, some manufacturers will sponsor take-back programs for a small fee. We advise residents to do the following:

1. Remove any batteries from the smoke detector that are easily accessible. Do not break open or breach smoke detectors with non-removable batteries.
2. Contact the manufacturer or a specialized recycler. Many companies sponsor take back programs to mail this item back to the manufacturer for a small fee or for free. Click here for a list of smoke detector manufacturers with contact information. According to Recycle Right NY, First Alert will dispose of up to four ionization smoke detectors. These devices must be First Alert, BRK, Family Gard or Onelink brand. If you have more than four detectors, they will charge a small fee.  Learn more about First Alert’s Disposal Program. According to Recycle Right NY, if you have devices from other brands, one recycling program may be available for a fee, Curie Environmental Services. For large quantities, American Lamp Recycling offers a residential mail back recycling kit.
3. Dispose of your smoke detector(s) in the regular trash.

Contact: Click here for a list of smoke detector manufacturers with contact info. 

UCRRA does NOT accept soil or dirt.

Contact: For contaminated soil, contact C2G Environmental Consultants in New Paltz, NY at (866) 670-5366 or Miller Environmental Group in Albany, NY at 518-465-4000

Bowling balls, wooden baseball bats, footballs, soccer balls, helmets, etc. do NOT belong in the recycling bin. However, these items can be easily reused and donated.

If your items are in good condition, try donating them to a reuse organization. You can also post on Facebook, Freecycle.com, Craigslist.com or other social media sites or reach out to an Athletic Departments in schools or Youth Sports Organizations (AYSO, Boys & Girls Club, etc.).

Contact: Sherwin Williams, Herzogs, Habitat for Humanity, or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. Questions about Paint Care? Contact Kelsey O’Toole, Upstate NY Paint Care Program Coordinator at (315) 418-6520 or email kotoole@paint.org

String lights (or any other type of lighting) is NOT accepted in the electronics recycling program at UCRRA.

Never put string lights (or any other type of lighting) in the recycling bin.

Local home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) may accept holiday string lights through a seasonal take-back program (November-December).

Contact: local Home Depot or Lowes.

Items such as string lights, garland, garden hoses, ropes, chains, plastic bags, and electrical cords become tangled around recycling facility equipment, causing expensive machinery breakdowns and putting workers in danger. These items should NOT be placed in the recycling bin under any circumstances.

Help keep workers safe and recyclables valuable by keeping tanglers out of the recycling bin!

Chains: see SCRAP METAL

Clothing/belts: see TEXTILES

Ropes/ribbons/bows: see CRAFT MATERIALS

Plastic bags: see FILM PLASTICS

If your items are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Tarps, shower curtains, pool covers and boat covers are NOT acceptable for recycling at UCRRA or participating Town Transfer Stations. These items are widely not accepted for recycling by curbside collection services and recycling options are limited. 

If possible, reuse items for drop cloths when painting, etc. If your items are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization or share on your social media pages to give away. Otherwise, discard in the trash.  

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler

Televisions, including CRT and non-CRT devices, are accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

Tin and aluminum soda or food cans are widely accepted for recycling. All containers must be CLEAN and DRY. Please recycle metal lids. 

DO NOT put scrap metal or miscellaneous metal objects in the recycling bin.

Soda and beer cans may be redeemed for their 5 cent deposit if taken to reverse vending machines (beverage outlets, grocery stores, etc.)

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, Town Transfer Station or your hauler

PLEASE NOTE: UCRRA will only accept small amounts of tires that are incidental with a larger load of trash. Our minimum load fee and an additional fee for TIRES will apply. Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule. ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. 

The best way to dispose of tires is through a retailer who also sells new tires. Search the web for tire sales and contact retailers directly. Many Town Transfer Stations also accept tires from residents. For large loads of tires, contact Casings Tire Recycling at (518) 943-9404 located in Catskill, NY.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, tire retailer or your local Town Transfer Station

Power tools are not accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program, and power tools should NOT be placed in the recycling bin with other bottles, cans, paper.

If your items are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization (this item is accepted at several locations) or share on your social media pages to give away. Otherwise, discard in the trash. 

Hand tools should NOT be placed in the recycling bin with other bottles, cans, paper. 

If your items are in good condition try donating them to a reuse organization (this item is accepted at several locations) or share on your social media pages to give away. Otherwise, discard in the trash. 

Tyvek envelopes are widely NOT accepted for recycling along with other mixed paper.

There is a nationwide recycling program, to receive a Tyvek Recycling Pouch call (800)-44-TYVEK

Contact: Tyvek at (800)-44-TYVEK or visit https://www.dupont.com/help-center.html

Vaping devices are NOT covered electronic equipment under NY’s E-waste Law, so they are NOT accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

If rechargeable batteries can be removed, those may be placed in the collection containers provided by manufacturers and retailers under the NYS Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act. See our instructions for BATTERIES.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

UCRRA does not accept vehicles.

Contact your local scrap metal recycling facility: West Kingston Recycling in Kingston (845) 331-3312, CANOS Recycling in Saugerties (845) 331-7600 and A. Messina & Sons Scrap Metal Recycling in Gardiner (845) 883-6543. Contact them directly for more information.

Contact: Local scrap yard

Most audio/visual equipment including VHS players, DVD players, stereo systems, speakers, camcorders, digital cameras, etc. is accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

Most audio/visual equipment including video game consoles, VHS players, DVD players, stereo systems, speakers, camcorders, digital cameras, etc. is accepted in UCRRA’s electronics recycling program.

Electronics are accepted for FREE at the Main Office in Kingston on SATURDAYS ONLY (April-November) from 8AM-2PM. The program is open to residents, regardless of Ulster County residency status. The program is also open to businesses with less than 50 employees and nonprofit organizations with less than 75 employees. For large quantities, please contact the Main Office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm at (845) 336-0600. Learn more about what is acceptable for electronic recycling.

Some town transfer stations may also accept Electronics for recycling.  Electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Brainstorm Computers, Hudson River Technologies, etc. may also accept certain devices for recycling.

For commercial businesses or large quantities please contact ERI (Electronics Recyclers International) at 800-374-3473; eLot Electronics Recycling, Inc. at 855-253-9027; ERSI Electronics Recycling and Scrapping, Inc. at (518) 649-9500 or EWaste at 888-563-1340.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, local Town Transfer Station or electronics retailers.

UCRRA does not accept vegetable oil.

Contact: MOPAC at (800) 967-8325; DAPRO Solutions at (844) 290-5140; Argricycle at (800) 850-5960; Restaurant Technologies 1-866-399-3639.

Bathroom or kitchen wipes are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

Please DO NOT flush wipes down the toilet under any circumstances, even if the package states the wipes are ‘biodegradable’ or flushable.

This item should not be composted at home.

Please dispose of wipes in the trash.

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600

Wood stains and varnish products are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal.

Wood stain and varnish products (including shellacs, lacquers, urethanes, etc) are Paint Care eligible products. Responsible disposal of these items is now even more convenient, thanks to the New York Paint Stewardship Law. 

Paint Care sites have been established across NY and the list is growing! The UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team encourages residents to utilize these options for easy, convenient, free disposal.

PAINTCARE drop-off sites include:

Sherwin-Williams
568 Albany Ave Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 339-6994

Herzogs True Value Home Center
151 Plaza Rd Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-6300

Saugerties Lumber True Value
223 Ulster Ave Saugerties, NY 12477
(845) 246-4915

Slutsky Lumber
1 Pine St, Ellenville, NY, 12420
(845) 647-4141

Ace Hardware of Ellenville
140 S Main St, Ellenville, NY, 12428
(845) 647-7850

Sherwin-Williams
684 Dutchess Tpk Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 486-4640

Herzogs Paint Centers
409 Manchester Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 471-0133

Please note: there is no need to dry the products. They must be in liquid form. 

Who Can Use This Program: Households and Businesses

Restrictions: Sites vary on accepted limit 5-10 gallons per visit.

Hours: Products are accepted during regular business hours; Call ahead for hours and additional info.

Note: These sites accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish and other accepted items in containers up to 5 gallons in size. These sites do not accept aerosols (spray paint or other spray products), containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking or empty.

Residents with additional hazardous chemicals beyond paints, stains, etc. should request an appointment to participate in the Agency’s HHW program, as wood stain and varnish is also accepted at UCRRA’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. UCRRA hosts hazardous waste collection events each year, which are open to Ulster County residents only, and an appointment is required.

If the container is completely EMPTY, please check with your recycling service provider for instructions, though typically containers that once held hazardous substances are NOT recyclable. 

Contact: Sherwin Williams, Herzogs, Habitat for Humanity, or contact UCRRA at (845) 336-0600. Questions about Paint Care? Contact Kelsey O’Toole, Upstate NY Paint Care Program Coordinator at (315) 418-6520 or email kotoole@paint.org or visit PaintCare.org

Foil candy wrappers, snack bar wrappers, potato chip bags, etc. are NOT recyclable and should NOT be placed in the recycling bin.

Visit www.terracycle.com to see if there are any collection sites near you.

Wrapping paper and tissue paper (such as from gift bags and gift-giving) is acceptable for recycling along with other types of mixed paper. It is not necessary to remove tape, however ribbons and bows should be removed and reused. Ribbons, bows, etc. are NOT recyclable.

These guidelines apply to most gift paper, excluding any paper that is metallic or glittery, which should be discarded in the trash.

There are many alternative ways to wrap/package a gift that are low-waste. Transition to reusable gift bags and save the tissue paper for reuse. Package gifts in a reusable gift basket. Or get creative and make the wrapping part of the gift with tea towels, fabric, etc.

UCRRA at (845) 336-0600 or your hauler for recycling guidelines.

X-Ray films contain a very small amount of silver, which can be reclaimed only through special recycling programs. DO NOT put X-ray films in the recycling bin. If you wish to recycle these materials, ask your doctor’s office or local hospital if they participate in an X-Ray recycling program. You may also choose a mail-back recycling program option, but you should look for one that is HIPPA compliant and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. X-rays contain sensitive medical information that is protected by law.

X-Ray films can be discarded in the trash if you do not choose to find a special recycling program.

Contact: Search the web for “X Ray film recycling programs”

UCRRA accepts yard waste at our Kingston location only. Yard waste includes logs, branches, and bagged leaves. Logs must be no more than 2ft long and 2ft around. The maximum size limit for branches is 6ft long and 3ft in diameter. UCRRA does not accept stumps (with roots and soil attached).

Click here for UCRRA’s Fee Schedule. Please note ALL open vehicles (truck beds or trailer hitches) must have their load covered by a secured tarp. No exceptions or you will be subjected to a fee. 

Yard waste may be accepted at local Town Transfer Stations or search the web for yard waste removal companies.

Visit our webpage to learn more about home composting!

Contact: UCRRA at (845) 336-0600, your local town transfer station or your hauler.