Farmingville, NY – In recognition of Earth Day (April 22), Supervisor Ed Romaine, a longtime proponent of recycling, is urging Brookhaven Town residents to increase their aluminum, tin and mixed metals recycling efforts. This current initiative by the Supervisor highlights the environmental and economic benefits of aluminum and metal recycling and the need to promote responsible waste management in the home.
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and the amount of energy needed to produce a new aluminum can from a recycled can is about 1/20 of the energy needed to make one from bauxite ore. Recycling these materials reduces energy consumption, conserves natural resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also works quickly – a metal can recycled today could return to the shelf as a new can in as little as eight weeks. By increasing aluminum, tin and mixed metals recycling rates, the Town of Brookhaven hopes to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community. In 2022, the Brookhaven Materials Recovery Facility recycled over 2.5 million pounds of metal, nearly 1 million of which is aluminum. This translates to significant climate impact mitigation and cost savings.
Supervisor Romaine said, “The Town of Brookhaven is working to increase recycling through education and outreach, and I ask our residents to please do their part for a cleaner, greener Brookhaven. When we recycle these metals and other items, the less we impact our environment and the more we offset the costs of waste management.”
Recycling metals and other marketable materials fosters a circular economy and allows us to manufacture products with a significantly reduced environmental impact. This, along with reduction of waste through donations and reuse options, extends the life of products and goes a long way in creating a sustainable environment.
Everyday products such as soda cans, foil, and pie tins are made of aluminum and are fully recyclable. The products must be clean of food residue. Clean foil should be balled up before it is tossed in the recycling bin. Large metal items, such as appliances and metal furniture, are also fully recyclable, but are not suitable for collection with regular recycling. Please contact the Department of Recycling & Sustainable Materials Management by calling (631) 451-TOWN to schedule a metal pickup.
For more information about recycling in the Town of Brookhaven, or to see the 2023 Town of Brookhaven Recycling Schedule.
