In a recent community meeting, Johanna Fallert, representing Mothers Out Front Dutchess County, passionately advocated for the cessation of trash incineration in Dutchess County, citing significant health and environmental concerns. Joined by colleague Sandra Stratton Gonzales, Fallert highlighted the dangers posed by the county's incinerator, located in Poughkeepsie, which is reportedly the leading industrial emitter of nitrogen oxides and other harmful pollutants.

Fallert pointed out alarming statistics from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, ranking Poughkeepsie as the sixth highest asthma capital in the U.S. She emphasized that 61% of county residents fall into high-risk categories for air pollution, including children and the elderly. The incinerator, which burns approximately 450 tons of waste daily, contributes to severe air quality issues, releasing toxic substances that can exacerbate respiratory conditions and lead to long-term health problems.

Financial implications were also a focal point of Fallert's presentation. With the current contract for the aging incinerator set to expire in 2027, she warned that renewing or rebuilding the facility could impose significant costs on taxpayers, potentially amounting to millions of dollars. Instead, she urged local officials to consider alternatives such as zero waste management strategies, which prioritize waste reduction, recycling, and composting over incineration.

Mothers Out Front has gathered nearly 700 signatures on a petition urging County Executive Sue Serino to take immediate action towards transitioning away from incineration. Fallert called for a comprehensive study of waste management practices and the implementation of sustainable alternatives that would not only protect public health but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for city officials to engage in dialogue about waste management reform, emphasizing the need for a shift towards environmentally responsible practices that prioritize the health of the community and future generations.