Regulations

New York DEC proposes changes to waste regulations

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed regulatory changes that the agency says will combat climate change and ensure the ongoing protection of water quality, air quality and quality of life for New Yorkers.

“Solid waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, and continuously enhancing waste management practices plays a key role in New York’s efforts to address climate change,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says.

The DEC is proposing restrictions on composting and mulch facilities/operations at certain facilities and prohibiting construction and demolition debris processing facilities in mines on Long Island to ensure the protection of drinking water quality. The change would limit the use of certain excavated material in Long Island, Westchester County and the New York City watershed too.

Other changes include enhancements to the state’s process for certain beneficial use determinations for the reuse of materials.

The proposal would expand exemptions for municipalities collecting source-separated recyclables and would introduce changes to help municipalities host household hazardous waste collection events. It would strengthen landfill liner requirements to further enhance the long-term protection of groundwater, as well.

Also, the DEC has proposed new measures to control odors and better limit landfill gas emissions and to increase requirements for transporting excavated material.