Recycling is a wonderful habit that will give you a great feeling. Recycling by definition is the reuse of materials, either
pre-consumer or post-consumer, that would ordinarily be considered waste. Recycling helps lessen the amount of waste that goes into landfills, helps reduce the amount of toxic chemicals absorbed into the earth and, in some cases, significantly reduces manufacturing costs and energy consumption. Your effort will reduce the cost of handling garbage within the City of Troy. Recycling will also help to reduce the amount of litter that we see in our City.

To understand how our recycling program works, it is crucial to recognize that recycling is not a profit –making venture. Our goal is to reuse these materials at a cost which is less than other disposal cost. Residents must provide us with a clean, usable product. The city must collect and deliver this product in an efficient manner, and the Troy Recycling Center must be able to separate, process, and dispose of the material at the greatest possible price. If we all do our share, we will all save in the long run; but none of us can carry the burden alone.

For your convenience, you may pick up blue recycling bags for no charge at Troy City Hall.  Please plan for your recycled items to be picked up on the same day which your garbage
is picked up.

Here are some tips for everyday recycling:

• Buy some plain white paper, tissues and paper towels.  Dyed paper pollutes.
• Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water or baking soda and water.
• Walk or ride a bike instead of using a car for short trips.
• Reuse your grocery bags or buy a canvas bag you can carry your groceries in.     
• Use mulch and natural ground cover in gardens to contain moisture and conserve water use.
• Turn off the lights in rooms you are not using.
• Buy rechargeable batteries.  
• Reduce your use of aluminum foil and plastic wraps, or avoid them completely by using plastic containers. You can also reuse those glass jars that you would normally recycle.   
• Water lawns at night to eliminate evaporation.
• Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.
• Do not put oil and gasoline into the sewer system or on the ground.
• Recycle your aluminum and tin cans, glass, plastic and paper
• Before you purchase an item that will be used only occasionally, try renting or borrowing it from a neighbor, relative, friend etc.

 Helpful Links related to recycling and anti-litter:

• Keep America Beautiful http://www.kab.org/

• The World’s Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide http://www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/shortest.html

• Saving Around the Home http://www.pioneerthinking.com/recycle.html

• Recycler’s World http://www.recycle.net/pub/index.html

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