Recycling Centers in Brooklyn, NY

Recycling in Brooklyn: A Local Guide

In Brooklyn, everyday recycling runs through the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and it is mandatory for every household. Metal, glass, rigid plastic and beverage cartons go together in a blue-labeled bin or clear bag, while paper and flattened corrugated cardboard are kept separate in a green-labeled bin (never mix paper with glass or plastic). On top of that, DSNY's curbside composting program is now in effect borough-wide: Brooklyn residents must separate food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste into a brown bin, and since April 1, 2025 property owners can be fined for mixing compostables into the trash. For the full state picture, see our New York recycling directory.

Beyond curbside pickup, Brooklyn has a dense network of private drop-off and buy-back yards, and it helps to know what each one actually does. Of the 37 centers we list, 6 handle electronics, 5 take appliances, 5 take plastic and 4 handle cardboard & paper. Many are scrap-metal buyers rather than household drop-offs: Benson Scrap Metal, Greenpoint Scrap Metal Inc and Cropsey Scrap Iron & Metal pay cash for ferrous and non-ferrous metal, while Gershow Recycling Corporation also buys junk vehicles and Walter Environmental Recycling takes mixed electronics, metals and cardboard. Hours and accepted items vary, so always call ahead before hauling a load.

Harder-to-handle items have their own rules. Electronics are banned from NYC trash under state law (a $100 fine applies), so use a Special Waste Drop-Off site, a manufacturer take-back, or ecycleNYC for larger buildings. DSNY runs a year-round Special Waste Drop-Off site in Greenpoint (459 North Henry Street, Tue–Sat 9am–3pm) plus periodic SAFE Disposal Events for paint, batteries, aerosols, bulbs, motor oil, e-waste and more. For deposit bottles and cans, you get your New York 5¢ back at retailers or redemption centers. Browse every option in the full Brooklyn directory.