Sullivan County to Enforce Flow Control

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County legislators have decided to enforce stricter measures to ensure that garbage generated locally is disposed of locally. The decision comes amidst concerns that some commercial hauling companies are illegally transporting waste out of the county to avoid higher tipping fees.

“Haulers who collect garbage in Sullivan County but then transport it outside Sullivan’s boundaries are breaking the law, and we’re stepping up efforts to monitor, ticket and fine any commercial hauling companies which permit their drivers to illegally ship trash to out-of-County locations,” stated Legislator Joe Perrello, Chair of the Legislature’s Public Works Committee.

The law, which has been in place for decades, aims to ensure the county meets its tonnage obligations to its contracted landfill, Seneca Meadows. Failure to meet these obligations could result in increased rates.

Perrello highlighted recent findings that revealed some garbage hauling companies are transporting waste to Orange County or Pennsylvania, where tipping fees are lower. This practice directly undermines the county’s efforts to manage its solid waste system and shifts the cost burden onto taxpayers.

The county recently increased tipping fees for waste brought to Sullivan County-operated transfer stations. The increase, from $120 to $136.50 for municipal solid waste and to $150 a ton for construction and demolition debris, was necessary to address rising exportation costs.

“We decided to spread the cost of the system more fairly across actual users instead of taxpayers, who have for decades subsidized the solid waste system,” Perrello explained. “As a result, haulers who bypass our facilities cheat the taxpayers of Sullivan County. We are going to put a stop to that.”

Commercial users and solid waste collectors found in violation of the flow control law face potential misdemeanor charges and penalties. These penalties include fines of up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,500 for subsequent offenses, in addition to potential jail time of up to six months.