New York State's recycling data is garbage, according to a new report by the state comptroller. But an audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli of the department’s records from 2021 to 2023 show nearly a third of the reports were missing. Overall, the audit found the state can’t reliably measure how much waste is recycled. “Reliable recycling data is essential to understanding how much waste is being diverted from landfills and incinerators through recycling,” DiNapoli said in the report. “If recycling data is incomplete or inaccurate, the state can’t effectively evaluate whether recycling efforts are working or track their impact in reducing waste and its environmental impact.”