ECB Outrage!
Today I received in the mail a $200 summons for having plastic hanger in a bag meant for plastic recycling. This nonsense has gotten totally out of control. Does anyone have any suggestions on who to contact about this escalating excuse for raising money off the backs of building owners? Also, can this violation be…
Today I received in the mail a $200 summons for having plastic hanger in a bag meant for plastic recycling. This nonsense has gotten totally out of control. Does anyone have any suggestions on who to contact about this escalating excuse for raising money off the backs of building owners? Also, can this violation be fought at a hearing or is it a waste of time?
dibs, I bet your dry cleaner doesn’t dispense plastic hangers, though.
donatella, au contraire. Wire hangers anything goes with the cans and bottles. Check the sanitation website.
Plasticwise, NYC only wants plastics with a neck on them. See the regs and order decals at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recycling/recycle_what.shtml
We’ve gotten tickets for having plastic lids and yogurt containers in our recycling. But … ejalbk … you have presumably been fined before, so you should know all that by now. The fine for a first time violation is just $25:
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/ecb/html/legal/fines.shtml
I think that dry cleaners are now required, by law, to take back hangers. Mine does.
BTW, the ECB schedule of fines/penalties can be found at the following link. Check it against your NOV: http://bit.ly/eWcpmY
Go to the hearing. Don’t miss it or put it off. You will get fined then the max — 300 dollars I think. Regular wire hangers are to be put with regular garbage BTW.
Bob, you’re right (my understanding is that it’s not a DOS/ECB limitation per se, but rather part of vendor contract with City). More information and links about NYC recycling program available here: http://bit.ly/hkiNeM
BTW, there are several eWaste recycling events scheduled for January. More info here: http://bit.ly/eLazuQ
AFAIK many plastic items that HAVE a recycling logo and number are still not recyclable in NYC which limits the kinds of plastic items that can be recycled curbside.
No, many things don’t have a number in which case they mustn’t go in the blue bin.
Had another thought – appeal to Consumer Advocate – Bill de Blasio.
Arkady. that hanger is long gone. I didn’t get the ticket by mail for a week (it’s a small multi-family), but seriously, $200 for a plastic hanger! Does every little plastic item come with a recycling logo on it?
It’s certainly worth going to a hearing. Most likely the fine will at least be reduced – esp. if you can show them you’re a first time offender. I thought you’re supposed to be given a warning before you’re hit for the big bucks. Also check the recycle number on the hanger to be sure it’s not allowed: many are.