Department of Environmental Facilities will be Conducting a Public Meeting on February 26 at the County Center to Provide Residents with an Opportunity to Offer Opinions on Waste Reduction
Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will host a public meeting on waste reduction on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the County Center in White Plains. The meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to share thoughts and comments as DEF works with consulting firm Barton & Loguidice on a Waste Reduction Study. The study will serve as a guide for reducing waste generation and disposal over the next decade and beyond.
At the meeting, DEF and Barton & Loguidice will outline the study’s goals, and attendees will have up to two minutes each to provide input. As the meeting is limited to two hours, those wishing to speak are strongly encouraged to pre-register at https://form.jotform.com/250284581440151. Residents who cannot attend will be able to submit written comments through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, at https://form.jotform.com/250485123882156.
In December, DEF released a Waste Reduction Survey for County residents as part of the Waste Reduction Study. That survey is still available at https://arcg.is/GDn8u0 or through the DEF Facebook page.
The study is also seeking input from businesses throughout the County. Owners and managers of commercial businesses located in Westchester can participate in the study by using this link: https://arcg.is/0aGWTW
The Waste Reduction Study was made possible by a Board of Legislators initiative added to the 2024 Refuse Disposal District budget.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Westchester County has long been a leader in waste reduction, and we remain committed to finding new ways to improve sustainability. This study will help us chart a course for the future, and we want to hear from residents on how we can continue making a difference. I encourage everyone to attend the public meeting or participate in the survey.”
Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce said: “Public input is essential in shaping our policies, and this study is an opportunity for residents to share ideas on how we can further reduce waste. Westchester has made great strides in recycling and sustainability, but when it comes to waste reduction, we cannot recycle our way out of this problem. I look forward to hearing the community’s thoughts and comments on how we can expand and improve our waste reduction efforts.”
Department of Environmental Facilities Commissioner Vincent Kopicki said: “The Waste Reduction Study will serve as a guide for continuing to reduce the amount of waste we generate and provide strategies for promoting a circular economy. We urge our residents to take part in the process, whether through the public meeting or by completing the online survey. Your input is vital to achieving the goals of the study.”
Department of Environmental Facilities First Deputy Commissioner Louis Vetrone said: “The County has been very successful at reducing waste but we cannot become complacent. The Department of Environmental Facilities is committed to exploring all opportunities and strategies to divert additional materials from the County’s waste stream. This study will help identify those opportunities and plan for the future. Public participation is an integral part of that process. I look forward to reviewing the comments from our residents.”
Westchester County is a recognized municipal leader in waste reduction and recycling. Since 2005, the County has reduced the amount of waste it disposes of by over 27%. The County consistently posts annual recycling rates of at least 50%, far outpacing the New York State recycling rate of 43%. Over the past several years, DEF has introduced several new waste reduction initiatives and programs, including programs focused on food waste composting and textile recycling. But the County is not resting on its laurels.
Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) released the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan to serve as a guide for waste management agencies for the next ten years (2023-2032). The stated goal of the NYSDEC Plan is to achieve an 85% total waste stream recycling rate statewide by 2050. The Waste Reduction Study will help the County achieve the State’s ambitious goal.
For more information on Westchester County environmental programs and events, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WestchesterCountyDEF