Background
A Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP) is a valuable tool for the organization and decision-making process for solid waste management of the municipalities in New York State. It is an instrument intended to evaluate the current solid waste management practices, evaluate the options and alternatives available for future solid waste management, and to set forth the implementation steps for a 10-year planning period along with establishing projections of reduction in waste disposal over the 10-year plan.
Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) is responsible for administering the Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP). The previous Solid Waste Management Plan covered a 20 year period from 1991-2010. A draft for a 10 year update was submitted to NYSDEC in 2011, but comments were not received back until 2018. Additionally, new solid waste regulations became effective in November 2017, so NYSDEC agreed that a completely new plan was more appropriate than an update.
Ten Year Solid Waste Management Plan
The new 10-year LSWMP covers 2020 – 2029. UCRRA has a history of being proactive and innovative with its solid waste management programs and the new LSWMP is an opportunity to evaluate and enhance existing programs, enabling UCRRA to make the best use of its resources as well as optimize recycling and diversion efforts. The new LSWMP is intended to not only create a valuable planning tool for the future of solid waste but to bring new waste handling practices and technology to the planning unit.
Biennial Updates
A LSWMP biennial update must be submitted to NYSDEC for review and approval. A biennial update consists of a summary report, solid waste and recyclables data, and any significant updates to the implementation schedule incorporating any necessary changes to reflect the current program.
Appendix A Recycling Program Media Sample
Appendix B Miscellaneous Annual Reports
Appendix C Ulster County Annual Waste Recycling Reports
2022-2023 Biennial Update
2024-2025 Biennial Update
2026-2027 Biennial Update
2028-2029 Biennial Update
New York State Solid Waste Management Plan
The New York State Solid Waste Management Plan builds upon sustained efforts to reduce waste and advance the state’s transition to a circular economy. The Plan extends from 2023 to the end of 2032, and builds upon the State’s 2010-2020 “Beyond Waste” Plan. The Plan features six major Focus Areas:
- Waste Reduction and Reuse
- Recycling and Recycling Market Development and Resiliency
- Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility
- Organics Reduction and Recycling
- Toxics Reduction in Products
- Advanced Design and Operation of Solid Waste Management Facilities and Related Activities
View the current New York State Solid Waste Management Plan linked here.