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County staff describe single-stream recycling flow, DEC oversight and local tonnage
Summary
Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation staff explained how Orange County single-stream recycling is processed, named the private processors involved, cited DEC reporting and inspection requirements, and reported the county's contribution of roughly 5,423 tons to the mixed stream.
Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation staff told the Physical Services Committee on March 24, 2025, that single-stream recycling collected at county transfer stations is preprocessed by Millennium Paper Recycling in Rockland County and that material then goes to Action Environmental in Brooks for further sorting.
The presentation, given by Eric Dinega and colleagues Robert Gray and Irvin Silkevic, followed a resident inquiry about whether material collected at county sites was actually recycled. "Materials that are collected ... in New Hampton are delivered to Millennium Paper Recycling in Rockland County for preprocessing," Dinega said, adding that any bulk paper or contaminants are presorted and that material leaving county facilities is handled under oversight by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The committee was shown a one-page flowchart mapping processing partners and downstream destinations. County staff said about 5,423 tons is the originating tonnage from Orange County that enters the mixed single-stream system; that tonnage is later combined with material from other sources, which is why some downstream totals appear larger.
Committee members asked how the county can confirm downstream handling amid social-media reports that a small share of recyclables are exported and not recycled. Staff cited DEC reporting requirements and routine inspections of downstream facilities: "The DEC requires reporting from those facilities that basically says what did you receive in, what went out, and where did it go," according to the presentation.
Staff also told the committee the county is preparing an updated solid waste management plan. A preliminary draft is under internal review and under discussion with the DEC; staff said the existing plan is outdated and that roughly 54% of counties statewide currently have approved plans. The update is tied to grants and permitting because state reviewers often ask for a current plan as part of permit or grant applications.
Committee members did not vote on policy changes during the presentation. Staff said they will follow up with a formal draft of the solid waste management plan and can provide the committee with the flowchart and facility destination list shown at the meeting.
