How to Recycle Sterilite

February 2, 2016 7:45 AM

I'm in NYC, and I want to get rid of this one Sterilite storage bin (16 gal) that I own. I'd like to recycle it, but being as our building has been fined by Sanitation before, I am particularly anxious to do it the right way.

So, this Sterilite bin has cracks in several places and I don't need another storage bin anyway. I've been wondering if I'd be able to recycle it. I called 311 and asked, and they said it was okay as long as I left it outside and labelled it "garbage." This confused me because I'm not sure the recycling people would take it if it was labelled "garbage"?

This is probably the most stupid question ever, but I'm really anxious to get a firm answer on this, as my landlord isn't too happy about the times we've been fined in the past (which largely happened before I moved in, but still). There has to be someone out there who's done this with no problem. Thanks in advance.

posted by Puck Soppet to Home & Garden (11 answers total)

Is it possible for you to break it up and then just put the pieces into the regular recycling?
posted by slkinsey at 7:54 AM on February 2, 2016

Response by poster: slkinsey- I don't think so. It's a bin and then the lid, so it's difficult to break apart.
posted by Puck Soppet at 7:59 AM on February 2, 2016

Put it in a clear blue recycling bag?
posted by the_blizz at 8:09 AM on February 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

I have broken up cracked Sterilite bins for recycling by throwing them on the basement floor and stomping on them, but I don't live in an apartment or know anything about NYC recycling regulations...
posted by sarajane at 8:15 AM on February 2, 2016

It's actually up to your landlord to tell you how to handle this. Ask him where he wants you to put it. (My guess would be, right next to the recycling container where you put all other plastic recycling.)

If you do put it in a bag, it should be clear, not blue.
posted by merejane at 8:19 AM on February 2, 2016

It's tough to recycle something that looks like the bins that some people set out their recycling in. I would tape a (boldface marker large-print) note to it that says "Recycle this, please!" and put it on the curb upside down (or at least not put any other plastic items inside it).
posted by aimedwander at 8:30 AM on February 2, 2016

It's unclear to me whether you know this tub is recyclable where you are. If 311 said to label it garbage, do so. When in doubt, throw it out! Don't contaminate a load of recycling.

Thanks,
A former recycling coordinator
posted by momus_window at 8:32 AM on February 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Option 1: put it in a recycling bag with the other recycling (according to this facebook post, their products are recyclable; it varies by jurisdiction, but NYC accepts most types of plastic).
Option 2: put it on the curb and there's a 95% chance someone will take it within the next 24 hours
posted by melissasaurus at 8:34 AM on February 2, 2016

It is definitely recyclable, as "rigid plastic."
posted by merejane at 8:35 AM on February 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I'm going to check to see if it can fit in a clear recycling bag, but it might not-- our bags are 13 gal, and the bin is 16.

It definitely is recyclable, according to 311. I'm just confused as to why I was told to write "garbage" on it if I intend to recycle it.
posted by Puck Soppet at 8:49 AM on February 2, 2016

You'd be told to write garbage on it so that they know to pick it up & that it's not just a container someone is using to hold recycling. I'd stick a note on it along the lines of "please recycle this bin" if calling you garbage likely to cause confusion.
posted by wwax at 8:56 AM on February 2, 2016