press releases

NEW RECYCLING INITIATIVES IN RECOGNITION OF EARTH DAY
04/23/2007

Three new recycling opportunities are being offered by the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority based on the advice and requests of residents of our region.   The Authority is pleased and excited to now offer a way for residents to recycle all household batteries and waste cooking oil. We are also providing a safe means to drop-off discarded medical sharps (syringes and lancets) which are used at home by many people with diabetes.

During March the Authority held six public meetings throughout the region looking for ideas on how we could improve and expand recycling in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. From these meetings many excellent comments were received and the Authority has decided to begin implementing them. Residents of Oneida and Herkimer Counties should be proud that because of their interest in recycling, the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center is regarded as one of the best recycling systems in the Country.

As we recognize Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd we are also celebrating 16 years of successful operation of the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center. Since the Recycling Center opened in 1991, over 550,000 tons of recyclable material has been sorted, processed, marketed and made into new products.   The Oneida-Herkimer system currently recycles over 40 household materials including green waste, used motor oil, paint, vehicle batteries, computers, electronics and other items.

Effective immediately, local residents will be able to drop-off cooking oil and grease from deep fryers for recycling at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) located on Leland Ave. in Utica.   The Authority has set up a collection tank for residents to place liquid cooking oil and grease for recycling.   This material will be collected and recycled into animal feed.

Residents can also drop-off alkaline batteries (i.e. AA, AAA, AAAA, B, C, D, 9V and button batteries) for recycling.   These batteries have historically been disposed of as trash and now will be accepted for recycling at the HHW Facility.

Private residents may also deliver to this facility, medical sharps that are in a clearly marked sharps puncture-proof covered plastic or metal container.  

These materials will be accepted year-round at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, Leland Ave., Utica, Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For further information call the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority at 733-1224.

press releases