New York
Recycles.
New York
Earns.
NYCReturns is the city's turnkey recycling solution — zero waste, 100% materials recycled, and real dollars flowing back to schools, co-ops, grocery stores, and New Yorkers.
How It Works
Drop Off
Bring your recyclables to a NYCReturns location near you — schools, co-ops, grocery stores, and community drop points across all 5 boroughs.
We Recycle
Our turnkey system processes 100% of materials — bottles, cans, cardboard, and more. Zero contamination. Zero landfill. Full accountability.
You Earn
Funds flow directly back to your organization. PTAs fund school programs. Co-ops reduce maintenance fees. Consumers get cash back.
Who We Serve
School PTAs
Turn recycling drives into real funding for classroom supplies, field trips, and school programs — no bake sales required.
Co-op Associations
Reduce building costs and fund community improvements while hitting sustainability goals your residents care about.
Grocery Stores
Offer customers a reason to return — and earn revenue from materials that used to cost you money to dispose of.
Consumers
Every bottle and can you drop off puts money back in your pocket. Simple, fast, and available across all 5 NYC boroughs.
The PS 199
Redemption Fundraiser
A real proposal, a real school, a real solution. Here's exactly how NYCReturns works for a NYC public school PTA — from first drop-off to monthly payout.
The Problem: Fundraising Limitations
- Traditional fundraisers (bake sales, wrapping paper) require constant effort from already-stretched PTA volunteers
- One-time events produce inconsistent, unpredictable revenue year to year
- Families face repeated asks for money — creating fatigue and lower participation
- No passive income stream exists that runs without ongoing PTA labor
NYCReturns Provides the Solution
- Passive, year-round revenue — no events, no selling, no volunteer hours required
- Bottles and cans dropped off Monday and Friday mornings before school
- Stored in the locked area to the left of the main entrance in large recycling bins
- Redemption centers with routes in the area pick up Friday afternoons and remit cash
Additional Benefits
- 190% of bottles and cans processed in single centers where nearly 100% of aluminum is sold — maximizing your payout
- 2Buildings receive credit for donations and a letter to support their sustainability goals
- 3Residents can bring in redeemable bottles and cans from neighbors through hallway recycling bins — increasing total volume
- 4Good for the school, good for the environment, and increases the total addressable market for the program
PS 199 PTA
Revenue Project
Download the full 8-slide proposal prepared for PS 199 on the Upper West Side. Share it directly with your PTA board or school administration to get the conversation started.
The Numbers
Don't Lie
Ready to Make
NYC Greener
and Richer?
Join hundreds of NYC organizations already earning from recycling. Setup is free, turnkey, and we handle everything.
Get Started Today
Free setup · No long-term contracts · All 5 boroughs