(Chautauqua County Landfill in Ellery, NY)
MAYVILLE, NY – Earth Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a vital reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the landscapes we call home. This Earth Day, the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities (DPF) Landfill Division is calling on all residents to renew and strengthen their commitment to recycling and waste reduction — simple actions with a profound and lasting impact on our local environment and economy.
Why Your Small Actions Matter
Recycling and waste reduction serve as cornerstones of environmental health, offering benefits that extend far beyond the bin:
- Waste Reduction: Decreases the volume of material entering landfills, helping extend their lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
- Pollution Prevention: Diverts materials from disposal processes that can negatively impact air and water quality. A key strategy is organic diversion — keeping yard waste, food scraps, and other organic materials out of the waste stream. Residents can make a major impact through backyard composting, leaving grass clippings on lawns (“Leave It On The Lawn”), and using leaves and clippings as mulch. Removing organics from landfills reduces methane emissions and supports healthier ecosystems.
- Resource & Energy Conservation: Reusing paper, plastic, and metal conserves natural resources and requires significantly less energy than manufacturing from raw materials.
- Economic Vitality: Recycling initiatives support local jobs in collection, sorting, and processing — strengthening a sustainable, circular economy right here in Chautauqua County.
In addition, the County’s landfill system plays an important economic role. Its comparatively low disposal costs help attract waste from outside the region, generating revenue that supports local services and infrastructure. Maintaining this balance — economic benefit alongside environmental responsibility — is key to long-term sustainability.
“Stewardship is a collective effort,” emphasizes Gustafson. “Protecting what we have requires every resident to do their part. When we work together, these individual actions create a powerful wave of positive change.”
Addressing the Bigger Picture
New York State is facing a growing challenge: dwindling landfill capacity. As space becomes more limited, the cost and complexity of waste disposal increases — and without action, more waste may ultimately be transported across state lines, shifting environmental burdens elsewhere.
At the same time, efforts are underway at the national, regional, and local levels to reduce harmful chemicals in manufacturing and product design. Consumer choices play a powerful role in this system — influencing what is produced, how it is packaged, and how much waste is generated.
Forward-thinking strategies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are gaining momentum. These policies encourage manufacturers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products, reducing packaging waste and strengthening recycling markets. Strong oversight and enforcement of state regulations — particularly for businesses managing electronics, batteries, and other regulated materials — are also essential to maintaining environmental compliance and protecting public safety.
Know Where to Go: County Recycling Hubs
The Division of Solid Waste makes it easy for residents to participate through four conveniently located transfer stations:
Facility | Address | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
North County | 3688 Webster Rd., Fredonia | Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm |
South County | 2570 South Work St., Falconer | Tue, Thu, Sat: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm; Fri: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
West County | 121 Osborne St., Sherman | Tue & Sat: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm |
Ellery | 3889 Towerville Rd., Jamestown | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Accepted Materials: Cardboard, paper, plastic, scrap metal, used clothing, glass (food and beverage containers only), propane tanks, Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners), tires, and electronics Accepted Materials: Cardboard, paper, plastic, scrap metal, used clothing, glass (food and beverage containers only), propane tanks, Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners), tires, and electronics
(Note: Electronics are not accepted at the Ellery location.)
A Critical Reminder on Hazardous Waste
To protect staff, facilities, and the environment, certain materials cannot be accepted at these locations:
- Used Motor Oil: Take to local service stations or auto parts retailers.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Do not dispose of in regular trash. These pose serious fire and environmental hazards and should be returned to retailers that sell them.
Everyday Actions That Make a Difference
Residents and businesses alike can take additional steps to reduce waste and environmental impact:
- Opt for digital communication by removing your name or organization from junk mail lists.
- Switch to electronic billing, receipts, and monthly statements to reduce paper use.
- Politely refuse single-use items like straws, stirrers, and plastic utensils at restaurants and events.
- Choose reusable cutlery, dishes, linens, and decorations whenever possible.
- When shopping, buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. When packaging is necessary, choose recyclable materials or those made from post-consumer content.
A Shared Commitment
As we celebrate Earth Day, let it serve as more than a moment — let it be a turning point. By making recycling and organic waste diversion consistent, year-round habits, supporting smarter waste policies, and making mindful purchasing decisions, we can reduce environmental harm at every stage — from production to disposal.
Together, we can protect our environment, strengthen our economy, and ensure that Chautauqua County remains a place of natural beauty and community pride for generations to come.
