New York Recyclers Awaiting Funding Word

According to Livingston, “it is already December, and the New York State Legislature and the Governor have not yet agreed on passage of the budget for the Environmental Protection Fund.”

The letter acknowledges that state government officials have had much to consider since the September 11 terrorist attack on New York City, but also states that, “as the public is continually challenged to go about our normal business and attend to our normal responsibilities, we request our State leaders to do the same.”

The State of New York is eight months into its budget year, but among the funds that have not been released are those for city and county and waste district recycling education spending.

The money allocated for recycling education is earmarked and reserved for programs to improve New York’s environment, according to Livingston, and only the governor or the state legislature can release the funds to the cities and counties.

Some communities have been unable to run special household hazardous waste collection programs while others have been unable to hire recycling coordinators. “The state legislature is expected to reconvene Dec. 17, and we are hoping that action on passing the budget for the Environmental Protection Fund, which is now eight months overdue,” writes Livingston.

The letter lists the 47 city and county districts that are awaiting their funds, including the cities of Buffalo, Albany and Niagara Falls.