Nowadays there is a push to recycle as much as possible, because we know that over time, if we are not proactive reducing the waste we dispose of in landfills, our county will be covered in rubbish. It is also much better for our environment.

In 2008, 11.2 million tons of solid waste were disposed of in New York State landfills, considerably less than the 14.1 million tons of solid waste that was landfilled in 1990. As of June 2009, there were 27 active municipal solid waste landfills, 16 active industrial/commercial waste landfills, 18 construction and demolition (C&D) landfills, and 3 active ash monofill landfills within New York State.

Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) consisting of residential, institutional and commercial waste must be disposed of at a MSW landfill. There are three active ash monofill landfills in New York State. Ash from the combustion of municipal solid waste is disposed of at these facilities. Industrial Waste Landfills are used for the disposal of industrial wastes such as coal ash and paper mill sludges.

While landfill gas recovery facilities collect the gas from the decomposition of solid waste for use as energy, Construction and Demolition Debris that is not processed is disposed of in a C&D landfill. Additional restrictions have been placed on landfills located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island.

To find out more visit: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/23681.html

Nowadays everyone is interested in learning more about how we can preserve our environment. Even small things, like throwing your empty coke can into a recycling bin, can help extend the life of our planet.

During the next two months there are a number of conferences taking place across USA where members will get together to address issues and plan to move forward with initiatives which will assist in making our planet a better place to be.

Check out who is helping to do this….

NSWMA: National Solid Waste Management Association is a trade association representing for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. http://www.nswma.org/

SDSWMA: South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association promotes environmentally sound solid waste management practices through training, education, and technical assistance. http://www.sdswma.org/

SWANA: Solid Waste Association of North America is a professional association in the solid waste field. Over 8,000 members throughout North America, attend conferences, certifications, publications, and technical training courses. The mission of SWANA is, “to advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound management of municipal solid waste.” http://wastecon.swana.org/