Frequently Asked Questions
What is Recycling?
"Recycling" means separating, collecting, processing, marketing and ultimately reusing a material that would have been thrown away. Today's newspaper can be recycled for another newspaper or other paper products. Cans and bottles can be crafted for other uses.
When a product has been recycled and reused as a new product, the recycling loop has been closed. Glass, for example, is 100% recyclable and can be used over and over with no loss in quality. The process of creating new glass from old is also extremely efficient, producing virtually no waste or unwanted byproducts.
Quality products and packaging are being made from recovered materials. We can all help create markets for recyclables by buying and using these products.
Why Should We Recycle?
If you knew something you could do that would save a boatload of tax dollars, help protect our natural environment, and create jobs, wouldn't you do it without thinking twice? Well that thing is recycling:
- Recycling reduces our reliance on landfills and incinerators.
- Recycling protects our health and environment by removing harmful substances from the waste stream and reducing our need to consume natural resources.
- Recycling creates six jobs for every job created by landfilling.
- Increasing our recycling rate by just 1% would save the city $72,000.
What Can Be Recycled?
An amazing amount of what normally heads for a landfill can be recycled. Check out the recycling menu on this site.
Where Do I Get a Recycling Blue Bin?
Blue bins for the City's curbside collection recycling program are available at no cost from several locations in the Buffalo. Click here for the list.
How Do I Recycle?
There are many opportunities to recycle in our city. Here are just a few:
- Curbside Collection - The most convenient way for a household to recycle is to take advantage of the City of Buffalo's curbside collection. This is the "blue bin" program that allows residents to put out recycling on the same day as their normal trash pickup. See the recycling menu for guidelines.
- Drop-off Centers - These are sites that accept dropped-off materials for recycling and serve as convenient central pick-up locations for processors or recyclers. Click here for a list.
- Buy Back Centers - Some firms pay consumers for recyclable materials. Many people recycle aluminum cans, plastic and glass pop bottles at buy-back centers. Click here for a list.
- Waste Companies - These companies buy recyclables from offices, businesses, institutions, schools and industries. Click here for a list.
- Reuse Facilities - Some organizations and firms such as the Salvation Army, pawn shops, thrift stores, antique stores, Goodwill, and community organizations like Computers for Children, or the Buffalo Architectural Salvage Committee will accept donated items and, in some cases, offer pick up.
- Other Collection Opportunities - Take advantage of businesses and organizations that provide collection opportunities. For example, many grocery stores collect bags for recycling, garages often accept used motor oil, auto supply stores typically buy-back used vehicle batteries, and scout groups collect newspapers as a fund raising event.
- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days - Erie County sponsors several days each year for getting rid of household hazardous waste material. Visit the Hazardous Waste page on the County's website for dates and locations.
- Composting - Leave grass clipping on the lawn or compost them with other yard and kitchen waste. Click here to learn more.
Think of ways to reduce the amount of material that gets added to the waste stream. Don't throw away what you can use again and try to donate unwanted items that are in good, or at least, repairable, condition.
For more information about recycling, check out the EPA's Reusable News Bulletin archive, or visit the Earth 911 website.
What local laws apply to curbside recycling collection services provided by the City of Buffalo?
The following regulations are subject to Class C fines ($52.50) if not complied with. If you wish to report properties that are in violation of the following ordinances, please contact Citizen Services at 851-4890 or visit the Mayor's Call and Resolution Center on the City's website.
- GARBAGE AND TRASH OUT TOO EARLY - Chapter 216-14: Garbage, 2-piece trash, yard debris and recyclables must be placed out for collection no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the evening before, or no later than 7:00 a.m. on the morning of your regularly scheduled collection day.
- TOTES AND RECYCLING CONTAINERS NOT REMOVED FROM CURB AFTER COLLECTION - Chapter 216-14: all containers must be removed from the curbline within twelve (12) hours after collection.
- IMPROPER STORAGE LOCATION OF CITY PROVIDED RECEPTACLE OR TOTE - CHAPTER 216-14: All garbage receptacles shall be kept in rear yards and may not be stored in the front of properties, unless authorization is received from the Commissioner of Public Works and Streets. (Please make request for waiver in writing to Commissioner of Public Works, 65 Niagara Square, Room 502, Buffalo, New York 14202)
- TIRES, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND FILL OUT FOR COLLECTION- Chapter 216-15: The City does not collect these materials as part of the curbside collection services that it provides. Tires, construction debris or fill may not be placed within or next to the tote. There are regularly scheduled tire drop-off dates that the City provides. In addition, construction material may be brought to a variety of transfer stations in and around the City of Buffalo, including the East Side Transfer Station for a fee.
- RECYCLING - Chapter 216-15: Recycling containers that have items that are not recyclable, and garbage totes that have items other than regular household garbage are considered to be improper uses of the containers provided by the City.
- FAILURE TO USE CITY-PROVIDED CONTAINERS - Chapter 216-15: Each property must use totes and recycling containers provided by the City of Buffalo.
