Division of Recycling and Solid Waste Management
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H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, New York 11788
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New York
State
has the notable distinction of producing more tons of garbage per person than most states and Long Islanders produce the most within the state. Almost everywhere else in New York State, counties play the major role in dealing with solid waste. Here in Suffolk County, that responsibility has been undertaken by our 10 townships.
Our region also has three other major distinctions:
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A population of over 1.4 million, greater than 12 states
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A federally designated Sole Source Aquifer that is our only source of drinking water for these 1.4 million people
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A state law that prohibits the burial of raw garbage anywhere over this critical water supply
In order to help foster better cooperation and more cost effective alternatives to waste management and disposal, Suffolk County created this division.
Responsibilities
Solid Waste Management Commission
In June of 2006, the County Legislature enacted resolution 683 creating a Regional Solid Waste Management Commission with the intent of reducing pollution, traffic congestion, and the financial impacts of the current solid waste disposal practices in Suffolk County. This Commission is made up of 18 elected officials and local waste experts that have to develop a report to the full legislature.
Specific tasks undertaken include:
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Review, analyze, and evaluate current regional solid waste disposal practices in Suffolk County
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Evaluate the financial and environmental benefits of new technologies for their use in Suffolk County
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Recommend alternatives to current practices that are both environmentally and economically beneficial
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Seek ways to reduce air pollution
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Seek ways to reduce traffic congestion
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Investigate disposal methods with lower and/or more predictable costs and evaluate alternatives to decreased trucking such as rail and barge
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Examine ways to promote recycling and market development for recycled goods
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Commission shall file a report within 12 months from the date of its first meeting
County Recycling Programs
A draft recycling plan has been developed to begin the process of evaluating where Suffolk County government can initiate various recycling programs. In November of 2007 we began the process, with a renewal to recycle in the H. Lee Dennison building.
Every employee's garbage can became a recycling can for all papers; other garbage is being placed in new specially ordered receptacles centrally located on each of the 12 floors in this building.
The data collected from this program will be used to expand it to other county facilities and other commodities such as metal, plastic, and electronic devices.
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