No More Mixing Your Recyclables

You’ll need two pails to sort recycling starting Jan. 2 when Huntington returns to separate collection days for paper and cardboard, and glass and plastic recyclables.

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Huntington residents will again have to sort their recycling next year when the town switches back to dual-stream recycling.

Starting on Jan. 2, 2019 the town is switching from a single-stream to a dual-stream recycling system. Dual-stream recycling means the town refuse department and it’s contractors will collect bottles, cans and plastics one week and paper and corrugated cardboard the following week, according to town documents.

Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said alternating the material on recycling days requires less sorting and decreased the cost.

“Huntington is 100 percent committed to recycling and protecting our environment, which is why we are adopting dual-stream recycling as of January 2019,” Lupinacci said.

A Town-issued handout gives a guide to what can and can’t be put out for recycling.

“Dual-stream recycling is the only cost-effective, environmentally responsible option available that will allow the Town to continue our recycling program.”

The change is a result of “a dramatic and downward shift in worldwide commodity markets for recyclables- specifically in China” environmental waste management director John Clark told the town board during a budget hearing in early November.

Clark said the switch from single to dual stream recycling lowers the town’s processing costs for recycling from an estimated $950,000 to about $250,000.

Huntington previously had an agreement with the Town of Brookhaven for the processing of single-stream recyclables. Huntington officials received a letter on Oct. 23 from Brookhaven stating they would not accept any of Huntington’s recycling after Oct. 29 due to “catastrophic changes in international markets for recyclables.”

To help increase the quality of recycled materials, Lupinacci suggested residents keep paper dry by putting a lid on paper recycling containers, rinse out bottles, cans and jars and avoid glass because it is difficult and costly to recycle.

More information on dual-stream recycling and a full schedule of pick-up dates can be found on the town website at Huntingtonny.gov.