Did you know that if you mistakenly put your coffee grounds in your recycling bin it could result in a whole truckload of recyclables being diverted to the landfill? Cross contamination of recyclables by non-recyclable items is one of the biggest reasons recycling rates are so poor. Cross contamination is particularly high at Chautauqua, perhaps owing to our many visitors who may not be familiar with what is and is not recyclable in our community. 

For the 2025 season, thanks to a new partnership with Chautauqua’s main waste management company, Casella, we’re taking action to reduce cross contamination and improve our recycling rates. At no cost to us, Casella produced 1500 refrigerator magnets that spell out the “do’s and don’ts” of recycling at Chautauqua. These will be distributed to all property owners, including rental properties to help residents and visitors determine what goes into the recycling bin and what can’t be recycled. 

Casella commits that 100% of non-contaminated recyclables that it receives and processes are sold to end markets to be made into new products or put to beneficial use. Let’s do our part to help Casella keep this commitment.