New year, new rules for ditching old electronics in NYC

While the city's fledgling composting program slowly gets off the ground, another green mandate is sweeping in as of 2015. Starting Jan. 1  (i.e. Thursday), it will be illegal for New Yorkers to throw most standard electronics—from TVs to tablets, computers to video game consoles—in the trash. So where to put your used gear if not in a landfill? 

Luckily, if your building has 10 apartments or more, the city will pick up your discarded electronics as part of its e-cycleNYC program, as Habitat Magazine noted. If you're interested in getting your building started, fill out the inquiry form here. If that's not an option, retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Goodwill will take drop offs, and Best Buy will even pick up items if they're delivering a purchase to your apartment. The Department of Sanitation also regularly hosts SAFE disposal events where New Yorkers can get rid of their hazardous trash. (Want a full list of drop-off locations in the five boroughs? There's a map for that.)

One more thing to keep in mind: batteries still aren't considered recyclable, so take them out of any appliances you plan on recycling. Alkaline batteries can safely go in the trash, but if your batteries are rechargeable, take them to businesses like pharmacies, office suppliers, and hardware stores for disposal.

Check out the video below for more information, and give an early cheers to creating less waste in the new year:

Related: 

Compost 101: the dirt New Yorkers need for "organics collection"