The Division of Solid Waste Management of the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development formulates programs for the collection and disposal of solid waste (discarded material) generated within Dutchess County.
Our main function is to implement the Dutchess County Local Solid Waste Management Plan, Rethinking Waste.
The three main goals of the plan are:
Reducing the amount of waste generated within Dutchess County
Latex, water-based paint: We do not accept latex paint at our events. Dry the paint using kitty litter, sawdust or the sun. Re-lid the can, put in a sturdy plastic bag and throw in the trash. Please see our How to Get Rid of Paint flyer (pdf.) for more information.
Fluorescent bulbs: CFL's can be dropped off at retailer drop boxes, such as at Lowes and Home Depot. If bringing fluorescent tubes to an event, which are considered hazardous waste not electronics, please tape together or put in a box to prevent breakage.
Air conditioners: We do not accept air conditioners at our events. Please see our list of places that accept air conditioners on our Transfer Station page.
Smoke detectors: We do not accept smoke detectors at our events. Please review this article. If your detector is photoelectric, please remove the battery and throw it in your household trash.
A hazardous waste collection event for businesses, schools and farms that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month will be scheduled for 2022. A date has not been set yet. There will be a fee based on type and amount of materials. Please contact the Solid Waste Division for details at 845-463-6020.
Our Recycling Educator has developed an Earth Day video. While mainly for elementary school children, it's enjoyable for everyone! Learn more about recycling with this YouTube video: Earth Day Recycling Video.
Learn about why we should recycle and what to recycle with this YouTube video: Dutchess County Recycling Video.
Each month we will be focusing on a recycling topic to support efforts to reduce contamination in household recycling across Dutchess County.
For January we are focused on the New York State Polystyrene Foam Ban.
Find information on composting and how to purchase a backyard compost bin
Helpful information on reducing and reusing items
The County has recycling containers to borrow for your next big event
See where your local transfer station is located and what items they will accept
Recycling rates, accomplishments, facility information and more in the 2019 Annual Report
