Built for
New York.
Funded by
New York.
NYCReturns was born from a simple observation: New York City generates millions of recyclable bottles and cans every day, and the communities that generate them see none of the value.
Two Problems.
One Solution.
New York City has a recycling problem. Despite state deposit laws, millions of bottles and cans end up in landfills every year — not because New Yorkers don't care, but because the system makes it too hard to do the right thing.
New York City also has a community funding problem. School PTAs run bake sales to buy basic supplies. Co-op associations struggle to fund maintenance. Neighborhood organizations scrape together budgets for programs that matter.
NYCReturns solves both — by turning the city's recyclable waste into a reliable, passive revenue stream for the communities that generate it.
Our Values
100% Effective
Every bottle, can, and container we collect is fully processed. Nothing goes to landfill. No exceptions.
Community First
Revenue flows directly back to the organizations that generate it — PTAs, co-ops, stores, and individuals.
Turnkey by Design
We handle logistics, pickup, processing, and payouts. Partners do nothing beyond collecting their recyclables.
Borough Proud
Built for New York City's density, diversity, and pace. We operate across all 5 boroughs.
Inclusive Access
From a single school to a network of co-ops — our model scales to any organization size.
Real Sustainability
Sustainability isn't a marketing word here. It's the literal outcome of every drop-off.
Our Journey
The Idea
Founded after watching NYC schools struggle to fund basic programs while recyclable materials went to waste — literally.
First Partners
Launched pilot programs with 3 school PTAs and 2 co-op associations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Borough Expansion
Expanded to all 5 boroughs. Onboarded first grocery store partners. Crossed $250K in community payouts.
Scale & Systems
Built out the full turnkey logistics platform. 200+ active partner organizations. $600K+ returned to NYC communities.
Today
Over 340 organizations, $850K+ in community funds raised, and 2.4M+ lbs of materials recycled — and growing.
NYC by the
Numbers
Join the
Movement.
It's Free.
Setup is turnkey, there are no long-term contracts, and we serve all 5 boroughs. Your organization could be earning from recycling within weeks.