FAQs

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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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 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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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 ..

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