Waste Reduction, Recycling & Green Products

Summary: Encourage and support recycling and waste reduction by policies targeted at 1) reducing waste; 2) increasing recycling rates; 3) increasing composting and decreasing landfilling; and 4) increasing the use of green products.

The Waste Reduction (WR) Sector's Implementation & Tracking Table can be found on page 83 of the Sustainability Plan.

projects & Initiatives

reusable bag initiative

On December 7, 2011, Rye’s City Council voted unanimously for a retail shopping bag ordinance, banning the use of single-use, plastic shopping bags. The new law was the first of its kind in Westchester County.

RSC members initiated the reusable bag campaign, educated the community, and advocated for the law. Although a local initiative, its success was heavily dependent on reassuring the community that the proposed legislation was not new or radical. The RSC relied on guidance and support from the Rye community and from key players outside Rye.

RSC received much recognition for its efforts, including a 2012 EPA Environmental Quality Award.

RSC continues to emphasize the importance of waste reduction through community events, such as the Green Screen.

See Resources for additional information.

Applicable WR Section(s): 2.7

Green Screen 2011

RSC's first Green Screen presented Bag It, a documentary about film maker Jeb Berrier, who makes a pledge to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store and how this commitment transformed his life.

Green Screen 2013

RSC's 2013 Green Screen presented No Impact Man, a documentary about Colin Beavan, who made the decision to give up virtually all of the comforts of modern living -- electricity, gas-powered transportation, shipped food and public waste disposal -- in a drastic effort to curb his environmental impact.

Green Screen 2019

RSC's 2019 Green Screen featured The Clean Bin Project, a multi-award winning, festival favorite, about partners Jen and Grant who go head to head in a competition to see who can swear off consumerism and produce the least garbage.

See Resources for additional information.

Applicable WR Section: 2.7

Related Section(s) in Sustainability Plan: CAO Section(s): 1.8