To the editor:

As the manager of our community’s landfill and recycling facility, I take great pride in being a direct source of information on how we can ensure the appropriate management of our waste and recycling.

I often hear things like: “recycling isn’t real,” or “everything just goes to the landfill anyway,” and we all work hard to help educate the public on the realities of recycling. Here in Clinton County, we have excellent participation rates in recycling programs and low contamination rates for the recyclables that arrive at our recycling facility.

Recently, however, we’ve learned that some local haulers are telling their customers to put their trash and recyclables in the same bin, or they are putting both trash and sorted recyclables into the same truck, with a single compartment, and claiming “the landfill will sort it out.”

Make no mistake: our facility does not operate in this manner. If your hauler is mixing trash with recyclables, they are not only ensuring that those recyclables will not be recycled, but they are also in violation of New York state law and Clinton County’s Solid Waste management plan. Furthermore, it is shortening the lifespan of our landfill, which should be used only for materials that cannot be recycled, while eroding public trust in recycling. Some haulers operate collection vehicles with split-bodied capabilities, which cuts down on truck traffic, improves safety, and is better for the environment. Unfortunately, other haulers are taking advantage of those in the market who have this capability to make it appear as if they are doing the right thing.

The key to a circular economy is for everyone to do their part. We are committed to putting the material to a higher and better use. To achieve this, we need community members who are willing to separate their recyclables from their waste appropriately. Additionally, we need haulers who will be honest and do the right thing by their customers, rather than cutting corners.

Together, we can recycle better, and here are some easy steps you can take:

¯ Keep your recyclables clean and separate from your trash

¯ Ask your hauler how they handle your recyclables and choose providers who prioritize proper separation

¯ Report misinformation or improper practices to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Solid Waste enforcement officer

Together, we can reduce landfill waste, conserve resources and build a more sustainable future. If you have questions or would like to learn more about improving your recycling practices, please contact us at 518-563-5514 or visit our website at clintoncountyny.gov/landfill.

Sean Lukas

Clinton County Solid Waste & Recycling

Morrisonville