On September 23, 2016, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) adopted rules governing new registration requirements for recycling processing facilities in NYC.  As a result, the DSNY will now regulate recycling processing facilities located in New York City.  This new regulation was added in a new sub-chapter E of chapter 4, title 16 of the rules of the city of New York.

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Previously, recycling processing facilities were not clearly defined causing similar facilities to be held accountable by different organizations. This new regulation clarifies the definition allowing all facilities to be regulated by one organization: the DSNY. A recycling processing facility is defined as a facility “where recyclable materials, other than organic waste, are delivered separately from solid waste or where source-separated recyclable materials, other than organic waste, are processed for the purpose of reuse or resale.”  Scrap metal processors are also included in the definition. The full definition can be found here .

The new regulation requires that all recycling processing facilities located within the jurisdiction of NYC to be registered with the DSNY.  It also allows for the DSNY to inspect the facility in order to ensure that it is in compliance with the DSNY processing, storage and record keeping rules.  Additionally, the DSNY will require quarterly reports from all participating facilities.  Additional operating procedures are included in the rule.  According to the rules, existing facilities will need to be registered within 90 days of the new rule’s effective date, October 24th, 2016.  New facilities must register at least 30 days prior to starting operation.  Registration Forms will be available on the DSNY Web site.  More information regarding the new rules and regulations can be found here on the City of New York website.

If you are a recycling processing facility and have any questions regarding this new regulatory update, please give Walden Environmental Engineering a call at (516) 624-7200.