About Us

My name is Anderson Pal. I am a sophomore at Ward Melville High School, and I am also the lead volunteer for Strong Neck Glass Recycling in Setauket, NY. 

Back in 2018, the Town of Brookhaven changed its recycling system from single-stream to dual-stream. Since that change, the town has not included glass in its regular curbside collection schedule. Residents are encouraged to recycle glass, but they need to bring the glass themselves to one of several drop-off locations. For many people, this extra step made glass recycling inconvenient, and consequently, a lot of recyclable glass material ended up in the trash. 

That’s where our neighborhood’s initiative came in. About five years ago in 2020, Sarah and Peter Calone decided to make a difference. Under the Minasseroke Beach Association in Strong's Neck, they began a small, organized collection effort for houses along Gaul Road, Gun Path, and parts of Maple Road. Volunteers distributed fliers, set a collection date, and then picked up glass recyclables from participating homes. They weighed the total and delivered everything to one of the town’s designated recycling sites. This simple idea has had a big impact. The program makes recycling easier for neighbors by eliminating the need for everyone to drive separately to a recycling center. It’s a small action that builds community spirit while protecting the environment. 

Since starting in 2020, volunteer participation has continued to grow, now with over 15 volunteers, and we have collected nearly two tons of glass!

Together, we can make recycling easier, build stronger neighborhoods, and help create a cleaner, more sustainable community.