Report: Recycling Could Cost Less Than Disposal

Recycling in New York could cost less than trash disposal if the practice was expanded and more types of materials were eligible for recycling, a report released yesterday by the New York City Independent Budget Office said. About half of all refuse that could be recycled ends up in recycling bins, according to the report. The budget office estimates collecting and processing recyclable materials will cost $206 per ton during the next fiscal year, while collecting and disposing of trash is estimated to cost $167 a ton.