Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 09/02/2021 03:48 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

Virtual Public Meeting on Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products Law

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation cordially invites stakeholders to attend a virtual public meeting, via Webex, on the implementation of the Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products law. The virtual public meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time (New York). DEC will present on the chemicals under consideration for listing as Chemicals of Concern and High Priority Chemicals and their practical quantification limits. DEC will also re-present select topics from the previous public meeting as some details have changed in response to feedback received. There will be a 30-day public comment period immediately following this meeting to allow stakeholders to provide more detailed, written comments on the information presented.

You must register to attend this virtual public meeting. Learn more about the law, the meeting and how to register for September 15.

Contact: Emily Dominiak, NYS DEC - Division of Materials Management, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7252, Phone: (518) 402-8706, e-mail.

NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling Law Update

DEC has partnered with NYS Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) to host an upcoming webinar for businesses looking to launch a food scraps diversion program. Register now for the webinar.

Join food waste experts from New York State Pollution Prevention Institute on September 28, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). The 1.5 hour virtual event will breakdown key aspects of building a diversion program. Representatives from DEC will also be available during the event to answer questions about the upcoming Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

Topics include:

  • Establishing a food scraps diversion program with employee buy-in
  • Addressing contamination
  • Evaluating available solutions
  • Sustaining success over time
  • Opportunities for funding and technical assistance

Visit DEC's website for more information on the NYS Food Donation & Food Scraps Recycling law and who is required to comply with the law.

A More Sustainable September

Used hand tools

Labor Day weekend is here. Traditionally, it marks a goodbye to summer as warm nights wane and are replaced with the cool mornings and falling leaves of autumn’s approach. As we wave a “see you next year” to summer, many opportunities await us in the month ahead for a more sustainable September.

  • Swap or borrow: Need something for school or a tool for a fall project? Before buying new, check with family, friends, neighbors, or community groups to see if they have what you’re looking for. Swapping or borrowing saves money and can help keep items that have already been purchased in use longer.
  • Go secondhand in September: Whether you’re searching for furniture, sports equipment, or on the lookout for a new outfit, great finds in good condition are out there through shopping secondhand at thrift stores, garage sales, or even through online community marketplaces. Shopping secondhand can be more affordable and helps extend the life of an item or product.
  • Share garden extras: Do you have a garden that produced more than you can eat? Don’t let it go to waste! Share what you can with coworkers, neighbors, and family. Still have too much? Check out some recipes to cook up what you’ve got, including the scraps! You can also look into donating to a food pantry or other similar food assistance program, but be sure to call ahead to check what is currently being accepted.
  • Plant native: Fall is a popular time for landscaping projects. Choose plants that are native to your area.

Recycle Right: Make sure recycling bins at home, work, and school have signage that helps everyone recycle right. Find out what can and cannot go in your recycling bin by checking your local recycling guidelines.

Looking for more ideas? Visit DEC’s Living the Green Life for tips.

International Compost Awareness Week Poster & Video Contest Now Open

Compost Awareness Week 2021

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) May 1 - 7, 2022 - Save the Date! This upcoming year's ICAW 2022 theme, Recipe for Regeneration: Compost, focuses on the crucial role recycling our food scraps and yard trimmings plays by creating compost. When added to soil, compost results in a recipe that makes our food more nutritious, the air we breathe cleaner, and our climate healthier overall.

The poster and video contest is now open. The selected winners' design and video will be used to promote International Compost Awareness Week around the U.S. Submit your poster design or video by November 1, 2021.

  • Video Contest (Ages 10 - 13): Submit a short video (less than 30 seconds) sharing something about using compost, sending food scraps to your compost bin or your town's food waste collection, planting a garden using compost, or whatever creative way you would like to share something about ICAW and the theme, Recipe for Regeneration: Compost. Learn more about the poster contest and rules.
  • Poster Contest (Age 14 and older): Submit a poster design highlighting this years theme, Recipe for Regeneration: Compost. Learn more about the poster contest and rules.

Events

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know more about? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter.