Madison County
Solid Waste and Sanitation

Madison County's Long Term
Solid Waste Management Program

Our Plan of Action for Future Generations

In order to achieve the most cost effective, environmentally safe means of solid waste disposal for the next 20 years and beyond, Madison County will implement the following solid waste management plan.

1. Continue to utilize landfilling for disposal of non-recyclables.
   The two most technologically viable options - landfill and waste-to-energy facility were compared, and long-term landfilling was found to be more economically feasible for Madison County.
2. Develop landfill expansion adjacent to the existing landfill.
   The existing landfill is reaching capacity, and additional landfill space is needed. Expansion of the existing landfill is preferable to development of a new landfill site elsewhere in the County. A new state-of-the-art, double-lines landfill will be developed.
3. Continue operation of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to process recyclables collected as a result of the County's mandatory, source-separated recycling program.
   The local Madison County Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. (NYS Alternatives Resources and Choices) currently operates the MRF for Madison County. The MRF opened in July 1990, and the County has had full mandatory, source-separated recycling since July 17, 1990.
4. Continue and expand, whenever feasible and appropriate, the recycling programs for special wastes such as used oil, used antifreeze, tires, vehicle batteries, white goods and other bulk metals.
   These programs will be continued to divert these materials from the disposal system.
5. Continue to encourage and emphasize reduction, reuse and recycling by County residents via public education.
   The County will expand its public education program to include reduction of household toxins and home composting.
6. Continue the Safe Syringe Disposal Program.
   This program that provides special containers to County residents for the safe disposal of hypodermic needles will be continued.
7. Consider instituting a construction and demolition debris recycling program if and when appropriate.
   This program involves the grinding or milling of portions of the C&D stream with a portable trailer-mounted shredder. The coarse chips could potentially be used as landfill road base or as landfill cover extender.
8. Develop a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
   The County plans to conduct a household hazardous waste collection program to enable residents to safely dispose of currently stockpiled hazardous chemicals. The long-range goal is to construct and operate a permanent storage facility or to contract with a private company to provide collection and disposal for these hazardous chemicals that need to be diverted from the landfill.

Email questions or comments to madcosw@gpoconnect.net