How It
Works
Four steps. Zero complexity. 100% of your recyclables turned into real funds for your community — every single time.
Find a Drop-Off Location
Locate your nearest NYCReturns drop-off point — at participating schools, co-op buildings, grocery stores, and dedicated community kiosks across all 5 boroughs. Every neighborhood in NYC is covered.
- Interactive location finder on our app
- Hundreds of drop-off points citywide
- Open 7 days a week at most locations
- No appointment needed
Drop Off Your Recyclables
Bring your deposit bottles and cans — glass, plastic, and aluminum. Our locations accept all NY State deposit containers. We handle the rest.
- Plastic bottles (water, soda, juice)
- Aluminum cans (beer, seltzer, energy drinks)
- Glass bottles (beer, wine, spirits)
- Any NY State deposit container
We Handle Everything
NYCReturns manages the full logistics chain — collection, transport, sorting, and processing. Our turnkey system achieves 100% materials recycling with zero landfill diversion. You do nothing after drop-off.
- 100% of materials processed and recycled
- Zero contamination, zero landfill
- Full chain-of-custody reporting
- Certified recycling partners
Your Organization Earns
Funds are calculated based on materials volume and type, then distributed directly to your registered organization — school PTA, co-op association, grocery store, or your personal account as a consumer.
- Monthly payouts to registered organizations
- Real-time earnings dashboard
- Direct deposit or check
- Transparent per-material rate card
Eligible Materials
* NYCReturns accepts NY State deposit containers only — plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. Cardboard, electronics, and styrofoam are not accepted.
Ready to Start
Earning?
Setup is free, turnkey, and we handle everything after drop-off. Join hundreds of NYC organizations already earning from recycling.