Recycling requirements to change for Herkimer County homeowners;

 

Solid Waste Authority unveils simple ‘single stream’ disposal method Starting July 5th, recyclables no longer

need separating; new system promises

to be more cost effective, environmentally

responsible, says OHSWA which plans further informational campaign The days of sorting and separating recyclables are over, according the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, which made the announcement on this Wednesday at an informational presentation in Utica.

Starting on July 5th, recyclables will be accepted mixed together in one bin, when the Authority starts implementation of a new single-steam system.

They are calling it “RecycleOne. One and Done.”

Participants in both counties can mix all recyclable items-paper, plastic, metal and glass-in a current, designated recycling bin or durable plastic or metal-lidded container of choice, under 35 gallons, and not more than 50 pounds.

The conversion from the Authority’s current recycling system to single stream processing will involve new equipment and upgrading to the Utica Recycling Center, which begins this summer.

The new technology implemented will automatically sort the material with more efficiency than the existing, primarily manual system.

Another added benefit to RecycleOne is the inclusion of (number) #7 plastics, which is not processed in the current system.

There is one exception to the RecycleOne rule-only shredded paper should be placed in clear plastic bags for collection.

The Authority emphasizes that no other recyclables should be bagged, as the plastic bags can interfere with the new sorting equipment.

No recyclables should be tied, and no green waste or trash should be combined with recyclables.

All current collection guidelines concerning trash, hazardous waste or green waste still apply.

Details on RecycleOne can be found at recycleoneanddone.com.

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According to Bill Rabbia, Authority Executive Director, the decision to overhaul its current recycling process was a natural one.

“It is the Authority’s mission to be aggressive and proactive in terms of managing waste and preserving this beautiful region we call home,” Rabbia said. “RecycleOne is another example of that.”

“By making recycling simpler with this technology we have the potential to significantly increase participation, further reduce waste, and recover more material for market. The new system will also allow for more efficient collection of recyclables,” Rabbia added.

In 2010, the Authority accepted over 35,000 tons of recyclables and sold over $2 million worth to local and out-of-state buyers.

With RecycleOne in place, Rabbia estimates that recycling participation will jump 15 percent.

Jamie Tuttle, the Authority’s School Recycling Coordinator, said it’s exciting to see a new system in place that makes it easier for all to recycle.

“I believe with this new, simplified way to recycle we can engage more people, create more awareness, and bring us closer to our goal of zero waste,” she said.

The cost to upgrade the recycling facility is $9.5 million and is expected to take six months to complete.

During the transition to single-stream processing, recyclables will continue to be received at the Utica plant and transported to a processing facility in the Syracuse area.

The RecycleOne system is expected to pay for itself and save the region money in the long term.

Rabbia explained that ultimately the savings will be passed down to haulers and municipalities as an increase in recyclables decreases the amount of non-recyclable or landfill waste.

Haulers, municipal and private, are charged a tipping fee based on the amount of non-recyclable waste they deliver.

According to Herkimer County Legislator and Planning and Development Committee Chair John Piseck, the Authority deserves accolades for its foresight and responsibility.

“There is great value in the Authority’s long-term planning,” Piseck stated.

“We are proud to be partners with this cost-effective system that will greatly benefit future generations,” he said.

 

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said, “The implementation of RecycleOne is something County residents should be proud of.”

He went on to say, “This is a prime example of how consolidation can benefit the County both today and in the long term.”

The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority is a New York public benefit corporation, which was created by the State Legislature at the request of the Oneida and Herkimer Counties by passage of Article 8, Title 13-FF of the New York Public Authority Law on September 1, 1988.

The Authority was created to address environmental problems associated with improper solid waste disposal, to develop new facilities and programs for waste reduction, recycling, and to address the lack of long-term disposal capacity for non-recyclable waste.

The Authority owns and operates a Recycling Center, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Green Waste Composting Facility, Regional Landfill, and three transfer stations.

Services include recycling, backyard composting, providing public education, promoting waste reduction and reuse of materials, and school “Go Green” initiatives, full-scale electronics collection and sludge management.

The Authority is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, employs approximately 90 people and has an annual operating budget of $26 million.