Local Governments Step Up as Solid Waste Challenges Mount

By Joe Mahoney
Contributing Author

Limited landfill capacity across New York has county and municipal governments scrambling to frame plans for getting ahead of the looming solid waste crisis.

The dwindling disposal capacity is prompting solid waste managers to delve into what can be done to expand the recycling of materials such as food scraps and other organic waste, as well as textiles and packaging from consumer and commercial products.

The clock is ticking, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation suggesting the state is on a trajectory to eventually run out of capacity at currently permitted landfills.

"We would run out of capacity in 16 years (according to the state's estimates) if every landfill took the maximum amount they are permitted for each year - although they do not take the maximum amount now," said David Rhodes, director of the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste.

In several regions of New York, landfill expansion plans have erupted into major public controversies.

The company that operates the state's largest landfill, Seneca Meadows in the Finger Lakes region, is pressing for approval of an expansion plan that would allow it to continue to take in trash until 2040, sparking protest from some area residents and municipalities. The town of Seneca Falls in March approved an agreement that allows the landfill to continue to operate, pending final approval from state officials. 

Opponents argue the plan to expand the landfill by 47 acres so it can continue to take in 6,000 tons of trash per day would leave local communities seeing more noisy truck traffic while the landfill would grow so tall that it would be visible to some communities from which it is currently out of view.

On Long Island meanwhile, the Brookhaven landfill is facing scrutiny from state officials to determine whether it was the source of toxic "forever" chemicals that break down slowly and build up in the tissue of humans and animals. Brookhaven town officials have said the landfill, which continues to accept incinerated trash and automobile parts,  is on track to close in 2028.

Diverting the waste stream from landfills and getting the public to change old habits when it comes to disposing of their garbage pose tall challenges for those trying to expand recycling. One recent report found each New Yorker accounts for 5.1 pounds of trash per day, slightly more than the national average. "Continued efforts are required to further reduce, reuse and recycle materials before they become waste products," the Recycling Partnership, an advocacy group, said in a report.

The nation's largest municipality, New York City, has made major strides in expanding its organics program at the Department of Sanitation's Compost Facility at Staten Island. The facility, located adjacent to the former Fresh Kills landfill has produced thousands of tons of compost since 1990. While it has always accepted yard waste, food waste was only piloted twice in the 1990s, and then paused until a new pilot began in 2012. The facility has been accepting food waste in relatively small quantities ever since 2012 until the city wide roll out of residential organics collection was completed in 2024.

"When you can take an old facility and convert it into a facility that is using the space without having to find new space, that is really important because the city is so space constrained," said Jennifer McDonnell, the city's Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management. "The foresight of the folks who got that accomplished has proven to be really beneficial."

Curbside collection of compost is now available for every city household. Compost is collected every week on the same day as recycling.

"We have certainly tried to make it as convenient as possible for residents," McDonnell said.

She said there have been challenges in coaxing some residents to participate in separating food waste from their other trash. Now, if residents don't want to keep food waste in their homes for a full week, they can take it to one of numerous Smart Composting bins that can be accessed around the clock. The bins are emptied regularly with the waste converted to compost used to beautify green spaces.

Food waste is now collected from every New York City school as well. McDonnell said the total volume of organic waste has increased over the past year.

Among New York legislative proposals being tracked by recycling advocates in New York is the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act bill that would require manufacturers to get the tab for the cost of managing the waste that comes from the packaging and products they introduce to the marketplace.  A similar approach has already been taken for rechargeable batteries and electronic waste.

Joshua Olbrys, executive director of the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, said he supports the goals of the legislation, noting it would help recycling programs and provide funding to make New Yorkers more aware of how they can play a role in diverting refuse from landfills. "It could be a win for everybody," Olbrys said.

The cost of recycling is considerable, but so is the cost of not recycling. "Getting that material out of the waste stream makes the cost of recycling more appealing," he added. "We run a system where we refuse to charge for recycling because we want to incentivize it. "

The recent trend to expand the recycling of food waste through composting, motivate manufacturers to use packaging that can be recycled and collect more textiles are all expected to help solid waste managers divert more material from landfills, Olbrys said.

Citing the growing demands on local government solid waste programs, the New York State Association of Counties is urging the Legislature to boost funding for municipal recycling and organics diversion. The proposed executive budget would provide $19 million for municipal waste reduction, including $2.5 million for food donation and food scraps recycling.

Stephen Acquario, executive director of NYSAC, told lawmakers at a recent budget hearing the funding increase should rise to at least $25 million.

 "The Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which was expanded during the 2024 legislative session, requires significant investment in organics recycling infrastructure to meet increased demand for organics recycling," Acquario said. "Additionally, more resources are needed to invest in waste diversion, infrastructure upgrades, and recycling education across New York State.