Albany's Recycling Initiatives

Website (2010): We have launched a new recycling website, www.capitalregionrecycling.com. This website will be entirely dedicated to recycling and will service all 14 municipalities in our solid waste management planning unit.
3-7 Plastics (2010): We recently expanded the city’s curbside recycling program to include 3-7 plastic containers. Where prior to this we only collected the number 1&2 plastics we now collect all plastics (1-7)
Commercial Recycling (2009): An informational packet was mailed directly to all commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-residential property owners reminding them of the mandatory recycling laws. Included was a survey that needs to be completed and return to the city of Albany by the property owner. (Over 3500 mailed)
Office Recycling (2009): DGS has initiated a new city wide office-recycling program. New recycling bins were purchased for all city office buildings to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, cans and plastic containers. Every desk was equipped with a paper only bin and several larger bins, placed in common areas, for their glass, cans and plastic containers. Each building has been set up on a pickup rotation to ensure these items are recycled properly.
Green Bin Program (2009): DGS has increased its curbside-recycling program by offering an additional “GREEN” bin for paper and cardboard only. By providing this second bin residents will separate their glass, cans and plastic from their paper and cardboard which will allow them to recycle more of each item.
Education (Flyers and Brochures)
- Created a Close the Loop pamphlet to encourage buying recycled products. (2009)
- Updated City’s website with new recycling information in a grid format to help residents to better understand our residential program. Put a direct link from the main page to the recycling page. (2009)
- Created a new Commercial Recycling Guide which outlines recycling requirements for commercial, industrial, multi residential and institutional properties in the city of Albany as well as provides information for them to start or improve upon their recycling program. (2009)
- Created a new Albany Recycling Flyer and advertised it in the Times Union on 4/26 & 5/7 (2009)
- Created a Private Waste Hauler Recycling Flyer which outlines items that are recyclable and should never be sent to the landfill. The flyer was given to all private haulers, 38 in all, under contract with the landfill for distribution to their clients. (2009)
- Created a new Waste Collection and Recycling Guide which outlines the addition of 3-7 plastic recycling to the curbside collection program. This brochure also includes information regarding other waste collection and recycling programs the city of Albany offers its residents. (2010)
Light Bulb Disposal (in city buildings) (2009)
- DGS created a light bulb disposal policy and held a training session for maintenance staff of all city owned buildings on the proper procedure and collection of light bulbs.
- Included in the education was the creation of an 11x17 poster to educate all maintenance employees as to what bulbs need to be disposed of properly.
- Following the training all department heads were sent a memo to make them aware of and to help them carry out the details of this new policy and importance of the program.
School Recycling (2009)
- We introduced recycling to all schools in the city of Albany; this includes all public, private, charter and parochial schools.
- 1500 bins purchased
- 35 schools participating
- Approx $30,000 invested
- Introduced the Magic of Recycling, a fun innovative magic show that promotes recycling to kids k-4th, in all public elementary schools. Introduced a waste reduction & recycling curriculum package to all schools, including a poster to be displayed throughout the school.
Capital Region Solid Waste Management Planning Unit
- We meet on a monthly basis with representatives from all municipalities within the planning unit. (14 municipalities in all)
- We continue to work with them to assess their programs and make recommendations on program improvements. Provide to all planning unit representatives copies of brochures and pamphlets that deal with waste reduction and recycling.
- All flyers, publications are shared with the planning unit to encourage them to educate their residents about recycling.
Additional Items
- Landfill Inspections (2009): Throughout the year we conduct weekly landfill inspections to detect excessive recycling in the waste stream. We follow up on all failed inspections with the private hauler, generator and the municipality involved.
- Intense Landfill Inspections (2009): We also conducted two one- weeklong intensive landfill inspections on November 16, 2009 & December 14, 2009 resulting in 462 inspections total.
- Recycling Bin Bid (2009): Recycling bins were put out to bid (household bins went from $15 per bin to $9.27 per bin) With an approximate savings of $ 22,920.00
- Out reach (2009): The Department of General Services' recycling staff continues to attend neighborhood associations and civic organizations meetings to discuss the recycling program in the city and in addition hosts a recycling booth at various community events.