POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is proud to announce a new partnership with Recycle Coach, a free mobile and desktop app designed to help residents better understand what can and cannot be recycled, right from their smartphones or computers. The collaboration aims to avoid confusion about recycling, answer residents’ questions about recycling at any time of day and increase Dutchess County’s recycling rate.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “For years, we’ve been taught to recycle, but Recycle Coach helps us learn how to recycle correctly. That’s because recycling can sometimes be confusing, which can lead to contamination or missed opportunities for reuse. With Recycle Coach, though, residents can easily find out what goes where and learn how to recycle smarter. It’s an easy step that can make a big difference.”
The Recycle Coach digital platform offers several benefits to residents, including a handy search tool to learn how to properly dispose of household items – from aerosol cans to wrapping paper – as well as educational tips to reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle more effectively. Users of the mobile app can snap a photo of materials and learn how they can be correctly recycled or disposed of.
Recycle Coach helps people avoid “wishcycling,” which occurs when people place items in recycling bins hoping they can be recycled, even though those items are not accepted by local recycling programs. This practice, while well intentioned, can create problems for recycling facilities and reduce the effectiveness of recycling efforts.
Other great features include the Recycle Coach blog which provides timely tips and information with topics like “What to Do with Unwanted Items after the holidays to start the new year off right.” There is also a Recycling for Kids section with activity packets for ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Kerry Russell, Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Solid Waste Management, said, “This collaboration is an important step toward improving how we manage waste in Dutchess County. By using technology to connect with residents, we can reduce contamination, save money and make sure recyclable materials end up in the right place. Everyone benefits when recycling is done right. We encourage all residents to download the app and take advantage of its easy-to-use tools. Together, this partnership will help create a cleaner, greener Dutchess County.”
Residents can access the Recycle Coach app directly through the County’s website at dutchessny.gov/solidwaste or download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
