Ulster Toward Zero Waste

JOIN US for our free virtual event on Sunday, April 12 at 7:00pm!
You must REGISTER to attend.

“Ulster Toward Zero Waste” is a deliberate title. Why “Toward”? Because absolute Zero Waste may be as unlikely as human perfection. But doing better — managing our waste more responsibly, thoughtfully, and locally — is entirely within reach. More and more of us understand that there is no “away” in throw-away. We see it. We smell it. And we pay for it in more ways than one.

Before committing Ulster County residents to a 20-year, put-or-pay $100 million + investment in a single technology, we need to prioritize a plan that removes waste at the source and gets that system running efficiently. Doing so ensures that we build a foundation we actually need — one that can evolve — rather than locking ourselves into expensive infrastructure that may not serve the community in the long run.

Together, we can reduce what we consume. We can extend the life of unwanted items by fixing, cleaning, and sharing them — and many people are already building small businesses around vintage goods and reuse. We can recycle materials into new products. And when we separate waste properly at the source, we can transform what was once smelly organic waste into productive compost that benefits our soil, our gardens, and our community.

Ulster Toward Zero Waste is a campaign of KingstonCitizens.org and TownOfUlsterCitizens.org.

Demand the Completion of a Zero Waste Implementation Plan Before Ulster County Commits to Costly New Waste Projects

In 2019, Ulster County promised to move toward Zero Waste — reducing waste, reusing materials, composting organics, and protecting our environment. More than six years later, there is still no clear, publicly adopted plan showing how the County will reach those goals.

Now, the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) is preparing to move forward with a proposed $100 million + anaerobic digestion facility. This project would likely involve a long-term “put-or-pay” contract, meaning the County could be financially obligated for decades, even if waste decreases. The facility would process all of Ulster’s municipal solid waste and could potentially accept waste from neighboring counties.

Before committing to this level of expense and long-term obligation, Ulster County must first complete and publicly adopt a Zero Waste Implementation Plan (ZWIP).

A $100M + Facility Without a Plan: Environmental and Financial Consequences

Environmental Concerns

  • The facility would rely on mixed waste, increasing the risk of contamination in compost and soil products.
  • The plan includes injecting biomethane into the existing fracked gas system, raising climate and environmental concerns.
  • Since the adoption of Resolution 451 in 2019, many communities have invested in Zero Waste infrastructure. Installing a large-scale waste handling facility without first evaluating each community and understanding what actually works would be both premature and irresponsible.
  • Without a completed Zero Waste plan, the County risks overbuilding expensive infrastructure that could undermine its own waste reduction goals.

Economic and Fiscal Risks

  • The proposed budget for the anaerobic digestion facility is more than $100 million upfront. Beyond construction costs, the project would likely require additional public subsidies, including tax incentives such as PILOT agreements, grants, and other forms of financial support. In other words, taxpayers will be on the hook.
  • A long-term “put-or-pay” contract could obligate the County for 20 years or more, even if waste volumes decline. To cover financing and operating expenses, residents and businesses could face rising tipping fees and higher disposal costs.
  • Large-scale capital borrowing for this project may affect the County’s credit rating and limit its ability to invest in other priorities such as housing, infrastructure, and essential public services.
  • Committing significant resources to one massive facility could also divert funding from lower-cost, proven Zero Waste strategies like reduction, reuse, repair, recycling, and composting — approaches that create local jobs and keep economic value within the community.
  • Basically, a handful of decision-makers could lock the entire County into a costly choice with long-term consequences.

Even the County’s UCRRA Reform Committee has confirmed that new systems and laws — including separating food scraps and organics — are needed to meet Zero Waste targets. These changes require a clear, public roadmap.

What a Real Zero Waste Implementation Plan Should Include

  • Follow the internationally recognized Zero Waste Hierarchy — prioritizing reduction, reuse, repair, recycling, and composting.
  • Include clear timelines, measurable goals, and phased pilot programs.
  • Invest in core infrastructure such as reuse and repair centers, supporting local jobs and economic growth.
  • Be publicly reviewed, regularly updated, and supported with stable funding.

Zero Waste is not just an environmental goal — it’s smart fiscal policy. Communities around the world are reducing landfill disposal by 90% or more while creating local jobs and lowering long-term costs.

Our Request

We are calling on Ulster County to:

  • Pause major new waste infrastructure decisions until the ZWIP is completed and formally adopted.
  • Convene a collaborative planning process with the Legislature, County Executive, UCRRA, community advocates, financial stakeholders, and local businesses.
  • Complete, adopt, and publicly release a plan that ensures infrastructure decisions support both Zero Waste goals and fiscal responsibility.

Take Action Today

Sign our petition calling on Ulster County to complete and adopt a Zero Waste Implementation Plan before committing to costly new infrastructure.

If you live in Ulster County, you can also:

  • Ask your town, village, or city to pass a memorializing resolution supporting the completion of the County’s ZWIP.
  • Use our toolkit, which includes the coalition letter, FAQ, and draft resolution urging Ulster County to complete and adopt a Zero Waste Implementation Plan before advancing major waste projects.

#UlsterZeroWaste  #NoMixAllGain  #SortSmartBenefit  #KeepValueLocal

Materials