New York § 120-AA - 120-AASource separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials

Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 120-AA — 120-AASource separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 120-AA. 120-AASource separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials

§ 120-aa. Source separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials. 1. The legislature hereby finds that it is in the public interest, in order to further the purposes of the state policy on solid waste management articulated in section 27-0106 of the environmental conservation law, for a municipality to adopt a local law or ordinance to require the source separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials from solid waste. 2. a. Pursuant to the authority of this section, no later than September first, nineteen hundred ninety-two, a municipality shall adopt such a local law or ordinance to require that solid waste which has been left for collection or which is delivered by the generator of such waste to a solid waste management facility, shall be separated into recyclable, reuseable or other components for which economic markets for alternate uses exist. For purposes of this section, the term "economic markets" refers to instances in which the full avoided costs of proper collection, transportation and disposal of source separated materials are equal to or greater than the cost of collection, transportation and sale of said material less the amount received from the sale of said material. b. For purposes of this section, "components" shall include paper, glass, metals, plastics, garden and yard waste, and may include other elements of solid waste. c. Prior to exercising the authority of this section to enact such a local law or ordinance, the municipality shall hold a public hearing relating to its proposed provisions and shall give due consideration to existing source separation, recycling and other resource recovery activities in the area, to the adequacy of markets for separated materials, and to any additional effort and expense to be incurred by residents in meeting the proposed separation requirements. The authority provided in this section shall be in addition to and without limitation upon the authority vested in municipalities under any other statute. d. In fulfillment of the provisions of this section a municipality may use public lands or buildings or private lands or buildings, open to the public, upon written consent of the owner, as a recycling center or depot for the storage of recyclable materials. The office of general services and any other agency, authority or commission holding title to lands or buildings in the name of the people of the state shall fully cooperate with any person acting under the authority of this section to establish a recycling program, provided that such use is not inconsistent with the principle purpose of such lands or buildings, subject to local zoning restrictions.

Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 120-AA

What does New York Consolidated Laws § 120-AA cover?

Section 120-AA ("120-AASource separation and segregation of recyclable or reuseable materials") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New York § 120-AA?

A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 120-AA" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New York law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.

How does New York § 120-AA apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.