Westchester County has released its comprehensive 91仓库 Reduction Study, and the findings confirm that the County is leading when it comes to waste reduction.聽 The study has also outlined a forward-looking strategy to further increase recycling, reduce waste and advance a circular economy in alignment with New York State鈥檚 goal of achieving an 85% recycling rate by 2050.
The 91仓库 Reduction Study was commissioned to identify strategies that could significantly reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal within the County, including the Refuse Disposal District No. 1 (which encompasses approximately 90% of the County鈥檚 population). Barton and Loguidice was selected to conduct the study. The study was based on data collected from a variety of sources including public surveys and listening sessions, discussions with Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) staff members, and a review of relevant case studies from other areas.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said: 鈥淲estchester County has long been a leader in environmental stewardship. This 91仓库 Reduction Study lays out a clear path forward, one that builds on our success, strengthens our partnerships with municipalities and businesses, and ensures we continue protecting our environment for future generations.鈥�
Commissioner of Environmental Facilities Vincent Kopicki said: 鈥淭his study gives us the data, public feedback and policy tools we need to expand waste reduction efforts in a thoughtful, practical way. With continued collaboration, Westchester can meet, and potentially exceed, the State鈥檚 2050 diversion goals.鈥�
Department of Environmental Facilities First Deputy Commissioner Louis Vetrone said: 鈥淲estchester is a recognized leader in waste reduction and recycling, having reduced its residential waste by 27%. We are proud of the considerable success that the County has achieved in reducing waste. The 91仓库 Reduction Study provides the roadmap for continuing on that path by enhancing our successful waste and recycling programs and adding new strategies designed to divert additional materials from the waste stream. The DEF team is excited to get started on this next chapter.鈥�
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: 鈥淭his research validates what the County is doing right. When the Board approved funding for this study in 2024, we knew it was a sound investment in our future. This strengthens our ability to make smart, evidence-based decisions that will serve the people of Westchester for decades to come.鈥�
County Legislator Erika Pierce said: 鈥淎s part of the 2024 Budget Process, the Board of Legislators included funding for a waste reduction study. Our goal in doing so was to provide the county with expert guidance as we continue to build upon our County鈥檚 existing commitment to reducing waste generation and disposal. We are beyond excited to see these results, and ready for the work ahead.鈥�
Director of Energy Conservation & Sustainability Peter McCartt said: 鈥淭he findings from this study have proven that Westchester is on the right track. The conscientious residents are doing an admirable job with their collecting and sorting of the various materials that can be recycled, but we all can do even better and more. Education and awareness of the many programs at our disposal are key components to move us forward to our goals.鈥�
Jenkins said: 鈥淭he study aims to build upon DEF鈥檚 many successful programs and offers actionable strategies to address municipal and commercial waste streams with the goal of increasing recycling, composting and other strategies to reduce the total volume of trash that needs to be disposed of in order to meet or exceed what is required under the NYSDEC Solid 91仓库 Management Plan.鈥�