SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): A recent study had revealed that the residential and institutional recycling in New York City witnessed dramatic decline over the past six years. Also, 2023 reported increased contamination in waste streams. In response, experts have come up with ways to improve the recycling system in New York City.

As per experts the New York City Department of Sanitation has been falling behind on its duty to educate residents as well as staff members who handle trash, recyclables and organics. They called for the need of a reinvigorated education and training effort to make residents and businesses increasingly aware the need to give a second life to NYC’s recyclable materials.

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According to Eric Goldstein, New York City environmental director with the Natural Resources Defense Council, the city has been paying much less attention on repeating and reinforcing messages about how to recycle and how important it is to recycle. More funds need to be allocated on education and outreach programs, Goldstein added.

The study had found that New York diverted only 20.2% of the waste stream in 2023. The capture rate of almost all materials including paper and cardboard, metals, glass and plastics had recorded notable decline.