SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The latest study conducted by the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) indicates that the recycling volumes by the New Yorkers have declined when compared with previous years. Also, contamination of both recycling streams has registered increase. Incidentally, New York City has two streams of curbside recycling- one for paper and cardboard and another for plastic, glass, metal and cartons.

By weight, the paper and cardboard materials recycled by New York households has recorded 10% decline, upon comparison with 2017 levels. The weight of recycled plastic, glass and metal remained more or less unchanged since 2017. However, since DSNY started accepting all rigid plastics in recycling, the recycling volumes have spiked up by almost 30%, said the report.

The New Yorkers were found tossing about 4% less trash by weight when compared with 2017, the study found.

The paper recycling contamination increased significantly by over 6% since 2017 and more than doubled since 2013. The contamination for plastic, glass and metals recycling stream increased by nearly 7% since 2017.

The findings of the study highlights the need for more education to individual communities on proper recycling methods and the need to recycle more with less contamination.