New York Materials Management
Practical solutions for a changing recycling landscape.
New York is rethinking how materials are collected, recovered, reused and paid for. RRS helps New York communities, agencies, institutions and organizations understand what's changing, strengthen the systems they already have and build practical paths toward a more circular economy.
New York's Materials Management Landscape
Strong access. Untapped recovery.
Nearly every New York household can recycle, yet much of what could be recovered never makes it back into use. Statewide research led by the New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), with RRS as technical partner, shows where the system is working and where it needs support.
New York at a Glance
- 97% of New York households have recycling service available
- ~15% statewide recycling rate
- 30%vs.76% of packaging and paper is recycled, though programs exist to capture 76%
- $1.12vs.$10 average spent per household on recycling education, against a recommended $10
Source: CSMM, Current Recycling Systems in NYS (Phase 2)
But Data Is Only One Part of the Picture
New York is also navigating:
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Changing Policy
Packaging EPR and other state proposals could reshape who pays for recycling and how programs are measured. -
Changing Systems
Aging infrastructure, multifamily access gaps outside New York City and shifting end markets put pressure on local programs. -
Changing Responsibilities
Municipalities, haulers, producers and state agencies are all being asked to play new roles. -
New Opportunities
Reuse, repair and smarter education investment offer room to grow recovery and local economic value.
From Policy to Implementation
Here's How We Work
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Know What's Changing
We track New York policy, data and market shifts so you know what they mean for your program. -
Bring the Right People Together
We convene agencies, municipalities, industry and community partners around shared goals. -
Build a Practical Path Forward
We turn goals and requirements into plans with clear priorities, costs and timelines. -
Put Plans into Action
We help launch programs, pilots, procurements and education that work on the ground. -
Understand What's Working
We measure performance so you can adjust, report and make the case for investment.
How We Help
Three ways RRS helps New York partners move from goals to results.
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Planning & Program Development
Move from goals to actionable strategies. We build solid waste and materials management plans, pilots and programs grounded in your existing system and New York's latest data.Explore Planning & Program Development -
Signalfire Group Policy Strategy
Stay ahead of New York's changing policy landscape. Signalfire Group, RRS's policy subsidiary, provides policy analysis and development, program design support and implementation tracking for governments and organizations navigating producer responsibility and other emerging policy.Visit Signalfire Group -
Reuse & Circular Systems
Build the infrastructure behind reuse. We help communities and organizations design reuse, repair and refill systems, connect partners and measure impact.Explore Reuse Insights
Also Available
- Coalition Building & Convening
- Data, Research & Analysis
- Communications & Education
- NextCycle Circular Economy Accelerators
Who We Work With
Working Across New York's System
- Municipalities and Counties
- State and Public Agencies
- Recycling and Reuse Organizations
- Nonprofits, Coalitions and Trade Associations
- Materials Management Service Providers
- Colleges and Universities
Meet Our New York Team
Talk with Our New York Team
Our team knows New York's programs, policies and people. Many of us will be at NYSAR³ 2026 in Cooperstown, so let's connect.
Staff & Partners
Connect with RRS
Let's talk about New York's next step
Whether you're planning for EPR, strengthening a local program or building reuse in your community, we'd like to hear what you're working on.