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New Report Identifies Key Opportunities to Strengthen Recycling Across New York State
Syracuse, N.Y. — Nov. 5, 2025 — The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), housed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), in partnership with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), has released a new report, “Current Recycling Systems in NYS: Residential, Commercial and Facilities Analysis,” offering the most comprehensive look to date at the state’s recycling infrastructure.
The report shows that New York has a strong base to build from - nearly all the households in the state have access to recycling, and recycling programs collect a broad range of materials - but performance is lagging with a packaging and paper product recycling rate of only 30 percent.
“This is the first time we’ve had a clear, data-driven picture of who has access to recycling services, what it costs, and how local systems compare,” said Kathryn Walker, CSMM executive director. “Recycling is critical infrastructure, just like roads or broadband. This report provides the tools and information local and state leaders need to improve recycling systems and meet our state’s climate and equity goals.”
The study, led by RRS, synthesizes data from planning unit interviews, commercial and residential surveys, facility visits and interviews, as well as providing a regulatory review. Examples of key findings include:
- Strong access: Nearly all households in New York, 97%, have recycling services available. 87% of multi-family households have recycling services available; however, that number drops significantly when New York City is excluded, with only 48% of multifamily households having recycling services available outside of New York City.
- A large and expensive system: New Yorkers pay between $12-$16 per month ($144-$192 annually) for recycling services, totaling upward of $788 million per year statewide.
- Lagging performance: Only 30% of packaging and paper products are being recycled in New York, despite programs being in place to capture 76% of these materials. The overall statewide recycling rate is estimated to be only 15%.
- Underfunded education: On average, municipalities invest only $1.12 per household in recycling education—far below the recommended $10 per household.
“We are pleased to be a part of this in-depth analysis of New York's recycling programs and infrastructure,” said Resa Dimino, Managing Principal at RRS. “A sound base of data is critical to good decision-making, and we hope this work provides policymakers and program managers with a strong foundation on which to build a world-class recycling system in New York.”
In 2022, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) tasked CSMM with conducting a statewide needs assessment and gap analysis of the state’s collection, transportation, and recycling system for residential, commercial, and institutional materials (“Needs Assessment”). The full Needs Assessment report is expected to be released in the fall of 2026. The findings from this interim report and the Needs Assessment as a whole, will help to guide efforts towards reaching the goals outlined in the DEC’s 2023 Solid Waste Management Plan, “Building the Circular Economy,” which calls for more equitable access to recycling services, waste reduction, improved data systems to support local governments, and partnerships that advance climate and environmental justice.
With this new data, municipalities, state agencies, policymakers and private industry can make more informed decisions that advance climate resilience, material recovery, and environmental justice. But the report also makes clear: recycling success depends on stronger collaboration between government, businesses, and communities.
Access the full report is available here.
About CSMM
The Center for Sustainable Materials Management, housed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, supports systems-level change in how New York State manages materials—from use to reuse and recovery—through research, technical assistance, and collaboration.
About RRS
Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) is a sustainability consulting firm specializing in circular economy and materials management solutions for businesses, communities, and the broader future. With four decades of experience, RRS’s team of diverse experts delivers comprehensive services focused on reducing waste, enhancing recycling processes, and minimizing environmental impacts across supply chains. RRS serves North American and global markets, including MRFs, recyclers, brands, manufacturers, government, and institutions.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.