Sarah Chen had been staring at the growing pile of old tires in her Geneva garage for months. Every time she walked past them, she felt a twinge of guilt – she knew they couldn’t just go in the regular trash, but figuring out where to take them seemed like another weekend project that never happened. Like many Ontario County residents, she’d been putting off dealing with items that needed special disposal.
That frustration might soon become a thing of the past. With its main landfill scheduled to close in just two years, Ontario County is making it easier than ever for residents to recycle everything from those stubborn tires to old mattresses that have been taking up space in basements across the region.
The urgency is real, and county officials aren’t waiting around. They’re rolling out an expanded suite of recycling programs that could transform how residents think about waste disposal.
Why Ontario County Recycling Is Getting a Major Upgrade
The clock is ticking louder than ever for Ontario County. With the county landfill set to close in 2028, officials are scrambling to create sustainable alternatives that won’t leave residents scrambling to figure out where their waste will go.
“We’re not just planning for tomorrow – we’re planning for the reality that’s coming whether we’re ready or not,” explains County Environmental Coordinator Mike Rodriguez. “When that landfill closes, we need systems in place that actually work for real families dealing with real waste challenges.”
The Planning & Environmental Quality Committee recently approved a comprehensive package of contracts designed to handle the trickiest waste streams. These aren’t just feel-good environmental initiatives – they’re practical solutions for items that cause headaches for residents and costly problems for waste management systems.
The expanded Ontario County recycling programs target four key areas that have historically been problematic: tires, mattresses, document shredding, and backyard composting. Each program addresses a specific gap in the current waste management system.
Breaking Down the New Recycling Programs and Costs
The county’s investment in recycling infrastructure represents a significant commitment to long-term waste management. Here’s exactly what residents can expect and what it’s costing taxpayers:
| Program | Provider | Annual Cost | Services Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Collection | Casella Waste Services | $17,000 | Three collection events per year |
| Mattress Recycling | Casella Waste Services | Up to $16,000 | Ongoing disposal through Dec. 31 |
| Document Shredding | Stericycle Shred-It | Variable | March 2026 to February 2027 |
| Backyard Composting | Enviro World Corp | $30,000 | Discounted composting equipment |
The tire collection program alone could handle hundreds of tires that would otherwise end up improperly disposed of or taking up storage space in garages and sheds. Three scheduled events throughout the year means residents won’t have to wait long to get rid of accumulated tires.
Mattress recycling addresses one of the bulkiest waste challenges families face. Old mattresses are notoriously difficult to dispose of properly, often ending up in illegal dump sites or taking up valuable landfill space.
Key benefits of the expanded programs include:
- Scheduled collection events that work around residents’ schedules
- Professional handling of hazardous or difficult-to-process materials
- Cost savings for residents who would otherwise pay private disposal fees
- Environmental protection through proper recycling channels
- Reduced strain on the existing landfill as it approaches closure
“These programs remove the guesswork for residents,” notes Environmental Services Director Linda Walsh. “Instead of wondering what to do with an old mattress or a pile of sensitive documents, people have clear, convenient options.”
What This Means for Ontario County Families
For residents like Sarah Chen, these expanded recycling options represent more than just convenient disposal – they’re about peace of mind and environmental responsibility. The new programs eliminate the common excuse of “I don’t know where to take it” that keeps recyclable materials sitting in storage.
The backyard composting program could have the biggest long-term impact on household waste. By making composting equipment more affordable, the county is encouraging residents to handle organic waste at home, reducing the overall volume heading to disposal facilities.
Families dealing with home cleanouts, renovations, or regular maintenance will find these programs particularly valuable. The scheduled nature of tire and document shredding events means residents can plan ahead rather than scrambling to find disposal options when they need them.
The timing couldn’t be better for residents concerned about increasing waste disposal costs. As landfill options become more limited and expensive, these recycling programs provide cost-effective alternatives that actually save money in the long run.
“What we’re really doing is future-proofing waste management for county residents,” explains Supervisor Janet Morgan. “These programs will become even more valuable as traditional disposal options become scarce and expensive.”
The environmental impact extends beyond just diverting waste from landfills. Tire recycling prevents environmental hazards and creates materials for new products. Mattress recycling recovers valuable metals and materials that would otherwise be permanently buried.
Next Steps and Timeline for Implementation
The approved contracts now head to the full Board of Supervisors for final approval, a step that’s largely considered a formality given the committee’s unanimous support. Once approved, most programs will begin immediately, with the document shredding contract starting in March 2026.
County officials are already planning promotional campaigns to ensure residents know about these expanded options. The success of Ontario County recycling programs depends heavily on community participation and awareness.
The tire collection events will be strategically scheduled throughout the year to maximize convenience and participation. Specific dates and locations will be announced through county communications channels and local media.
For residents eager to start composting, the discounted equipment program through Enviro World Corp will make home composting systems much more affordable. This represents a shift toward empowering residents to handle organic waste reduction at the household level.
“We’re not just asking people to recycle more – we’re making it genuinely easier and more convenient than ever before,” Rodriguez adds. “That’s the difference between programs that work and programs that sit unused.”
FAQs
When will the new Ontario County recycling programs start?
Most programs begin immediately after Board of Supervisors approval, with document shredding starting in March 2026.
How much will residents pay to use these recycling services?
The programs are funded through county contracts, meaning most services will be free or heavily discounted for residents.
How many tire collection events will there be each year?
The county will host three tire collection events annually through the Casella Waste Services contract.
What happens if the county landfill closes before 2028?
These recycling programs are designed to reduce dependence on the landfill and provide alternative disposal methods regardless of closure timing.
Can businesses use these Ontario County recycling programs?
The programs are primarily designed for residential use, though specific business eligibility may vary by program.
How will residents learn about collection event dates and locations?
The county will announce schedules through official communications channels, local media, and community notifications.
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