What are the different stages of composting?
In general, the composting process goes through several distinct heat phases. When a compost pile is built well, it can reach high temperatures around 100 F in as little as a few days. This is ..
How can I bear-proof or rodent-proof my compost pile?
Many people compost in their backyard without any pest problems whatsoever, but we recognize that attracting animals can be a concern. Check out these helpful Fact Sheets linked below, and we will briefly summarize some ..
Where can I buy vermicomposting worms?
Composting worms may be purchased online and ship directly to your door! Refer to the list below for more information. In general, 1 lb. worms = 1,000 worms. 1 lb. per 2 adults in your ..
What is the Squeeze Test?
Moisture is an important component of the composting recipe! For fast, hot composting, ensure that your compost pile is significantly damp, but not too wet. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 45-55% ..
Where can I purchase a compost bin?
UCRRA’s Recycling Outreach Team offers a Spring Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale that features many different options for home compost bins and accessories, including tumblers, enclosed bins, vermicomposting bins, leaf storage, turning/mixing tools, and ..
Why things should NOT be composted?
Not all organic wastes will break down completely or safely in a backyard composting system. Home composters (and especially beginner composters) should avoid certain items that may be more problematic.
Garden Wastes: Diseased plants, chemically-treated plants ..
What’s the difference between backyard and industrial scale composting?
Not all organic wastes will break down completely or safely in a backyard composting system. Home composters (especially beginner composters) should avoid certain items that may be more difficult to manage. Backyard compost piles are ..
Can black plastic be recycled?
Although sometimes labeled with a recycling symbol, or even the numbers “1” and “2”, black plastic is generally not recycled in New York State. Despite this, 63% of Americans believe that black plastic is recyclable.
Here’s ..
Why do I need a tarp?
Tarp Policy: Please note: all open vehicles must have their load covered with a secured tarp, per New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This rule applies to all non-enclosed vehicles disposing of trash at ..
Why should we compost?
Composting has many benefits! Food waste makes up 24% of the material buried in landfills. When food and other natural materials are landfilled, they break down anaerobically and off-gas methane, a potent greenhouse gas that ..
Am I required to compost?
New York State and Ulster County passed mandatory organics recycling laws the regulate large food scrap generators only. Residents are certainly encouraged, but not required, to compost under these laws. Learn more about these laws ..
Do I need a special permit to transport/haul my food scraps?
Transporting residential and institutional waste (including food scraps) is exempt from NYSDEC transporter regulations (364-2.1(b)(1)). In addition, regulated waste (commercial or industrial waste) is exempt in quantities less than or equal to 2,000 pounds in ..
What are browns and greens?
Master Composters know that the secret to fast, hot composting is a balanced recipe of browns and greens. Different plant materials will impart different physical or chemical qualities to the composting process, which is why ..
Will collecting food scraps create odors or attract pests?
With sanitary management techniques and best practices, it’s easy to prevent nuisances like odors and pests. Food scraps should be stored in a sealed, leak-proof container and the container should be regularly emptied and rinsed ..
Can composting save money?
Yes! Because food waste makes up a large portion of the waste stream, composting can help reduce waste disposal costs. When combined with other waste reduction and recycling practices, these costs savings can be substantial. ..
What is a waste audit?
A waste audit is the practice of studying and recording the amount and types of waste generated at a specific location. Waste audits can be a facility walk-through or an actual “trash sort” where waste ..
Are there companies that will pick up my food waste for me?
UCRRA does not haul food scraps, but these services may be available in your area through a private company. UCRRA maintains a contact list for food waste management services. ..
Is the UCRRA a County Department?
No, UCRRA is not a County Department. The UCRRA is a solid waste authority public benefit corporation. Public authorities are corporate instruments of the State created by the State Legislature to further public interests. These ..
Where are the UCRRA’s transfer stations?
UCRRA operates two transfer station facilities that are permitted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The Ulster Transfer Station is located at 999 Flatbush Road in Kingston and the New Paltz Transfer Station is located ..
How much does it cost to bring loads of trash to UCRRA?
All waste is subject to a $20.00 minimum fee, which covers up to 333 lbs. All loads of waste are charged a per-ton fee and some items may have an additional disposal fee. Click ..
Can residents use UCRRA’s transfer stations?
Yes, residents from any town or county may use the Agency’s facilities for trash disposal, or to utilize the electronics recycling program. No permit card or account is needed for residents to utilize the facility. ..
Does the chasing arrow symbol/number printed on products mean that it’s recyclable?
No. The number printed on plastic items is called a resin identification code, and it is used to identify the type of plastic container it is made from, not recyclability. The number alone is not ..
What is the difference between single stream recycling and dual stream recycling?
‘Single Stream Recycling’ refers to when all recyclable items are placed into one bin for collection. Users do not need to further separate items into any subcategories.
‘Dual Stream Recycling’ refers to when users need to ..
Does UCRRA offer dumpsters or residential pick-up?
The Agency does not offer roll-off dumpster rentals or residential pick-up service.
A list of companies offering dumpster/roll off service can be found on our website linked here.
A list of curbside collection services can ..
Why is it important to sort my recyclables according to the guidelines?
Recycling programs can vary. It’s important to know your local program for many reasons! In order for recycling to be truly successful and sustainable, the industry must reduce contamination. This means keeping recyclable items clean, ..
Who is required to recycle in Ulster County?
The Ulster County Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Law, Local Law Number 4 of 2010, establishes regulated recyclables materials and requires all persons in Ulster County to source-separate those materials for recycling.
As defined by ..
What happens to my recyclables after processing?
Recyclables that arrive to UCRRA are consolidated, then sorted into subcategories based on recycling market specifications. Each of the sorted categories is then baled into large cubes, weighing 1200-1500 lbs. per bale. UCRRA sells these ..
What are the local laws governing solid waste management and recycling in Ulster County?
Please visit our About Us page called Laws for more information.
How do I get rid of old paint?
Latex Paint cans that are empty or have dried up paint in them may be thrown in the trash with the tops off. Do not recycle empty paint cans.
Recycling leftover paint is easer than ever ..
How do I recycle electronics?
Please visit our Recycling page called Electronics for more information.
How can I recycle Styrofoam packing peanuts?
Lightweight “peanuts” made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) contain 25 to 100 percent recycled materials. The Plastic Loose Fill Council has a “Peanut Hotline” (800-828-2214) you can call to find local recycling centers. To recycle large, ..
How can I recycle tires?
UCRRA as a matter of practice does not accept tires at either Transfer Station (New Paltz or Kingston). Please contact your local Town Transfer Station to see if they accept tires. Some local garages may ..
How do you dispose of a fire extinguisher?
For safe disposal, relieve the pressure, remove the head, and recycle empty with scrap metal.When relieving the pressure, review manufacturers’ instructions, or use the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) PASS technique: Pull the pin: discharge ..
Can compostable packaging go in my backyard compost bin?
No. Backyard compost piles do not reach the high, sustained thermophilic temperatures required to decompose the resins and plant-based polymers used in most compostable products. Natural paper fibers may break down in a backyard compost ..
Should I put my recyclables in a plastic bag?
No. By placing your recyclables in a bag they can not be identified and will be disposed of.
How would I know if an item I have is considered Hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is generated from many sources, and comes in many ..
I am a business owner and have hazardous waste; can I participate in UCRRA’s household hazardous waste event?
No. UCRRA’s household hazardous waste events are only open to Ulster County residents. If you are a business, please click here for a list of Hazardous Waste companies.
HELP! What are some safe alternatives to common household products?
UCRRA has some tips for making your home more earth-friendly! Please see the links below.
Where does Ulster County’s recycling go?
UCRRA processes dual stream recycling from municipal recycling drop off centers and commercial businesses. At the UCRRA Material Recovery Facility, recyclable commodities are consolidated and sorted into sub-categories: mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, nonferrous metal, ..
Where does Ulster County’s trash go?
In compliance with the Ulster County Flow Control Law of 2012, UCRRA manages all municipal solid waste generated in Ulster County. All trash, including trash from curbside collection, must come to UCRRA facilities.
At UCRRA transfer ..
How do I recycle plastic bags and plastic film (sandwich bags, bread bags, cereal bags, etc.)?
Do not place plastic bags or film plastics in your recycling bin! Bring all plastic bags to your local grocery store or a large retail outlet; collection location boxes are usually located near bottle/can redemption ..
What is clamshell packaging?
“Clamshell” packaging refers to two molded plastic halves joined together by a hinge. All clamshell packaging is clear to allow maximum visibility of the product being purchased. Clamshell packaging received its name because it resembles ..
Why are salad or berry (clamshell) containers not recyclable?
In short, PET thermoforms behave differently than bottles as a result of some basic properties of the thermoform material. Currently, in the recycling markets across the US and Canada, there is a 5-10% thermoform threshold ..
Are caps and lids recyclable and should I keep caps on?
Yes, caps and lids are recyclable.
Keep the lids and caps on if the container, lid, or cap are the same material (for example, a plastic lid on a plastic bottle). Please remove the lid if ..
Can pizza boxes be recycled?
Pizza boxes are widely considered to be not recyclable because they are typically very soiled by food and grease. Pizza boxes are not accepted in the recycling program at UCRRA or at the town transfer ..
Why are recycling guidelines always changing?
The recycling industry must adapt to constantly-changing market conditions. Recycling is a global commodities marketplace influenced by many economic factors, including supply and demand. Recycling regulations differ depending on where you live, the type of Material ..
If I notice a business is not recycling what can I do?
Call UCRRA (845) 336-3336 or fill out our online form to Report Non-Recycling.