Recycling Requirements: Albany vs Colonie

Are plastic bags recyclable in the blue bin?

No. NY prohibits plastic bags in curbside recycling. Retail store take-back bins are the proper channel. Albany County Local Law enforces the separation requirement.

Does Albany County require food scrap composting?

Only for large generators (2+ tons/week within 25 miles of an organics recycler) under NY ECL §27-2201. Residential composting is voluntary with drop-off at Empire State Plaza and other Capital Roots sites.

Is recycling mandatory in the Town of Colonie?

Yes. Town Code Chapter 112, Article III (Recycling) requires residents, businesses, and all other generators of solid waste to separate recyclables from the solid waste stream before delivering to a solid waste facility or before pickup by a hauler. This is a true mandate under the Town Code, paralleling NY ECL §27-2105 (the state recycling statute). Each licensed hauler must accept the mandated categories: old newspaper, corrugated cardboard, plastic containers SPI #1 through #7, metal containers, and glass containers. The Town runs its own landfill, so diversion is a priority.

What can I recycle in Colonie?

Mandated under Chapter 112 Art III and accepted by every licensed hauler: old newspaper (and other paper), corrugated cardboard (flatten), plastic containers marked SPI #1 through #7 (rinse), metal containers including aluminum cans and steel food cans, and glass containers. Colonie's #1-#7 plastic acceptance is broader than many NY municipalities (which often take only #1 and #2). Do NOT bag recyclables - place them loose in your hauler-provided recycling cart or your own labeled container. Do NOT include plastic bags ('film plastic'), food-soaked cardboard, hot beverage cups, or compostable plastics. The Town also runs a free Residential Recyclables Drop-Off Station at the Environmental Services site if you prefer to bring materials in directly.

Where is the Colonie Municipal Recycling Center?

The Municipal Recycling Center is operated by the Town of Colonie Division of Environmental Services as part of the landfill / environmental services campus at 1319 Loudon Road (entrance 4 Arrowhead Lane). The MRC processes Colonie's recyclable stream and is a regional asset that helps the Town divert from its own landfill. Residents can use the on-site Residential Recyclables Drop-Off Station - free of charge with proof of residency (green sticker on vehicle) - which has roll-off containers for commingled fibers (paper/cardboard) and commingled containers (plastic/glass/metal). See https://www.townofcolonie.gov/departments/envservices/municipal-recycling-center for current hours and accepted materials.