Q: What is Single Stream Recycling (SSR)?
A: County Waste & Recycling’s new Single Stream Recycling (SSR) service allows you to put paper, glass, cans, cardboard, plastics, and other approved recyclable materials in a single recycling bin for collection. SSR has proven to be an effective way to increase recycling in communities and decrease the amount of recyclable material that ends up in landfills.
Q: How does Single Stream Recycling benefit communities?
A: It encourages people to recycle more, and that’s a clear, community-wide environmental benefit. As more dual-purpose trucks are phased in, all trash and recycling will be picked up by a single truck, reducing our carbon footprint with fewer trucks on the roads, less fuel consumption, and decreased carbon emissions.
Q: Does anyone else offer Single Stream Recycling?
A: No, County Waste & Recycling is the first and only company to launch an SSR initiative of this scale. We’re a local company with a deep commitment to our community, and we know SSR is the best way to recycle. That’s why we’re investing more than $14 million in new green-topped recycling containers, new SSR collection trucks, and a state-of-the-art processing facility that will be located in the Port of Albany.
Q: Who qualifies for Single Stream Recycling?
A: Single Stream Recycling is available for both residential and commercial customers.
Q: Is there a fee for the new Single Stream Recycling service and green-topped recycling container?
A: No, it’s free. Both the green-topped recycling container and the Single Stream Recycling service are included in the cost of County Waste & Recycling residential trash collection service.
Q: How often will my recyclables be picked up?
A: Residential recyclables will be collected every week, on the same day as your regular trash collection. Commercial customers will receive service as often as your business needs.
Q: I’m a County Waste & Recycling customer. When will I get my new green-topped recycling container?
A: We expect to have all the new SSR green-topped recycling containers to our customers by the end of summer 2010. Please call County Waste at (518) 877-7007 or (888)-54-WASTE to learn when they will arrive in your neighborhood.
Q: Does the new green-topped recycling container come in different sizes?
A: We recommend the 65-gallon recycling containers for most homes and have distributed that size to our customers. When you sign up for new service we can help determine which size will work best. If you find that the 65-gallon container does not meet your needs, please call us at (518) 877-7007 or (888)-54-WASTE and we will assist you.
Q: Can I put shredded paper in the recycling container?
A: Yes, if the shredded paper is first placed inside a paper or plastic bag before going into the new SSR green-topped recycling container. Make sure the bags are secured at the top so the shredded paper doesn’t come loose.
Q: Can I put small metal pieces in the recycling container?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I include Styrofoam in my recycling?
A: Styrofoam does not currently qualify as a SSR acceptable item.
Q: What can I place in my recycling container?
A: Acceptable items include:
- paper (such as newspapers, magazines, catalogs, telephone books and cereal boxes)
- glass bottles and jars
- plastic bottles and jugs with the recyclable symbol (1-7)
- aluminum cans and milk and juice cartons
Click here to download a PDF listing acceptable/unacceptable materials.
Q: Do I have to recycle?
A: Recycling is strongly recommended. It is good for the environment and our communities -- and with the addition of SSR, it’s now very convenient.
Q: Where can I find out more?
A: Contact County Waste & Recycling at (518) 877-7007 or (888)-54-WASTE to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives.
