Recycling
PAPER & CARDBOARD
PAPER
newspapers, magazines, catalogs
white and colored paper (lined, copier, computer, staples OK)
mail and envelopes (any color, window envelopes OK)
paper bags
wrapping paper
CARDBOARD
soft-cover books, telephone books (paperbacks, comics, etc.; no spiral bindings)
cardboard egg cartons and trays
smooth cardboard (food and shoes boxes, tubes, file folders, cardboard from productpackaging)
corrugated cardboard boxes (flattened and tied)
METAL, GLASS, PLASTIC & CARTONS
METAL (all kinds)
metal cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, dried-out paint cans, etc.)
aluminum foil wrap & trays
metal caps & lids
household metal (wire hangers, pots, tools, curtain rods, knives, small appliances that are mostly metal, certain vehicle license plates, etc.)
bulk metal (large metal items, such as furniture, cabinets, large appliances, etc.)
GLASS (bottles & jars)
PLASTIC (rigid plastics)
plastic bottles, jugs & jars
rigid plastic caps & lids
rigid plastic food containers (yogurt, deli, hummus, dairy tubs, cookie tray inserts, "clamshell" containers, other plastic take-out containers)
rigid plastic non-food containers
rigid plastic packaging ("blister-pak" and "clamshell" consumer packaging, acetate boxes)
rigid plastic housewares (flower pots, mixing bowls, plastic appliances, etc.)
bulk rigid plastic (crates, buckets, pails, furniture, large toys, large appliances, etc.)
CARTONS
food & beverage cartons & drink boxes (or any such cartons and aseptic packaging that hold beverages and food: ice tea, soy milk, soup, etc.)
What to Recycle
Bulky Items
Furniture and appliances that are predominantly metal or rigid plastic and are too big for your recycling container or clear bag (such as washing machines, metal filing cabinets, water heaters, or plastic furniture) should be placed beside the recycling container on your regular Recycling Day .
Before discarding appliances containing CFC gas or freon (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers), you must schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery. You can make an appointment on the Sanitation website or call 311. For safety reasons, the law requires doors to be removed from refrigerators and freezers before placing at the curb.
Non-recyclable trash that is too big for your garbage container or bag (such as mattresses, lumber, or debris from small construction or garden projects) may be placed at the curb on any regular garbage collection day
All the information on the page is taken from NYC Recycles http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recycling/recycle_what.shtml