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Public comments press Ulster County on 0‑waste guidance, concerns about scope and UCRRA plans
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Summary
The committee reviewed a $10,000 MSW Consultants contract to produce a 0‑waste policy guidance document; public commenters and legislators urged a stronger focus on implementation, pilot scaling (New Paltz example), clearer alignment with UCRRA proposals and accountability mechanisms.
The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee discussed a $10,000 contract with MSW Consultants to prepare a 0‑waste policy guidance document intended as a concise guide (not a full implementation plan) to inform the legislature, the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) and county departments.
Chair Hewitt and staff said the guidance will summarize baseline solid waste conditions, policy frameworks and recommend strategic actions ahead of UCRRA’s update of its solid waste management plan. The intent is to help the legislature and county agencies identify near‑term policy and budget priorities and better coordinate local implementation.
During an extended public comment period, Greenway Environmental Services owners Shabazz Jackson and Josephine Pagney said the county could achieve much of the practical work for the $10,000 contract by focusing on a community model (they recommended New Paltz as an example), measuring current diversion rates, and planning upgrades to reach higher recovery tonnages. Tanya Garment (Kingston Citizens) criticized the RFQ process and called the current scope too reliant on UCRRA interpretation rather than a rigorous policy and implementation plan. Henry Gage (Voices for Progress) urged restructuring to increase public accountability and faster implementation of proven programs.
Manager O'Brien raised concerns about the UCRRA’s reported "put or pay" agreement with a private developer (Global Energy) and whether such arrangements could conflict with aggressive waste diversion goals; he recommended exploring municipal bond financing and regional planning if the agency seeks out‑of‑county waste to meet contract obligations. Legislator Nolan urged parallel, concrete problem‑solving and piloting rather than awaiting a single consensus document.
The committee asked the consultant for a progress update next month; staff said MSW is moving faster than expected and will provide an update before a June deliverable. Several public commenters encouraged the committee to prioritize immediate implementation actions and to involve municipal partners and stakeholders.
What happens next: MSW Consultants will provide an interim update, staff will post the consultant memo to the legislative website for public access, and the committee will use public input to refine the guidance before a June draft is expected.
