Solid Waste Recycling and Management Services
Covered Services
Solid Waste Recycling and Management Services.
Definitions
Solid waste: All materials or substances discarded or rejected as being spent, useless, worthless or in excess to the owners at the time of such discard or rejection, including but not limited to garbage, refuse, industrial and commercial waste, sludge from air or water control facilities, rubbish, ashes, contained gaseous material, incinerator residue, demolition and construction debris, discarded automobiles and offal but not including sewage and other highly diluted water carried materials or substances and those in gaseous form.
Recycling: The processing of used materials into new products in order to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air and water pollution, reduce the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin production.
New York Environmental Leaders (NYEL): A program implemented by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to provide recognition and incentives for businesses and organizations that achieve and sustain high levels of environmental performance, including the use of pollution prevention practices, beyond compliance performance, or sustainable business practices. The Leadership Tier is open to businesses and organizations that have mature environmental management systems and an existing record of environmental leadership. The Entry Tier is open to organizations that are just beginning their efforts to improve their environmental performance. For more information on the program, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov
Specifications
Recycling and Composting Services:
The Solid Waste Management Act of 1988 (Chapter 70), has required state agencies, authorities, corporations and commissions to implement source separation and recycling programs for paper and all other waste for which recycling is a viable economic option since July 1, 1990.
Any affected state entity which issues contracts for the disposal of solid waste shall issue contracts for the recycling of recoverable materials, which shall include but not be limited to: paper, metals, glass, and plastic.
Affected state entities are encouraged to compost organic solid waste on site, where appropriate and in compliance with applicable local state and federal laws; or to issue contracts for the recovery and composting of organic materials, including but not limited to: garden and yard waste, food waste, and non-recyclable paper. Affected state entities are also encouraged to issue contracts for the recycling of construction, demolition and/or building materials, batteries, and appliances/electronics.
Fee Structures:
Affected state entities shall require, to the maximum extent practicable, contractors to calculate fees based on the weight or volume of materials collected for solid waste disposal and/or recycling. In addition, entities are encouraged to seek incentives or other contract options to improve or enhance waste reduction or recycling, including cost containment, closed-loop recycling and other methods of capturing the economic value of diverted recyclables. Such options may be considered in lieu of fee-based contracts.
Reporting and Maintenance:
Contracts for solid waste recycling and/or management shall require the contractor to:
- Provide quarterly and annual reports that include, but are not limited to, the weight or volume of waste disposed and materials recycled and, if applicable, composted by type and location;
- Furnish and provide maintenance, signage, and labels on all contractor provided containers; and
- Pick up spillage and keep all solid waste and recycling locations directly serviced by the contractor free of loose refuse.
Waste Analysis and Education:
Affected state entities are encouraged to issue contracts for solid waste recycling and management services that require the contractor to:
- Perform a waste composition analysis to assist the entity with the characterization of their waste stream and the development of waste reduction plans and activities; and
- Assist the entity with the development of educational and outreach materials and with the education of employees about the solid waste recycling and management services offered by the contractor, including but not limited to electronic educational materials.
Environmental Performance:
Affected state entities are encouraged to issue contracts for recycling services to contractors whose recycling service is a member of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s New York Environmental Leaders Leadership Tier.