Letter of support to Binghamton City Council backs Request for Legislation to establish three-stream hybrid solid waste disposal

BROOME COUNTY, NY — The Sierra Club Susquehanna Group recently submitted a letter to the Binghamton City Council voicing its support of a proposal to establish a three-stream hybrid solid waste disposal system, adding food scraps and other biodegradables as a third stream of refuse collection along with non-compostable waste and recyclables. The proposal was put forward by Binghamton resident Richard Jannaccio.

The Susquehanna Group views this proposal as an environmentally responsible and fiscally practical solution to the City of Binghamton’s solid waste management challenges. Implementing a system that diverts food scraps and other organic materials from the landfill will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, and extend the operational life of the county landfill, as well as reduce tipping fees for Binghamton. Additionally, the proposed three-stream approach – separating recyclables, compostables, and residential waste – aligns with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and supports the intent of New York State’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

As one of the major organizations helping to protect the environment in the Binghamton region, with hundreds of group members residing in Broome County, the Susquehanna Group recognizes that effective waste reduction and materials management are central to community sustainability and urges the Binghamton City Council to move this Request for Legislation forward.