Filed Under: Environmental Issues | Westchester | Solid Waste | Solid Waste

Recycling

Reducing Westchester’s waste stream is a priority and the County aims to divert half of its waste for recycling. As of 2004, Westchester’s recycling rate stands at 45%. The leaders among municipal recycling departments come from the Village of Pleasantville with a 72 percent recycling rate followed by the Town of North Castle with a recycling rate of 71 percent. The main administrative office in each municipality has information about local programs and pickup schedules.

The Material Recovery Facility in Yonkers can accept 91,000 tons of recyclables each year. During 2002, this facility processed approximately 72,460 tons of recyclables—about 80% of its total capacity. A commercial transfer station for construction debris near the Croton Harmon Railroad Station receives debris trucked to the site and ships it out by rail.

Since yard waste typically makes up 20-30% of the solid waste stream, major source reductions can be achieved by composting leaves and lawn clippings. Two major yard waste programs are sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Facilities: the compost equipment circulation program and the organic yard waste transfer station program. In 2002, the compost equipment program serviced 15 municipalities and processed about 25,000 tons of organic yard waste. But the composting equipment is expensive and it is hard for many municipalities to justify its purchase. The organic yard program diverts organic waste from incineration at Charles Point and increases current recycling rates while providing economic savings to the County and all participating communities. This program managed and diverted nearly 50,000 tons of organic yard waste in 2002. The tonnage diversion rate is expected to increase as more municipalities join the program.

Westchester sponsors seven household chemical clean-up days at various locations around the County. An annual newsletter published by the County lists the dates for chemical clean-up days, explains what can be recycled (such as rechargeable and single-cell batteries), provides tips on “grasscycling” and composting and lists charitable organizations that accept clothing, toys, tools and other reusables. Copies are available from Westchester’s Recycling Hotline (813-5425).

Municipalities are responsible for developing plans to collect paper and “co- mingled,” glass, aluminum, and certain grades of plastic. An annual schedule of garbage, paper and commingles pick-ups is mailed to homeowners or can be requested from local government offices. In 2003 New York State established a fund for scrap tire recycling initiatives. The state enacted a scrap tire recycling law, creating a $2.50 fee on all new tires sold. A portion of the fee will go toward statewide cleanup efforts and toward establishing end-use markets for scrap tires. Because tire retailers are not required by law to accept used tires, the Department of Environmental Facilities' website also contains a list of residential used tire disposal centers.

What you can do:

1. Recycle as much of your household waste as possible

2. Reduce packaging, for example, multi-use bags for groceries

3. Reuse bags, boxes and paper

4. Compost organic waste