
Nearly 40,000 households delivered hazardous materials and recycles to the
Household-Material Recovery Facility in 2019
Nearly 40,000 Westchester County households delivered hazardous materials to the Household-Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) in Valhalla, or to a Household Recycling Day event in 2019 – leading to the largest number of materials collected and recycled in years. The potentially hazardous materials included: household chemicals, electronics and other special wastes requiring special handling. More than 12,600 pounds of expired and unwanted medications were also safely disposed of at the H-MRF or at local police departments.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “These incredible numbers are due in large part to the expansion of the hours and availability of our H-MRF facility, combined with the Household Recycling Day events that were held in Rye, Yonkers and Yorktown Heights. By providing a safe way for residents to dispose of hard-to-get-rid of wastes and recyclables, we are ensuring a greener future for all of Westchester County.”
The County’s recycling and household hazardous waste collection programs are run by the Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF).
DEF Commissioner Vincent Kopicki said: “The steady stream of residents utilizing the Household-Material Recovery Facility reflects a commendable level of environmental awareness and a devotion to the responsible disposal of unwanted and hazardous materials in a safe and sustainable manner.”
The Daniel P. Thomas Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Yonkers also processed more than 140,000,000 pounds of recyclables collected by municipalities in 2019. Despite a worldwide recession that has hit the recyclables market hard over the past two years, the sale of recyclable materials generated revenue of nearly $3,000,000.
Residents looking to dispose of hard-to-get-rid-of household waste can schedule an appointment at the County’s Household Material Recovery Facility located at 15 Woods Road in Valhalla, which is available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 or by visiting http://environment.westchestergov.com/facilities/h-mrf.