Paper
Curbside
Recycling
Don’t Bag
Recyclables
- Newspapers, magazines, catalogs and softcover books
Keep loose, don’t tie. - Papers and mail (including window envelopes)
- Boxes: cardboard, takeout pizza, pasta, cereal, etc. (no boxes that go in the fridge or freezer)
Empty and flatten.
Drop Off
to Recycle
- Shredded paper
Visit occra.org/shredded-paper for details or put in the trash.
Trash
- Frozen and refrigerated food boxes
- Soda/beer boxes
- Takeout or fast-food boxes
- Egg cartons (any type)
- Items with glitter or foil
- Plates and cups
- Tissue paper
- Hardcover books
Plastic
(Ignore numbers;
recycle by shape)
Curbside
Recycling
Don’t Bag
Recyclables
- Bottles: beverage, soap, shampoo, squeeze, spray, etc. (no bottles that held toxics)
Empty, rinse and reattach cap. - Jars: mayonnaise, sauce, nuts, parmesan cheese, jelly, etc.
Empty, rinse and reattach cap. - Jugs (items with a handle): milk, orange juice, water, laundry detergent, etc.
Empty, rinse and reattach cap. - Stackable tubs (dairy/dairy alternative only): butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.
Empty, rinse and reattach lid.
Drop Off
to Recycle
- Plastic bags (clean and dry)
Recycle at large grocery and retail stores. - Electronics
Visit ocrra.org/ewaste for details.
Trash
- Any plastics not listed above
- Tanglers: cords, hoses, etc.
- “Clamshells”: berry, salad, bakery cartons
- Takeout or fast-food boxes
- Disposable cups and utensils
- Prescription vials
- Diapers, wipes and toys
- Containers that held toxics
Metal
Curbside
Recycling
Don’t Bag
Recyclables
- Food and beverage cans
Empty, rinse and place lid inside can. - Aluminum foil and disposable aluminum pans and plates
Must be clean and wadded up. - Aerosol cans
Must be empty. No cans that held toxics; they should go in the trash.
Drop Off
to Recycle
- Propane tanks
Visit ocrra.org/propane-tanks for details. - Fire extinguishers
Visit ocrra.org/fire-extinguishers. for details.
Trash
- Any metals not listed above
- Needles (need special prep) Visit ocrra.org/sharps
- Small appliances: toasters, vacuums, etc.
- Combination metal-cardboard canisters: peanuts, cocoa, oatmeal, coffee, etc.
- Empty metal paint cans
Glass
Curbside
Recycling
Don’t Bag
Recyclables
- Food containers: salsa, jam, sauce, salad dressing, etc.
Empty, rinse and reattach lid. - Beverage bottles (any color)
Empty, rinse and reattach cap.
Drop Off
to Recycle
- Light bulbs
Visit ocrra.org/fluorescent-bulbs for details. Place LED and incandescent bulbs in the trash.
Trash
- Broken glass
- Drinking glasses
- Dishes and mugs
- Ovenware and ceramics
- Window and picture glass
- Mirrors
Throwing things in the blue bin that aren’t recyclable only contaminates the recycling stream and reduces what gets recycled. So remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Not sure how to dispose of an item? OCRRA is here to assist.
Review our recycling rules brochure or plug a word into the “How do I get rid of” page to search our database. The database helps you find the right way to get rid of all sorts of waste, from electronics to yard waste.
Each year, Onondaga County residents recycle over 70 million pounds of material in our recycling bins. 56% of our waste material is actually recycled!
Recycling FAQS
Q: Can I bag or bundle recyclables?
A: Never put recyclables in paper or plastic bags. Do not tie items together. Keep everything loose in your recycling bin for proper sorting at the recycling facility.
Q: Do plastic bags go in the trash or the recycling bin?
A: Never in the recycling bin. They are difficult to manage at the facility where recyclables are sorted. Instead, drop off plastic bags at local stores for recycling.
Q: Do egg cartons go in the trash or the recycling bin?
A: Always put egg cartons in the trash, including Styrofoam, plastic and paper packaging. Paper pulp cartons have been recycled so many times, the fibers needed for recycling are too thin and weak.
Blue Bin Details
In Onondaga County, recycling often starts with a recycling bin. It provides residents with an easy way to collect recyclables and put them out to the curb, ensuring those items end up in the right place. Since we have single-stream recycling in Onondaga County, you should put loose recyclable paper, glass, metal, and plastic containers in the same bin. Never put any recyclables (including paper) inside of paper or plastic bags. Bags cannot be opened at the facility where recyclables are sorted. Recyclables trapped inside bags will not be sorted properly and become trash.
If you need to get rid of a broken blue bin, click here for disposal options.
Need a new blue bin?
If you live in a municipality that still uses blue bins (not carts), you can get one from your municipality. See the list below for details.
| Municipality | Phone | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Syracuse | (315) 448-2489 | N/A | Call for details. |
| Town of Camillus | (315) 488-1234 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Cicero | (315) 752-1180 | 8236 South Main St. or 6658 Route 31, Cicero | ext. 334. Call prior to pick up. |
| Town of Clay | (315) 652-3800 | 4483 Route 31, Clay | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Dewitt | (315) 437-8331 | 5953 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse (off Manlius Center Road) | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Elbridge | (315) 689-3351 | 210 Main St., Elbridge | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Fabius | (315) 683-5612 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Geddes | (315) 488-7705 | 654 Terry Rd., Syracuse | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Lafayette | (315) 677-3674 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Lysander | (315) 638-4264 | 8220 Loop Road, Baldwinsville | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Manlius | (315) 656-3090 | 5970 Clemons Rd. (off Highway 290), East Syracuse | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Marcellus | (315) 673-3127 | 4262 Slate Hill Rd. (off Route 175) or 24 E. Main St., Marcellus | Must call ahead to schedule pick up appointment. |
| Town of Onondaga | (315) 469-1664 | 4478 West Seneca Tpke., Syracuse | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Otisco | (315) 696-8753 | 4283 Canty Hill Rd., Tully | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Pompey | (315) 682-9544 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Salina | (315) 457-2710 | 601 Factory Ave. (Route 298 off Route 11), Syracuse | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Spafford | (315) 673-3906 | 1984 Route 174 (off Rose Hill Rd.), Skaneateles | Pick-up only. |
| Town of Tully | (315) 696-8861 | 6 Douglas St. | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Town of Van Buren | (315) 635-3010 | 7575 Van Buren Rd., Baldwinsville | Pick-up only. |
| Village of Baldwinsville | (315) 635-9665 | 1963 West Genesee Rd., Baldwinsville | Pick-up only. |
| Village of Camillus | (315) 672-3484 | 37 W. Genesee St., Camillus | Delivery available. |
| Village of East Syracuse | (315) 437-3541 | 204 North Center St. (off Hartwell Ave./Manlius St.), East Syracuse | Pick-up only. |
| Village of Elbridge | (315) 689-3404 | 210 West Main St. (off Route 5), Elbridge | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Village of Fabius | (315) 683-5112 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Village of Fayetteville | (315) 637-6065 | 5572 N. Manlius St., Fayetteville | Delivery available. |
| Village of Jordan | (315) 689-7350 | 7 Mechanic St., Jordan | Pick-up only. |
| Village of Liverpool | (315) 457-1882 | 310 Sycamore St., Liverpool | Delivery available. |
| Village of Manlius | (315) 682-7634 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Village of Marcellus | (315) 673-3112 | 6 Slocombe Ave., Marcellus | Pick-up only. |
| Village of Minoa | (315) 656-7574 | 100 Kalin Dr., Minoa | Delivery available. |
| Village of North Syracuse | (315) 458-0790 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
| Village of Solvay | (315) 468-1606 | 3143 Milton Ave., Solvay | Must call ahead to schedule pick up appointment. |
| Village of Tully | (315) 696-8861 | N/A | No bins. Call for recycling cart details. |
