Waste management plan are guides that outline the handling and disposal of materials throughout a construction, renovation, or land clearing project. They typically include a detailed description of the various types of waste involved in the project, their origins, and instructions on how to minimize their generation. They also outline procedures for recycling, reuse, or disposal of the waste. In addition, these documents can help you comply with health and safety regulations.
The city’s SWMP anticipates that the amount of solid waste generated will grow, and it sets ambitious goals for recycling rates. However, in reality, the city has been dealing with a number of factors that have made it harder to achieve those goals, including a decline in the overall amount of waste generated and a shift from paper and metals to organics and other materials. The result has been that the city’s diversion rate (the share of recyclable material diverted from the waste stream) has fallen, while its capture rate (the share of recyclable materials captured by DSNY) has improved.
To meet these challenges, the city is making changes to its collection and disposal systems. For example, it has shifted to fewer landfills and is increasing the number of marine transfer stations. These facilities can be more efficient than landfills because they reduce the amount of trash truck miles that must be traveled. They can also reduce odors and air pollution and avoid commandeering local parking spaces. The city is also working with communities to increase residential recycling and is partnering with companies to expand commercial recycling programs.
Waste reduction is a big part of the plan, as is ensuring that recycled, reused, and recovered materials are processed effectively. These processes can save money by cutting down on the amount of new materials that need to be purchased, and they can also cut down on operating costs for dumping wastes at landfills.
In addition to reducing the amount of waste that is produced, the city’s SWMP also calls for a return to percentage-based (as opposed to tonnage-based) recycling goals. To accomplish this, the city has emphasized recycling programs and adopted local laws such as Local Law 40 that require manufacturers to report their recyclables by type and volume.
The City’s SWMP is overseen by the Board of County Commissioners, which formally adopts it after a public hearing. The County’s Solid Waste Management Committee works to develop the plan, which is then reviewed by the Department of Health and Environment to become official. The committee meets on a regular basis to discuss the status of the plan and how it can be improved. The committee is also charged with educating the community about the benefits of recycling and waste reduction. The county also holds workshops for residents and businesses to promote waste reduction strategies. These workshops are free and open to the public. The county’s website has information about upcoming workshops.