Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

Tips for a Sustainable 4th of July Celebration!

Ditch the Single Use Plastic!

• Replace single use cutlery, cups and plates with reusable options
• If you must use single use cups, encourage guests to write their name on their cup to keep better track of them, and ultimately reduce waste.
• Skip the straw or provide reusable ones

Buy in Bulk!

• Buy food and supplies in bulk to reduce packaging waste (Don’t forget those reusable shopping bags!)

Build Local Soils

• Explore composting food scraps (corn cobs, watermelon rinds, vegetable peels, etc.) in your own backyard!
• Drop off food scraps from your 4th of July celebration at a local food scraps drop off location. Always check with your food scraps drop off location on what they can and cannot accept.

Clean Up After Yourself

• Summertime parties are plenty of fun, but be mindful of what you leave behind. Practice leave no trace. Litter harms the environment and surrounding plant and wildlife. Common litter left behind includes plastic bags, food wrappers, chip bags and drink containers.

Upcoming Events

• July 6, 2019: Repair Café – Esopus
• July 12, 2019: Repair Café – Castleton-on-Hudson
• July 13, 2019: S.T.O.P. Collection Day – Oyster Bay
• July 13, 2019: Repair Café – Poughkeepsie
• July 13, 2019: Repair Café – Phoenicia
• July 13, 2019: Shred-O-Rama 2019 – Syracuse
• July 20, 2019: Homeowners Cleanup – Oyster Bay
• July 20, 2019: Repair Café – Warwick
• July 20, 2019: Repair Café – Tusten
• July 20, 2019: Repair Café – Schuylerville
• July 20, 2019: Household Hazardous Waste – Tompkins County
• NYC Recycling Events

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

• July 17, 2019: Bottle Bills – Benefits & Challenges – Webinar
• August 5 – 9, 2019: USCC Composter Operations Training Course – Ithaca
• September 29 – October 1, 2019: NYSASWM Conference – Lake Placid
• November 4 – 6, 2019: NYSAR3 Annual Recycling Conference – Cooperstown

Funding Opportunities – Application Deadlines

• July 15, 2019: Food Waste Creative Solutions Microgrant Program – NYC
• July 26, 2019: NYS DEC Climate Smart Communities Grant Program
• Recycling Partnership 2019 Residential Curbside Recycling Grant Program – Rolling Grant Program while funding is available

We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you’d like the greater community to know more about? E-mail us at: organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov

There are currently two at-large seats open on the EMC, potential candidates are  encouraged to apply for these openings!

Please submit a resume and cover letter, stating your background and/or interest in protecting Dutchess County’s natural resources and environment, and commitment to full participation in EMC meetings and projects to Carolyn Morris, Clerk of the Dutchess County Legislature at cmorris@dutchessny,gov, copying Steve MacAvery, Chair of the Dutchess County EMC at smacavery2@live.com.  Please review the Position Description for EMC Appointed Members to learn more about the responsibilities and requirements of EMC members.

All applicants will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted by the Legislature.  EMC provides equal opportunities; minorities and women are encouraged to apply.