Residents and businesses receiving new New York State license plates can recyle their old plates instead of placing them in the trash.

Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle said residents will still be responsible for any tickets (and resulting fines), past or future, written against their old plate number. To prevent the possibility of theft, residents can write "void" across the plates using an indelible marker, separate, and place them in the recycling bin on alternate weeks. Or, if it can be done safely, the plates can be cut in half before they are recycled.

Businesses with plates from fleet vehicles are encouraged to use the county's Recycling Drop-Off Center at 444 E. Henrietta Road, or call 254-3380 for drop-off instructions to use the Recycling Center at 384 Lee Road.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles began phasing out "Liberty" license plates and replacing them with "Empire" plates in January. The new plates will continue to be issued over the next two years.