Single Stream Recycling

SUNY Oneonta and Otsego County uses Zero Sort Recycling to collect and divert recyclables from the landfill. Zero Sort Recycling means that all recyclables can go in the same bin, no need to sort into type of recyclable material, as the sorting happens at the recycling facility.

It is important that all materials you put into the recycling bin are actually recyclable to keep Zero Sort Recycling economically feasible and technically efficient.

Recycling 101Follow these tips to ace Recycling 101: Recycle all empty and clean plastic bottles, cans & paper Keep foods and liquids out No plastic bags or soft plastics. Advanced Recycling Tips: All recyclables in one bin. All containers should be rinsed clean. Electronic recycling bins at Hunt Union. Donate gently used items to the Red Closet Thrift Shop in Netzer.

What belongs in your recycling bin?

Cardboard

Example: shipping boxes, cereal boxes, egg cartons, paper towel and toilet paper rolls.

Recycle Better tips: Flatten the boxes to save room in your bin. Make sure everything is clean and dry. No waxy coatings, please!

Paper

Example: office paper, newspaper, paper bags, magazines, junk mail

Recycle Better tips: Everything should be clean and dry. Staples and envelope windows are OK. No books please! (Try donating them instead).

Plastic Jugs, Bottles, Tubs & Lids

Example: Clean and dry plastic drink bottles, milk jugs, yogurt cups, tubs and lids, shampoo bottles, etc.

Recycle Better tips: Make sure everything is clean and dry. To save room in your bin, squish the bottles. Put the caps back on so they won't slip through the cracks in the recycling equipment. No bags or other plastics!

Metal Cans

Example: soda and beer cans, soup and vegetable cans, foil.

Recycle Better tips: All must be empty, clean, and dry. Ball up your clean foil. No miscellaneous scrap metal items please! (Take those to a scrap yard).

Glass Jars

Example: Beverage bottles, pickle jars.

Recycle Better tips: All containers must be empty, clean, and dry. No Pyrex, ceramics, or window glass please! (Broken items belong in the trash; donate unbroken items).

Check out "How Can I Get Rid Of..." for proper disposal and more details on specific items.

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