Westchester County is partnering with Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) to encourage residents to participate in a new countywide recycling survey aimed at improving awareness and use of the Westchester County Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) and identifying opportunities to strengthen recycling services across the county.
The two-minute survey gathers feedback on residents’ recycling habits, familiarity with the H-MRF, and ideas for improving access to recycling resources.
“Recycling and proper disposal of household hazardous wastes provide simple and effective opportunities for residents to help protect our environment,” said Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities Commissioner Vincent Kopicki, “but we can only improve our programs if we understand the needs of the people we serve.”
Recycling has been a topic of frequent discussion in Rye. In March, the city council asked City Manager Brian Shea to study the feasibility and costs of bringing back a curbside food scrap recycling program.
The city maintains a residential drop-off food scrap recycling program located at the Department of Public Works and Highland Hall parking lots. However, council members noted people are more likely to recycle food scraps outside their own homes than drive waste to another location.
The H-MRF, located in Valhalla, accepts household hazardous waste and other items worthy of special handling from county residents year-round, by appointment only. On the first Thursday of every month, the facility also accepts hazardous chemicals and fluorescent bulbs from any school, institution, or business that generates 220 pounds or less of hazardous waste per month.
“Every resident has a role to play in protecting our environment, and every voice matters as we continue to improve our sustainability efforts,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “This partnership with Environmental Leaders of Color highlights the power of youth leadership and community engagement. Together, we can make recycling easier and increase awareness of available resources that lead to a healthier future for Westchester.”
The survey is anonymous and open to all Westchester County residents. Questions focus on awareness of the H-MRF, past use of its services, and suggestions for improving recycling throughout the county. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with friends, family, and neighbors.
