Washington County hears public concerns, data gaps during solid-waste plan public hearing

The Washington County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Jan. 17 on the county's draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan for 2020'2029, where residents pressed the county for more aggressive recycling, hauler oversight and action on local environmental risks.

The hearing drew multiple public speakers who urged the county to expand source-separated recycling, reinstate hauler licensing and data reporting, pursue organics diversion and address pollution concerns tied to sewage-sludge compost and the Hudson Falls incinerator. "Washington County is leaving that money on the table," said Tracy Frisch, a Washington County resident and co-founder of Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls, referring to recent increases in recyclable commodity prices.

Why it matters: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires a county solid-waste plan. Residents said the draft as written records limited data and sets modest goals; they urged the supervisors to add measurable targets, restore enforcement tools and pursue pilot programs to reduce food waste and expand recycling access.

Public comment highlights

- Roy Atkinson, a Hudson Falls resident, told the board that public access to transfer stations has been reduced since privatization and that electronics recycling and monitored drop-off options are limited locally. He urged the county to consider market improvements and new DEC funding opportunities to expand recycling options.

- Tracy Frisch pressed for reinstating requirements that haulers offer recycling receptacles and for source-separated collection, saying a mix-collection system…