The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (Authority) is proud to announce that since the opening of the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center in 1991, over 1 million tons of recyclables have been received, diverted from landfills and recovered for recycling. This is equivalent to the weight of over 3,100 Statues of Liberty and has extended the life of the landfill by over 20 years.
The Authority takes its mission to manage the region’s solid waste and recyclables in an environmentally sound, cost-effective, efficient and safe manner seriously. Since its inception in 1988, the Authority has served as a national model for comprehensive solid waste management. In 2018, Oneida and Herkimer Counties’ recycling rate was over 54% compared to the national average of 35%. Oneida and Herkimer Counties’ residents and businesses have made it possible for the Authority to set an example of responsible recycling practices and advanced solid waste solutions. The Authority’s recycling program is just one critical part of the region’s total solid waste management system.
The Authority’s integrated system of facilities serves all the residents, businesses, industries and institutions of the two Counties and promotes the reduction of waste, maximizes recycling, and provides safe, economical disposal for non-recyclable waste. This year marks the 28th consecutive year of accepting recyclables at no charge. The Authority’s revenue structure is primarily a fee for service system. A system tip fee is charged for all non-recyclable waste delivered to the Authority. These fees cover the majority of expenses in the Authority budget. The Authority receives no funding from the Counties.
Currently, the Authority accepts hundreds of items through its curbside recycling program, RecycleOne – One and Done. The RecycleOne program allows for all curbside recyclable items to be mixed together loosely in one container for collection. Recyclables cannot be placed in plastic bags for collection. No string, trash or green waste is allowed. Shredded paper is the only exception to the “no bag” rule and should be placed in a clear bag for collection.
Curbside recyclables include, but are not limited to:
- Corrugated & Lightweight Cardboard
- Paper (newspaper, junk mail, office paper, magazines)
- Plastic Bottles, Cups & Containers (excluding Styrofoam, prescription medicine bottles & motor oil bottles)
- Metal & Aluminum Cans/Foil (including empty, non-hazardous aerosol cans)
- Glass Bottles & Jars
*Find the full list of acceptable materials by clicking here.
“The fact that we have achieved over 1 million tons recycled is a testament that our system works. Residents and businesses in the two Counties do a great job recycling and the volume of recyclables delivered to the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center each year makes it clear that this community truly sees the value of the Authority’s regional recycling program,” stated Authority Executive Director Bill Rabbia. “Despite the plummets in global commodity markets, our comprehensive system allows us to continue to recover material for recycling, thus conserving landfill space, natural resources and energy,” he continued.
“Every ton of material that is marketed through the Authority’s recycling program is one ton of material that we are able to divert from the Regional Landfill and recover to produce brand new things. Without the participation from the two Counties’ residents and businesses, these successes would not be possible,” stated Rabbia.
For more information on recycling and waste disposal, please visit www.ohswa.org or contact (315) 733-1224. The Authority also encourages residents and businesses to visit www.AmIRecyclable.com, which provides users with a tool to quickly search thousands of items for proper recycling and disposal methods.