Do you take everything?
Hardly. We basically advise and assist you place items when we can’t take them. It’s lateral diversion. We pretty much know who wants what and when they can take it. Anything we can do to keep it out of a landfill!

What’s the best way to donate goods to you?

Ideally, in smaller boxes.  Anything bubble-wrapped is taped with blue painter’s tape, so it comes off easier and the reuse of the bubble wrap is assured.

What do you take in the LIC space?
Set dressing, chairs, tables, plant stands, wardrobe, props, etc. Anything you could easily walk up 2 flights of stairs we take.

What is your space like? Aren’t you in a huge warehouse?
Nope. We applied for a grant (that took 4 months to write) for lots o’ money, but their funding was yanked when the economy tanked. We outgrew our tiny space at Build it Green, so we rent a 2600sq. ft. space in Long Island City on the second floor with no elevaror. Nothing in our space is heavier of more cumbersome than a chair.

How is your organization funded?
Through our not-for-profit prop house rentals and sales, storage clean outs, the occasional donation and we received a small grant. When the economy turns around, we will seek Corporate Gifts to expand the mission.

Do you have an idea about where we can get recycling bins?
Believe it or not the Expendables companies have them for rent, but no one does, so ask whomever you are using. Last I asked Keith at Wits End he had them – gathering dust. If you end up having to buy them Grainger carries them and so does McMaster Carr. Donate them to us if you do not want to keep them. We’d like to have some to give to green productions like yours in the future. For free.

How should we sort items for you and can you let me know any other things we need to do on our side to make things easier on drop off on your end?
For recycling, drop at Meserole Street Recycling in clear bags, separate plastic from aluminum, you can also drop cardboard boxes, newspapers and magazines for paper recycling. Film Biz Recycling takes ink cartridges,used cell phones, props, wardrobe, live plants & set dressing.

What will be the process for drop-off to you? If we just have one PA handling it, will that be enough?
That depend on how much you are sending I guess! We usually have s couple people that can help. It’s always nice to have a phone call first.

Do you pick up?
No, so sorry. We just don’t have the funding to do that right now. One day!

Do you take flats/sets?
No, we propose they be broken down into componets and donated to Build it Green or placed elsewhere via Waste Match.

What is Waste Match?
As soon as a production company knows that a show is going to be closing they should:
– Call or email NY WasteMatch (212.650.5832 or info@wastematch.org) to schedule a site visit.
– A WM rep will come to the site, take pictures, and collect the inventory from the production company (we prefer that production companies submit electronic versions of their inventories).
– WM will prepare a listing for the production company (listings will be made accessible to all of our registered users – over 4,000 nonprofits, start-ups, artists, etc).
– WM will also actively seek out “homes” for donated materials, and help facilitate the matches.
– The end-users of the materials (i.e. WM’s registered users and recycling partners) are responsible for removing the donated materials and providing tax receipts
– WM can provide the production company with information pertaining to the weight and value of materials placed for reuse/recycling.

Aren’t there plenty of donation centers?
Yes, there are! And that’s wonderful because we intend to donate to each and everyone of them – on their terms and time lines. See, that’s the crucial point about Film Biz Recycling – there are no “firey hoop” restrictions that time, energy and resource crunched ADC’s and lead men have to jump through.

Why is this necessary?
The film business marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s exciting, fast furious – and expensive. Filmmakers also have a twisted sense of entitlement only because they are constantly dealing with making movie “magic”When a project is complete there is very little time to get rid of everything. The dumpster has been the only answer for too long. There are some wonderful organizations out there that have the right idea, but don’t really cater to the immediacy of this business. Simply put, you just can’t go dump it and walk away like you can at Film Biz.

What will you not accept?
We can not except cans, bottle, paper, cardboard or sets/flats. Please direct these items to Meserole Street Recycling.