Yard Waste Management - A Planning Guide for New York State

Abstract

Yard waste management is attracting increasing attention as communities take a hard look at their total solid waste system. With yard waste estimated at 20 percent of the solid waste generated statewide, composting and chipping can go a long way toward meeting New York State's 50 percent waste reduction and recycling/reuse statewide goal. These cost-effective alternatives turn yard waste into useful products such as compost, mulch, and wood chip fuel, generating environmental and energy benefits along the way. Over 150 communities in New York State have already recognized the advantages of composting or chipping yard wastes, and many more communities are ready to join.

This planning guide contains the key information local officials need to design and implement successful composting and chipping facilities. The guide is part of a comprehensive Yard Waste Management Technology Transfer Program co-sponsored by Cornell University, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Additional resources being developed through this cooperative effort include operator fact sheets, two videos, and a case study booklet detailing the creative solutions to yard waste management by eight communities. These resources, combined with a series of workshops and training programs planned for the coming year, are intended to encourage and facilitate composting and chipping by communities across New York State.