LIers get NYC sanitation recycling pleas

New York City's Department of Sanitation recycles more than 1 million tons of glass, plastic, paper and metal a year.

So why would the Big Apple's trash collectors send out notices to untold numbers of Long Island residents -- with the salutation "Dear New Yorkers" -- asking them to pitch in and recycle everything from plastic bottles to yogurt containers?

Some of that was by design, some of it by mistake, city officials said Tuesday.

"We sent notices about our expanded recycling program to several million residents throughout the five boroughs and to some NYC property managers with primary addresses on Long Island," a department spokeswoman said. "A small number may have been received in error by residents outside of the city."

The mailings went out from the department's central correspondence unit to some LIers in Uniondale, Freeport, Bethpage, Garden City, Northport, North Hempstead and Locust Valley. Officials didn't know how many were sent to Long Island.

"Please keep this sign on your refrigerator or near where you sort your recyclables to help you remember what you can and cannot recycle," the letter said, referring to a foldout listing.

North Hempstead officials said in a statement that the mailing caused some confusion among residents, town spokesman Justin Meyers said.

"The town conducts public outreach regarding recycling and we will continue to do so in the future," Meyers said.

North Hempstead residents with questions or those who need more information on recycling can call 311 or visit northhempsteadny.gov.