Usually they say one man’s trash is another’s treasure, and when it comes to the cost of shipping it out of Sullivan County, they aren’t lying.

As previously stated by Legislative Chairman Rob Doherty, in discussions on where the County will be sending the majority of their solid waste once Seneca Meadows Landfill closes in 2025, the annual tab hovers somewhere around $16 million. 

Prices are expected to rise to the tune of $48 million within five years.

A hefty expense for garbage.

The Legislature has heard two presentations from Hughes Energy, regarding a potential research and development project at the County Landfill, but have yet to make
a decision on it.

Even if they did move forward with it, it wouldn’t solve the issue on its own, with officials saying a “multi-pronged attack” is needed.

A committee has been formed to address the issue and members of the public have weighed-in on the conversation with suggestions of embracing “zero waste” or looking into the possibility of opening up a local or regional landfill.

No matter which path is chosen, no choice is easy and time isn’t on our side. However, we are sure those with expertise on those matters are working as quickly as possible to adjust to what is coming.

While this is certainly an opportunity for our county to be a leader in doing something positive for the environment, eventually society will need everyone, if not the majority of the people on this planet to be aware of the waste they contribute, taking steps in their own lives to be a part of the solution.

There also needs to be a shift from corporations and bigger companies who over the years moved away from glass to plastic.

Packaging itself has become a nightmare. We concurred with the example given by Majority Leader Alan Sorensen about how difficult it is to open a package of razors.

A herculean task no doubt.

Even though the imminent closure of the landfill has created a reactive situation, being proactive is key moving forward.

We hope the dialogue continues and that the committee formed to address the future of solid waste and garbage in Sullivan County bring all stakeholders to the table and heed the advice of those who specialize in protecting the environment.