Cattaraugus County Refuse Department

For residents of Cattaraugus County, New York, understanding how to responsibly manage household waste and recyclables is crucial for maintaining a clean environment and contributing to the community's well-being. The Cattaraugus County Refuse Department, part of the larger Department of Public Works, serves as the cornerstone of waste management services across the region. Far from being just a place to "dump trash," this department operates a network of strategically located transfer stations designed to make waste disposal and recycling convenient and efficient for all county residents. Their mission extends beyond simple collection; it encompasses a commitment to sustainable practices, waste reduction, and public education on the benefits of proper disposal and recycling. This comprehensive approach ensures that the beautiful natural landscapes of Cattaraugus County remain pristine for generations to come, while also contributing to broader environmental goals within New York State.

The main administrative office for the Cattaraugus County Refuse Department is located at 8810 NY-242, Little Valley, NY 14755, USA. This central location serves as the hub for their operations. However, for the convenience of residents, the department operates seven county-owned and operated transfer stations strategically spread throughout Cattaraugus County. These include locations in Allegany, Conewango, Dayton, Five Points (Little Valley), Machias, Portville, and Salamanca. This distributed network ensures that most county residents have relatively easy access to a facility where they can drop off their refuse and recyclables. Accessibility is a key consideration for the department, aiming to reduce the distance residents need to travel for waste disposal, thus encouraging responsible practices. The roads leading to these facilities are well-maintained, allowing for straightforward access for vehicles of various sizes. Being situated in Little Valley, the main office is central to the county, facilitating efficient coordination of services across all transfer station sites.

The Cattaraugus County Refuse Department offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at efficient and environmentally responsible waste management:

• Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Disposal: Acceptance of bagged garbage at various fee tiers based on bag size (e.g., 16-gallon, 35-gallon, 48-gallon, 64-gallon). Scaled per-ton rates are also available at some locations, particularly the Salamanca Transfer Station.
• Recycling Programs: Free acceptance of a wide range of recyclable materials to encourage waste diversion. This includes:
  • Plastics: Clean #1 and #2 ONLY.
  • Tin: Clean ferrous and non-ferrous containers.
  • Glass: Clean clear ONLY.
  • Old News Print: Magazines, newspapers, office paper, card stock.
  • Old Corrugated Cardboard: Uncontaminated and broken down flat.
  • Textiles: Reusable clothing, linen, terry cloth.
• Electronics Recycling: Acceptance of electronics, with a limit of one CRT or LCD per day at most transfer stations.
• Tire Recycling: Acceptance of tires with specific fees per tire, and a limit of four tires per visit per day. Larger quantities or oversized tires are directed to the Salamanca Transfer Station.
• Metal Recycling: Acceptance of various metal items.
• Freon Unit Disposal: Acceptance of appliances containing refrigerant (Freon units) for a specific fee per unit.
• Yard Waste Disposal: Acceptance of yard waste, typically charged per bag.
• Bulky Item Disposal: Acceptance of miscellaneous bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, porcelain fixtures, doors, windows, and pallets, with specific fees per item.
• Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris: Acceptance of C&D debris (e.g., shingles, drywall, lumber, plywood, siding, tile) at the Salamanca Transfer Station, scaled per ton. Note that asbestos is NOT accepted.
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events: Annual events (typically in October) are organized for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, which is not accepted at regular transfer stations.
• Paint Disposal: Only dry latex paint is accepted at transfer stations. Wet architectural paint/stain can be taken to designated local collection sites or during HHW events.

Several features and highlights distinguish the Cattaraugus County Refuse Department and its operations, making it a vital community asset:

• Network of Transfer Stations: The operation of seven strategically located transfer stations significantly enhances accessibility for residents across the large county, reducing travel time and promoting responsible disposal.
• Commitment to Recycling: The department actively promotes recycling, making it free for residents and providing clear guidelines on accepted materials, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
• Public Education Initiatives: The Refuse Division engages in public education series, for instance, on cardboard and tire recycling, to inform residents about proper sorting and the environmental benefits of recycling.
• Cost-Effective Services: By leveraging State and Federal opportunities and seeking industry best practices, the department aims to reduce disposal costs for county residents.
• Dedicated Staff: The Refuse Division employs over 20 full and part-time individuals dedicated to managing daily operations, including the collection, transportation, and disposal of an average of 29 tons of waste per day.
• Managed Waste Streams: The department has clear policies on what materials are and are not accepted at its facilities, ensuring the safe and appropriate handling of various waste types. Notably, items like cellphones, various batteries (lithium ion, nickel cadmium, sealed lead), most wood waste (stumps, railroad ties, treated lumber), and hazardous materials are generally not accepted at standard transfer stations, guiding residents to alternative disposal methods or HHW events.
• Support for Local Economy: While not a "campground," the local towns where these transfer stations are located, such as Little Valley, often feature charming small businesses as noted by community members, like hardware stores, second-hand shops, and local eateries, contributing to the local character and economy.

While the Cattaraugus County Refuse Department does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the traditional commercial sense, they do implement various programs and pricing structures designed to benefit residents and encourage responsible waste management:

First and foremost, the recycling of accepted materials is free of charge for residents, which acts as a significant incentive to divert waste from landfills and promotes sustainable practices. This "free recycling" policy directly benefits residents by reducing the amount of bagged garbage they need to dispose of, thereby minimizing their disposal costs.

The department also publishes a transparent and updated fee schedule for municipal solid waste and various special items, allowing residents to understand the costs associated with different types of disposal upfront. These fees are generally competitive and are designed to cover the operational costs of waste management.

Additionally, the annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events, typically held in October, serve as a vital "special offer" to residents. These events provide a safe and regulated method for disposing of materials that cannot be placed in regular trash or recycling, protecting the environment and public health. This service is invaluable for residents needing to get rid of paints, chemicals, and other hazardous items.

For specific and up-to-date information on fees, accepted items, and the schedule for HHW events, residents are always encouraged to visit the official Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works website or contact the Refuse Division directly.

For direct contact with the Cattaraugus County Refuse Department, please use the following information:

Address: 8810 NY-242, Little Valley, NY 14755, USA

Phone: (716) 354-2615

Mobile Phone: +1 716-354-2615

For general inquiries about transfer stations, residents can also contact the Department of Public Works at (716) 938-9121, as the Refuse Department falls under this larger umbrella.

For New Yorkers, particularly those residing in Cattaraugus County, the Cattaraugus County Refuse Department is an indispensable public service that directly contributes to the quality of life and environmental health of the region. Its network of well-managed transfer stations, coupled with comprehensive recycling programs, makes responsible waste disposal both convenient and accessible. The department’s commitment to public education empowers residents to make informed decisions about their waste, fostering a stronger sense of community responsibility towards sustainability. Unlike a campground that offers leisure and recreation, the Refuse Department offers essential infrastructure for daily living, ensuring that our local communities remain clean, healthy, and environmentally sound. By utilizing these services, residents actively participate in the county’s efforts to reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and protect the natural beauty of Western New York. The presence of such a well-organized and public-facing department is a testament to Cattaraugus County’s dedication to providing fundamental services that benefit all its citizens and the environment they share. The positive reviews, though brief, affirm that the "Refuse recycling" services are valued and effectively utilized by local users, contributing to the upkeep of a "nice little town" and its amenities.

Cattaraugus County Refuse Department

8810 NY-242, Little Valley, NY 14755, USA