AppliancesItems that are mostly metal (like toasters) or mostly plastic (like hair dryers) can go into your regular blue bin with other glass, plastic and metal. (Certain brands, like Hamilton Beach, offer take-back programs.) For items like refrigerators and air conditioners—which contain Freon—make an appointment with the Department of Sanitation to have them removed.
BatteriesIt’s illegal to toss rechargeable batteries of any kind. Instead, you can take them to any store that sells them (like Duane Reade and Home Depot) or an NYC disposal event. Regular alkaline batteries (e.g., the AAs you use in the remote) can go in the regular trash, but it’s better to bring them in, too.
CardboardMost people know corrugated boxes are recyclable, but so are brown bags, magazines, empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, wrapping paper, shoe boxes and egg cartons. Pizza boxes are also acceptable—but throw out the grease-covered liner (or better yet, compost it).