Member News

Residents and businesses can provide comments and feedback via survey on monroecounty.gov

MONROE COUNTY, NY — In recognition of America Recycles Day, Monroe County Executive
Adam Bello today announces the launch of a public participation survey for residents and
businesses to provide feedback as Monroe County develops its first Organics Management Plan
(OMP). The goal is to create guidelines to prevent and divert organic waste from landfills to
protect the climate and reduce waste.

“As the climate crisis intensifies, Monroe County is taking decisive action by advancing a
key recommendation from our Climate Action Plan: creating a comprehensive plan to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste in our landfills," said County
Executive Bello. "These surveys are essential to crafting an Organics Management Plan
that reflects the priorities of our residents and businesses while advancing our
commitment to environmental sustainability and the future of Monroe County."

The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies organic waste as the “remains,
residues or waste products of any organism that are recovered resources from solid waste
disposal; including, but not limited to food residuals, yard debris and wood and plant products.”
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says 12% of statewide
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) come from the waste sector including landfills, waste
combustion and wastewater treatment.

The OMP will look at the county’s waste generation, and existing programs, policies, resources,
laws and regulations to identify feasible strategies for the prevention or diversion of organic
waste County-wide.

Phase II of Monroe County's Climate Action Plan recommends the implementation of a countywide Organic Management Plan. This plan will provide local governments, residents and
organizations with the necessary guidance and support to reduce organic waste.

Monroe County was awarded a $100,000 grant in 2022 through New York State’s Climate Smart
Communities (CSC) program and funded through the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Protection Fund to develop the OMP.
Creating an OMP will give Monroe County access to state funding opportunities for future
project in organics management and serve as a resource to community partners. DEC also
awarded Monroe County $100,000 for the Climate Action Plan, $150,000 for a Climate
Vulnerability Assessment and $200,000 for a Climate Adaptation Plan through the CSC Program.

“DEC commends Monroe County for its climate leadership and work to develop an
Organics Management Plan to divert waste from landfills and reduce the harmful
emissions contributing to climate change,” said New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “DEC is pleased to
support Monroe County through the State’s Climate Smart Communities Grant Program,
with $100,000 to develop the County’s plan, bolstering $350,000 previously awarded as
part of the County’s overall efforts to develop a climate action plan. This is a great
example of the State and local partnerships necessary to advance climate action, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and improve and protect the environment for residents while
helping New York State advance our ambitious climate targets.”

The New York State DEC says proper organics management can protect the climate, reduce
waste, create jobs and engage communities.

Three surveys are available at monroecounty.gov: One for residents, one for farmers and
another for business owners. The survey can be found at monroecounty.gov/organicsmanagement-plan. Participants can also submit comments via email at
OMPComments@monroecounty.gov.