Solid waste management has evolved considerably on Long Island, NY, over the past several decades. As recycling programs have matured, a variety of system designs for collection and processing have been developed. This study documents and highlights the differing program designs which are in place throughout Long Island, with particular emphasis on the collection and management of residential wastes. Program designs include the types of materials targeted, and collection and processing techniques. We discuss the various components of each Town or City‟s recycling program including materials recycling, e-waste collection, household hazardous waste collection, yard waste composting, public education and outreach, and other special programs. There exist significant differences in program scopes and materials across the municipalities; nonetheless, we created a systematic assessment of municipal recycling. Data sets were generated to estimate Long Island-wide recovery rates in 2009. Rates ranged from 10% (Riverhead) to 85% (Southampton), with the East End municipalities generally having much higher recycling rates than western municipalities. The data were also analyzed in terms of per capita per day recycling. Once again, the East End municipalities (and Glen Cove) had the greatest rates. Various explanations for these trends are discussed, including the presence of Pay-As-You-Throw systems, drop-off recovery programs, robust composting programs and, possibly, some accounting issues. Lastly, trends demonstrating the growth of Long Island recycling programs through the early 1990s, and their subsequent general decline from peak levels in the late 1990s-early 2000s, are discussed. We have identified a number of reasons why individual programs may show declining rates, such as more precise accounting of recycling activities, decreases in education efforts, and a failure to document all recycling efforts, especially composting and commercial recycling activities. It is clear that Long Island municipalities can do more to enhance their programs and ultimately, improve recycling rates, although the best means to accomplish improvements is not easily determined. Certainly, expanding public outreach is a necessary component.
