There are various regulations and codes that impact the disposal of waste in urban environments. This sheet provides a basic overview of resources and guidelines for handling waste generated from an urban farming operation.
Information on Waste and Waste Management
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is the best source of information about all types of waste, including solid waste, organic waste, and toxic and hazardous waste, as well as recycling and composting information. Their resources include but are not limited to:
- A listing of solid waste management facilities;
- Information on the proper handling and disposal of special wastes, such as tires, used oil, and lumber pressure treated with chromated copper arsenate;
- Information on all aspects of hazardous waste management; and
- A list of composting facilities.
NYSDEC has resources for New York farmers about management of organic waste, waste motor oil, and hazardous wastes. For farmers producing more crops than they can distribute or sell, NYSDEC has compiled resources for farmers looking to donate leftover produce to the emergency food system in exchange for a refundable tax credit. This webpage also provides information about gleaning and other organic management options that might be applicable to urban farmers.
The Cornell Waste Management Institute provides information about waste management with a focus on farm waste and organic materials, and includes information on the proper management and use of manure, compost, and sewage sludge to optimize soil quality and minimize health risks. Visit their website or contact cwmi@cornell.edu for more information.
Services
Most cities have local listing services where you can post unwanted materials, such as Freecycle , Craigslist, and the ReUseIt Network.
The Blue Book Building & Construction Network allows you to search for recycling centers in New York that accept construction materials such as asphalt and concrete, to be broken down and re-used.
You can donate construction materials to Big ReUse in Gowanus, Brooklyn.
Find places that accept donations of a variety of items on the Reuse Locator Tool – New York State.
