New York State Recycling System Needs Assessment

The Center for SMM is conducting a New York State recycling system needs assessment and gap analysis. Broadly, this assessment will evaluate the current recycling system and make recommendations for how to improve and reach the State’s waste reduction goals.

First phase report now available!

This first phase of the needs assessment compiled initial data on how the collection and recycling system in the state operates, including the amount and types of material collected, hauling  collection systems and sorting infrastructure, and required operational and capital investment needs.   

The needs assessment will collect information on the operation of the recycling, composting, and reuse and refill systems at work across New York State currently and identify actions and investment needed to improve the systems and achieve a desired future state. This will include information on materials accepted and processing capacity, including both infrastructure and volume.

Information on the current systems for residential, commercial and institutional collection, hauling, and sorting of recyclables will also be collected, including:

  • Level of service provided

  • Current market conditions and availability for growth

  • Existing laws and funding sources

  • Existing education and outreach

  • GHG impacts

The needs assessment will then make recommendations on what improvements are needed to each of the following to achieve a to-be-defined desired future state:

  • Materials accepted for recycling, composting, and reuse

  • Service level and/or processing capacity

  • Viable end markets

  • Education and outreach

  • Laws, policies, and funding

  • Technology, especially for sorting

We want to hear from you!

Please fill out this questionnaire if you have thoughts on what the needs assessment should do, issues it should cover, or data sources for us to capture.