Ulster County agency selects Big Reuse for Reuse Innovation Center; site search continues

The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency has selected Big Reuse, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit, to operate the proposed Reuse Innovation Center as part of the county's Repower/Reuse project, Executive Director Mark Ryder told the county's Committee on Energy, Environment and Sustainability.

Ryder said the agency has begun kickoff meetings with Big Reuse but has not yet identified a site. Several potential properties in Kingston and nearby areas are vacant, he said, but some landowners and brokers have been reluctant to lease for reuse purposes. The agency is working with a broker and has a shortlist of ideas it will bring to the operator for evaluation before selecting a final location.

Ryder also highlighted near-term programs the agency is running: a compost bag preorder for an April 4 pickup, online sales of compost bins and rain barrels, and registration planned for a household hazardous waste event around April 1, subject to DEC approval.

Why it matters: Ryder said the reuse center would advance waste-reduction goals and create local opportunities for repair and reuse, but without a site the project cannot start construction or operations. He said some sites would require demolition or new construction, which the agency has sought to avoid.

Committee members offered help promoting compost and reuse programs and asked for updates on site selection and outreach plans.

The agency will continue site negotiations and report back to the committee; Ryder invited follow-up questions and stakeholder engagement.