Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What items are we required to recycle in Putnam County?

Answer:

The Putnam County Recycling Law requires all waste generators to recycle the following items at a designated area at their residence or at the above listed recycling drop-off centers.

•  Newspaper
•  Corrugated Cardboard
•  Glass Bottles; clear, green and brown
•  Food & Beverage Cans
•  Plastic Containers # 1 & 2

In addition to the above listed items waste generators may recycle the following items at the above listed recycling drop-off centers only.

•  Scrap Metal
•  Magazines & Catalogues
•  Junk Mail
•  Office Paper
•  Clothing

Question:

How do we dispose of Household Chemicals?

Answer:

Putnam County government hosts free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off days. Please call the Putnam County Health Department at (845) 278-6130 to determine the date and location of the event.

Question:

How do we dispose of yard waste; grass clippings, leaves and brush?

Answer:

Putnam County promotes the "Just Mow It" program for all yard waste disposal. Under this program grass clippings are to be left on the lawn where they fall. Contrary to popular belief this does not contribute to thatch but instead breaks down into an organic soil amendment providing lawns with 40% of their nutritional needs.

As leaves begin to fall in Autumn they are to be mowed approximately once per week then left on the lawn as small chips. It is important to keep up with them as they fall; if they are too deep the lawn mower will not handle the volume. This provides additional soil amendment and nutrient supplement for the lawn. A mulching mower is not necessary for this process; any mower will do.

The same mulching technique is to be used for small brush.

Question:

How do we dispose of used tires?

Answer:

The following Putnam County tire dealers accept used tires for a nominal fee.

• Brewster Tire Service, Inc.
  N. Brewster Road
  Brewster, NY 10509
  Tel: (845) 279-6197
• Inter City Tire & Auto Center, Inc.
  Route 6
  Carmel, NY 10512
  Tel: (845) 225-6783
• Hank May's Goodyear
  287 Route 6
  Mahopac, NY 10541
• Mavis Tire & Auto Service
  Route 6 & Miller Road
  Mahopac, NY 10541
  Tel: (845) 628-2050