Otsego County, NY

 Recyclable if they are empty and caps are recycled separately. You must follow usage directions so the entire product is dispensed. If the aerosol can has a plastic lid you should remove it. Do not recycle aerosol cans that have contained paint, starter fluid, pesticides or other hazardous wastes; bring them to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Certain types of agricultural film plastics can be recycled through the Recycling
Agricultural Plastics Program (RAPP). To participate in RAPP, contact Otsego County Conservation
Association at (607) 282-4087. Baling is being performed by Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation
District, (607) 547-8337.

Once Freon gas is professionally removed, metal air conditioners can be recycled as scrap
metal. The Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations will accept air conditioners for a fee even if they contain Freon. The recycling stations in Cherry Valley, Morris (local residents only), Pittsfield, Richfield, Schenevus,Springfield, Unadilla and Westford also accept units for a fee if they still contain Freon. At the Decatur station,the Freon must first be removed by a certified professional. Check with town clerks for details on fees, etc.

If clean, place with recycling. If aluminum foil is soiled, place in regular trash. Clean pieces
can be combined into a “ball” for easier recycling.

Bring spent antifreeze to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. Antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be disposed of on the ground, in a sewage system or in a sink drain. Check with your local automobile service station to see if they have a recycling program.  Unused antifreeze can be given to another car owner if you no longer need it.

 Regular trash or, if substantially made of metal, recycle as scrap metal. See “Scrap Metal.” Check with your local service agencies and thrift shops regarding possible donation or resale of working items. 

Handled as scrap metal.  Freon gas must be professionally removed from cooling items prior to recycling. If still in usable condition, appliances may be shared with those in need; check with Family Services in Oneonta. See also “Scrap Metal.” The transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown take appliances for $25/unit (if they contain Freon gas) or at no charge if the Freon has been removed and a tag of certification is attached. Check with local town clerks to see if your town has a white goods and appliance collection.

Not accepted. This material is regulated by NYSDEC. No friable asbestos can be brought to the transfer station.  Friable asbestos is commonly found in furnace and pipe insulation. Individuals personally performing removal of friable asbestos are placing themselves at risk. Please consult the yellow pages under Asbestos Abatement & Removal services. A certified asbestos remover and disposal facility is required. Additional details can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8791.html.

Take to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

 Metal barrels can be recycled as scrap metal. Barrels MUST be empty.

Plastic barrels (1-5 gallon) are considered rigid plastic and are not acceptable for curbside
recycling pickup but can be brought to the transfer stations and placed in the appropriate recycling container. Barrels can be reused for rainwater collection.

Free to dispose when you buy a new one at any retailer. If you don’t have an old one to trade in, you’ll pay a surcharge. By law, retailers must accept used lead-acid batteries from customers.
Automotive batteries are also accepted at Otsego Auto Crushers (432-2375) on New York State 23 Southside in Oneonta and at Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Accepted at the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. Otsego Auto Crushers only accepts lead based batteries. Distinguish rechargeables vs non-rechargeable and lithium vs lithium ion (rechargeable).

In New York State it is illegal to throw rechargeable
batteries in the trash. Some retailers will accept them for recycling if they were purchased at that store. You may also recycle them at the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Safe to throw away in regular trash, but it is preferable to save and recycle them at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in the fall or inquire where purchased to see if business has a recycling program. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD in mid-August by calling (607) 547-4225.

Check with local service agencies that may accept usable bicycles. Unusable bikes can be brought to Otsego Auto Crushers (432-2375) or to the Oneonta or Cooperstown transfer stations as scrap metal.

To recycle: Beginning in 2016, the County placed book bins to accept hard and soft covered books. The book collection containers are located at the Northern Transfer Station, Rt. 28 and 80, and
the Oneonta Transfer Station, 75 Silas Lane, Oneonta. To reuse: There are various opportunities available in our area. Contact local book exchanges, libraries, nursing homes, local library book sales, Otsego County Jail, and Salvation Army Thrift Stores for information on donating your used books.  

To recycle: Take to local book recycling bins at the County transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown or leave for your solid waste hauler with recyclables. To reuse: Contact local book exchanges, community yard sales, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals or thrift stores for information on donating your used Books.

See “Packing Materials.”

Plastic buckets 1-5 gallon in size are recyclable if clean and dry. It is not necessary to remove the
handles.

Rings or lids from glass jars can be recycled as scrap metal or with regular recycling.
Lids from saucepans can be recycled as scrap metal. Lids from canned food, ie vegetable and soup cans (e.g., beans): Cut around the end of the can almost completely but leaving a little attached solid can be folded into the can. In this way, it is less likely to cut recycling employees or get caught in machinery. Screw on lids should be cleaned and re-screwed onto cleaned jar or bottle

Plastic caps and lids should be recycled and left on containers. All plastic bottles and containers with numbers 1-7 can be recycled and lids should be left on them (e.g., soda bottles, yogurt, cottage cheese and pudding cups and containers, soap and detergent containers, and milk and water jugs).

The battery is the most hazardous part of a carbon monoxide detector. Remove the battery and see “Batteries.” Most carbon monoxide detectors have a plastic cover or faceplate which can be recycled. Once you have removed all batteries and recyclable casings, you can safely discard the remainder of the carbon monoxide detector with your normal trash. 

Flatten dry food boxes (e.g., cereal, cookies, snacks), non-food boxes (e.g., medicine, tissue, toy, and gift boxes), toilet and paper towel tubes, and pizza boxes (with all food/debris and soiled parts removed). All recyclable.

Recyclable at local recycling stations or with curbside recycling. Cardboard boxes
must be flattened. Wax-coated corrugated cardboard is not accepted and should be disposed of with regular
trash. (“Waxed” cardboard is most often corrugated [multi-layered] cardboard that is lined with plastic polyethylene to prevent it from getting soggy. This material is designed to be refrigerated or frozen. Real “waxed” cardboard is a rare item and can be mistaken for cardboard or paperboard. It’s rarely used by consumers and is favored by retailers for shipping produce. If you can see or feel waxy residue when you scrape a box with your fingernail, it is waxed.)

Under the New York State Wireless Recycling Act, effective January 1, 2007, all wireless telephone service providers that offer phones for sale will accept your cell phones for reuse or recycling. Chapter 730 of the Laws of 2006 requires these businesses to accept up to 10 cell phones from any person or provide shipping for those phones.  Many other means of donating cell phones can be found at the following link: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8818.html. Cell phones are accepted at the Otsego County Conservation Association’s Earth Festival in April.  Check occainfo.org website for further information. A kiosk at the Southside Mall in Oneonta also accepts cell phones with reimbursements for certain models. Cell phones are also accepted at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta as part of the County electronic recycling program.

See “Electronic Media.”

Visit http://www.holidayleds.com/christmas-light-recycling-program.aspx. Check also with local retailers regarding in-store recycling options. 

Call local dry cleaner or Salvation Army to see if they will accept them. Metal clothes hangers can be placed with scap metal at transfer stations that have metal collection. Plastic hangers can be reused or recycled.

Thrift shops and family service organizations may take unwanted
clothing, bedding, and other textiles in good, clean condition. Another option is textile recycling through ReClothe NY (see http://www.nysar3.org/page/re-clothe-ny-78.html to find a drop-off box in your area).

ReClothe NY accepts textiles that are clean, dry, and odor free but may be stained or torn.

See “Electronics.”

Otsego ReUse Center accepts all usable construction and demolition debris. Check out http://otsegoreusecenter.org/ or call 607-353-7831 for details.. Some items such as bricks and clay pots may be sought after by residents and businesses looking for clean fill. Most other C&D can be accepted at the Otsego County transfer stations in both Oneonta and Cooperstown if they cannot be accepted as clean fill or at the Otsego ReUse Center.

Take to local recycling station or leave curbside; must be empty, rinsed clean and dry. Including but not limited to: green, amber and clear glass; food and beverage containers; ice cream containers; liquor and wine bottles; deposit bottles; canning jars; plastic containers; soda bottles; medicine bottles;  milk and water jugs; windshield washer jugs; mustard and ketchup bottles; plastic medicine bottles with or without a number, soap and detergent containers; mouthwash bottles; salad dressing bottles; peanut butter jars; milk and juice cartons; food and beverage cans; deposit cans; foil wrap, foil plates and trays; some aerosol cans (emptied); shampoo bottles; cream tubes; ointment tubes; make-up containers. All of the above can be mixed together for recycling. Caps & lids can be left on.  The following items are NOT included in the Otsego County Recycling Program: broken glass, drinking glasses, ovenware and ceramics, dishes, cups, plates. Andela Products in Richfield Springs may accepts Pyrex and CLEAN household glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055.

See “Soils.”

See “Appliances.” If dehumidifier is made mostly of plastic, it should be placed in the trash. It made mostly of metal, it can be placed with scrap metal. 

 Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

See “Electronic Media.”

 Recyclable in scrap metal collection bin if not repairable.  Ask your retailer if your old item is accepted with delivery of new item. 

Try donating CDs and DVDs whenever possible. There are recycling options, such as Green Disk and the CD Recycling Center of America, but they may cost money. See http://www.greendisk.com/ or http://cdrecyclingcenter.org. CDs and DVDs are NOT accepted as part of the County’s book recycling program, but these items can be accepted as trash at both transfer stations.

The following items are accepted for electronics recycling at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta. See the link below to check for what qualifies as electronic waste:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html.

Contact your local police department.

Many Lions Clubs and other service organizations collect used eyeglasses. Check with your local area representatives. Some eye glass providers and optometrist offices may collect eyeglasses as well.

Woven polypropylene feed bags, including those for dog, horse, and bird food, are not recyclable. Alternatives to throwing in the trash include using the bags for garbage, tarps, or grocery bags.

Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. New York State periodically holds Clean Sweep Programs to collect hazardous material. Further information is available at www.cleansweepny.org or by calling (877) 793-3769.

Take to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Number 1-7 plastics are recyclable. Items should be clean and dry. Clay and ceramic pots can be reused, shared with others, or donated to thrift stores. Some broken pots may be accepted in various locations as clean fill.

Food waste is garbage, but home composting is recommended. Contact the Otsego County Conservation Association at (607) 547-4488 or Cornell Cooperative Extension, (607) 547-2536, for more information on composting. 

Furniture in good, reusable condition is accepted by area thrift stores and various local organizations including the Family Service Association, Salvation Army, Susquehanna Animal Shelter. The Otsego ReUse Center also accepts all non-upholstered furniture. Soiled and spent furniture is accepted as trash.

Household garbage and other trash can be taken directly to Otsego County’s solid waste transfer
stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown at the rate of $3 per 30-gallon bag. Garbage can also be left out for pickup service by your local hauler (see website for list of haulers). Many of the town (not local) recycling stations in the county have a local garbage hauler on-site on Saturday mornings to take bagged garbage for about $2-3 per bag. Check with your town clerk for information and refer to the County list of municipalities and their transfer stations: 

Plastic cans are recyclable. Metal cans can be recycled with scrap metal. 

To dispose of unwanted gas, bring gas, in an appropriate container, to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

See “Containers” for glass bottles and jars. Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts window glass with frames removed, mirror glass, and Pyrex and CLEAN household glass for recycling. Call (315) 858-0055 for more information. Otherwise, it should be thrown in the trash.

Clean & dry green, clear, and amber bottles and jars are recyclable and can be set out curbside or taken to the transfer station.  Does not include broken glass, mirrors, drinking glasses, ovenware and ceramics, dishes, cups, plates. See “Containers” for more information. Andela Products in Richfield Springs accepts Pyrex and CLEAN household glass. Call (315) 858-0055 for more information. 

Yard waste is accepted as trash but it is more cost effective to leave grass clippings on the
lawn. Grass clippings are 80-85 percent water. If you mow your lawn once a week, the clipping will filter down
and decompose within 7-10 days. This method also reduces the amount of fertilizer you need by 25-30% by
returning nutrients to the soil. Grass clippings can also be used as mulch around the base of shrubs. The mulch will prevent water loss and eventually will decompose. Another option is to compost, mix with leaves, wood chips or garden materials.  Some municipalities to have composting sites, check with your town clerk.

Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

If humidifier is made mostly of plastic it should be placed in the trash. If made mostly of metal it
can be placed with scrap metal. 

Ink cartridges can be recycled with many companies and with the Otsego County Conservation Association at Mohican Farm, (607) 547-4488 or at Earth Festival in April (cartridges are recycled as a fundraiser for OCCA). OCCA also has collection boxes at Community Bank and Key Bank, both in Cooperstown. Office Max has an in-store recycling program. Check other listings in your local phone directory.  

(similar to a pint container of half & half) are recyclable.  Rinsed and dried juice cartons can be placed in recycling.  Juice Pouches, made of layers of plastic/paper or foil are not recyclable in the county program.  Juice pouches can be recycled with the TerraCycle program, shipped by individuals.

See “Paper.” Households can reduce unwanted mailing by accessing
www.PrivacyCouncil.org. The “Opt Out” program will prevent pre-approved credit card mailings. Contact 1-
888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or Direct Marketing Service’s Mail Preference Service at
https://www.dmachoice.org/register.php.

Recyclable.

See “Scrap Metal.” Mowers should be void of gasoline and oil before bringing to the transfer
station.

See “Caps and Lids.”

Includes new-type “twisty” compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs.
Throw broken bulbs away as trash in a puncture-proof container. See the following safety precautions:
How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb? EPA recommends the following cleanup and disposal
guidelines:

Before Clean-up, vent the room.
              • Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. 
              • Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
 Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces
              • Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a
              glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
              • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
              • Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar
              or plastic bag.
              • Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug
              • Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar)
              or in a sealed plastic bag.
              • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
              • If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was
              broken.
              • Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a
              sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials
              • Immediately place all clean-up materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor
              protected area for the next normal trash.
              • Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
              • Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some
              states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local
              recycling center. 
Future Cleaning of Carpet or Rug: Vent the Room During and After Vacuuming
              • For at least the next few times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning
              system and open a window prior to vacuuming.
              • Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15
              minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Includes new-type “twisty” compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. Currently most fluorescent bulbs or lamps are hazardous waste due to their mercury content. Many home improvement centers have dispensaries for all types of fluorescent bulbs – check with your local store. These bulbs can also be brought to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225.Incandescent light bulbs are NOT recyclable.

The transfer stations do not accept incandescent light bulbs as recyclables. Place in trash or contact your local hardware store to see if they have a recycling program.

Not considered hazardous, but may contain lead and arsenic. Sometimes local retailers will offer collections. If a new LED bulb was purchased and found to be faulty, try contacting the manufacturer for a replacement. Please double bag LED bulbs and place in the garbage if no other options are available.

Soiled and spent mattresses are accepted at Otsego County’s solid waste transfer stations in
Oneonta for a fee. 

Do not dispose of prescriptions or other medications by flushing them down a toilet or drain. The
safe way to dispose of unused medications (pills, powders or liquid medications) is to take them to a pharmacy
collection site or to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. Bassett Healthcare Network has two kiosks in Otsego County. Visit the Bassett Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy in Cooperstown or FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta during regular business hours to dispose of medicines in the kiosks or use a mail-back envelope which are also provided at those locations. The City of Oneonta Police Department on Main Street in Oneonta and the County Sheriff’s department on County Highway 33W have prescription drop boxes for the public to dispose of prescriptions and medicines. NO liquid medications or needles (see “Needles/Syringes). The Village of Cooperstown Police Department accepts medications, including narcotics (no radioactive medications) without any questions asked.  Block out name of person and name of drug before delivering. Some tags on medications do peel off quite easily, peeling from the corner.

The Cooperstown Vets Club at 60 Main Street in Cooperstown has a closet for discarded equipment. Call 607-547-8282 before dropping off. Used health equipment can also be sent to foundations such as the Afya Foundation (http://afyafoundation.org/contact) or the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (http://www.mission-outreach.org/product-donations).  

Can be recycled at no charge. Old appliances, lawn mowers, bicycles, barbecue grills, sheet
metal, aluminum siding, lawn chairs, copper and iron pipes, car parts, pots and pans, metal fencing and posts,
etc. Do not include hazardous materials, safes (they contain asbestos), home electronics or paint cans. Take
scrap metal to local recycling drop-off stations in Decatur, Hartwick, Morris (Morris village and town residents
only), Pittsfield (Burlington and Pittsfield town residents only), Richfield, Schenevus (Maryland town residents
only), Schuyler Lake, Springfield, Unadilla and Westford.

 Depending on the type of microwave, it may be treated as scrap metal or trash. If made
mostly of metal it can be placed in scrap metal. Try searching online to see if a simple repair is possible before getting rid of it. Working microwaves can be donated to Salvation Army or other family service organizations. If the microwave is not made of mostly metal, it will be treated as trash and is accepted at both County transfer stations.

Many manufactured home companies will subcontract for demolition and removal of mobile homes. Try contacting companies such as G&I Homes (607-432-9023), Hawkins Homes (607-693-2551), Better Homes & Transport (315-858-2100), J&C Mobile Home Transporting (607-674-4929), or Tom’s Mobile Home Repair and Transport (607-965-8021).

As required by NYS law, under Article 23, Title 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), used motor oil must be accepted free of charge at businesses that service motor vehicles and sell more than 500 gallons of oil per year and by retailers that don’t service vehicles but sell more than 1,000 gallons of oil annually. This is limited to 5 gallons/person each day. Empty motor oil containers should not be included with recyclables; dispose of these in the regular trash.

DO NOT set out with recyclables. To dispose, snap off the needle and break the syringe
tube to prevent second-hand use. Place used needles and syringes in a puncture resistant container (a large
laundry detergent bottle is recommended). When the bottle is full, screw the lid on tight and tape the lid shut
with duct tape or packing tape. Clearly label the bottle “Needles.” You can then dispose of needles and syringes with the regular trash; however, do not put the container in a bag with other garbage. Leave the bottle on the curb next to your regular trash so your hauler can handle it (it is recommended that you call your hauler to inquire if there are any other, specific requirements for preparing needles and syringes). Needles/syringes can also be dropped off at the outpatient lab at FoxCare and at the outpatient pharmacy at Bassett Medical Center. Needles and syringes are NOT accepted at Otsego County’s HHWD. All hospitals and nursing homes in New York State are mandated by law to accept home-generated sharps as a free community service through their sharps collection programs. In addition, pharmacies, health clinics, community-based organizations, mobile van programs, public transportation facilities, housing projects, police stations, waste transfer stations and other venues have become settings for safe sharps and offer syringe collection drop boxes (or “kiosks”) to help facilitate the safe collection of used sharps.

Check the links below for locations in Otsego County.

Hospitals:
http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/hospital_collection_sites.pdf
Nursing Homes:
http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syringes/sharps/docs/nursing_home_collection_sites.pdf

Recyclable in all Otsego County transfer stations, no need to remove metal. 

 Place in plastic bag or container so oil doesn’t leak. Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. 

Not recyclable in the County’s single stream recycling program. Bubble wrap and air pillow packaging can be recycled by placing in grocery store plastic film collection containers. Large air pillows should be popped before dropping off. Call local mailing houses regarding possible acceptance of any of these items for reuse. These items may be accepted by the Otsego County Conservation Association, (607)547-4488, at Earth Festival each April. Call first to confirm.

Place paint chips in heavy plastic bag and close tightly. Discard with regular trash. If dealing with lead paint, see http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/LBPguide.pdf.

Bring unused latex paint to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225.Mark the lids “L” for latex. Paint is received (with no limit) and is re-mixed for free distribution to municipal or not-for-profit agencies. Small amounts of leftover paint should be poured into absorbent material (e.g., kitty litter) and thrown away as trash. Empty paint cans and cans with dried out contents should be thrown away as trash with the lids removed. Clean metal lids can be disposed of with recyclables.

Small amounts of leftover oil-based paint should be poured into absorbent material (e.g., kitty litter) and thrown away as trash. Empty cans and cans with dried out contents should be thrown away as trash with the lids removed. Cans that are full to one-third full should be brought to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September.Mark the lids “O” for oil. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Take to the local recycling station or leave for your solid waste hauler with recyclables. Includes:
newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, frozen food boxes, soda & beer cartons, manila folders, envelopes, paper bags; white, colored, notebook and fax paper and carbonless business forms, copy paper, ream wrappers made of paper, wrapping paper (non-metallic,) paper egg cartons, greeting cards; phone books and paperback books (soft cover); clean cardboard including corrugated boxes (wavy middle layer); clean pizza boxes; ice cream cartons; single layer cardboard (gray, brown, and non-waxy white boxes).  All of the above must be clean & dry, and can be mixed together for recycling.

Paper recycling DOES NOT include the following trash: food wrappers, cups, tissues, napkins, soaked paper, yellowed newsprint, carbon paper, blueprint paper, metallic gift wrap, bows, waxed paper, used tissues, used paper plates, used paper towels, used tissue paper, construction paper, copy paper wrappers made of vinyl or plastic sheets, wax-coated corrugated paper, paper to-go containers. See also “Books” and “Cardboard.”

Paper, shredded – Shredded paper should be stored in a clear plastic bag and placed in the recycling container at either transfer station. The Otsego County Conservation Association also provides a paper shredding service through Confidata at Earth Festival each April at no charge.

Place powdered or liquid items in a sealed container and dispose of them at the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225.New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sponsors a Clean Sweep Program non-household for disposal of hazardous materials. Details can be found at www.cleansweepny.org or by calling (877) 793-3769.

Relatively clean cast iron or steel pipe can be placed with scrap metal. PVC pipe is not recyclable; place in garbage. Depending on condition, the Otsego ReUse Store may accept these items.

The Otsego County Recycling Program does not accept plastic bags, even if they have a number or a recycling symbol. Plastic bags can be recycled in retail/grocery bag recycling programs at area grocery and retail stores. This includes construction film (6 ml, ect.) See NYSDEC, WRAP & NYSAR websites for details:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/50042.html. 

http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/wrap/wrap-1.html.

Recyclable at all Otsego County transfer stations.

Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

Can be recycled with scrap metal. Those still in good condition can be donated for reuse.  

Printers weighing less than 100 pounds are recyclable.    Check with the County first for anything greater than 100lbs by calling (607) 547-4225.

Poster

Can be disposed of at the Otsego County transfer stations in Oneonta Cooperstown as scrap metal. Valves should be removed before disposal. Propane tanks and cylinders can also be brought to the Otsego County Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste Department for details on HHW Day by called 607-547-4225

Can be disposed of as regular trash. Even with creosote they are considered regular trash. These should never be burned.

See “Appliances.” Floor models, large (e.g., washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers) – Handled as scrap metal.  Freon gas must be professionally removed from cooling items prior to recycling. If still in usable condition, appliances may be shared with those in need; check with Family Services in Oneonta. See also “Scrap Metal.” The transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown take appliances for $25/unit (if they contain Freon gas) or at no charge if the Freon has been removed and a tag of certification is attached. Check with local town clerks to see if your town has a white goods and appliance collection. 

Check with the services listed at the beginning of this reference guide. The Freecycle Network™ is a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers. Membership is free. To sign up in your
community, visit https://www.freecycle.org/. 

Accepted at the Oneonta and Cooperstown transfer stations. See “Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris.”

 Not accepted for recycling by Otsego County; either place in trash or find a reuse for it.

Can be recycled at no charge at the Northern and Southern transfer stations or local recycling drop-off stations Decatur, Hartwick, Morris (Morris village and town residents only), Pittsfield (Burlington and Pittsfield town residents only), Richfield, Schenevus (Maryland town residents only), Schuyler Lake, Springfield, Unadilla and Westford. See a complete list of transfer recycling drop-off stations in Otsego County at: http://www.otsegocounty.com/depts/sw/OCDropoffCenters.htm.
Scrap metal includes but not limited to: old appliances, lawn mowers, bicycles, barbecue grills, sheet metal, aluminum siding, lawn chairs, copper and iron pipes, car parts, pots and pans, metal fencing and posts, etc. Do not include hazardous materials, safes (they contain asbestos), home electronics or paint cans.

Scrap metal or find a new home.

Smoke detectors may be either photoelectric or ionizing. The ionizing variety may contain a small amount of radioactive material which may pose a hazard to human health if large quantities are
accumulated. However, single detectors of either kind may be safely discarded with household trash. Some
smoke detectors can be returned to the manufacturer. Check the package to see if a return service is offered.
Remove the battery and see “Batteries.”

Soils being excavated and removed due to pollution (e.g., by an underground leaking oil tank or septic system) need to be disposed of in accordance with NYSDEC regulations. Refer to the NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation link for further explanation:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/30902.html.

Bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225

See “Aerosol Cans.” 

Styrofoam is a trademark name for closed cell extruded polystyrene foam that commonly called Blue Board, but is often used to describe all types of polystyrene foam. Clean and white expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) Clam shells, foam packaging and packaging peanuts with or without a number can be recycled by the Otsego County Conservation Association, (607)547-4488, at Earth Festival each April. Call first to confirm.

See “Needles.”

See “Electronics.” 

See “Electronics.”

See “Clothing, Bedding and Other Textiles.”

If your thermostat/thermometer contains mercury
(silvery liquid), bring to the Otsego County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day collection in early September. Town of Hartwick also has a collection container, call ahead to town clerk for office hours.  Check with the County Solid Waste and Recycling Department for details on HHWD by calling (607) 547-4225. If broken and/or mercury is leaking, follow procedure under “Fluorescent Bulbs or Lamps (broken),” taking similar precautions for cleanup.

Accepted at the transfer stations in Oneonta and Cooperstown for a fee. 

Shampoo bottles, cream tubes, ointment tubes, and make-up containers are recyclable;
must be empty, clean, and dry. Toothpaste tubes are not recyclable as part of the County’s recycling program and should be placed in the trash. An alternative option is TerraCycle, where many of these items can be recycled for a cost. Visit https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ for more information.

Office Max will accept and dispose of cartridges, even
brands they do not carry. Many toner cartridge companies do include a return shipping label in the packaging of a purchased toner cartridges.

See “Garbage.”

 See “Motor Oil.”

Dispose of in regular trash. Before throwing away, try searching for a fix online. Vacuum cleaners are often either clogged with dirt, filters need cleaning, or a belt has slipped off or torn. Try searching for a Repair Cafe in your area.  

 See “Electronics.”

 See “Electronic Media.”

See “Electronic Media.”

Recyclable in scrap metal collection bin if not repairable.  Ask your retailer if this item is accepted with delivery of new item.  

Wood Pellet bags may be recycled along with single-use bags and film plastics at area stores. Please follow these guidelines when preparing to recycle your bags: cut or tear the top strip off completely and discard. Turn bag inside out to remove all pellets and residue. Flatten or roll bags to take up as little space as possible and place in the film plastic recycling container at your local grocery store. Please do NOT include salt/deicer, pool chemicals, or similar bags. The chemical residues on these bags make them unusable for recycling purposes at this time.

Recyclable, except metallic wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons. These should be reused or placed in trash. See “Paper.”

City of Oneonta residents can use the yard waste facility on Silas Lane after calling the city’s
Department of Public Works for an appointment to enter the yard. Call your town or village municipal clerk to see if your town provides yard waste collection or drop-off.

Empty of all fluids (gas/oil) and treat ascrap metal bin. 

Empty of all fluid and treat as scrap metal. 

Please take to Otsego County Transfer stations and treat as regular waste. 

Accepted at the Otsego County transfer stations as regular waste. 

Old rubber excavator tracks can be disposed of at the Otsego County Transfer Stations as regular waste. 

May be delivered to the Otsego ReUse Center located at 23 Duane Street in Oneonta. The foam is recycled at this location. Acceptable items include: White meat trays, white cups, white take-out containers, egg cartons (all colors), and polystyrene transport packaging used to protect TVs and other electronics. 

Questions? Contact the ReUse Center at (607) 353-7831