Recycling - Conservation in Action
Since our founding, OCCA has been deeply committed to helping Otsego County reduce waste and care for its natural resources. Responsible waste management is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship, and our recycling and composting initiatives give residents the knowledge and tools they need to make sustainable choices every day.
OCCA’s work includes community workshops, school programs, public outreach events, and practical guidance on topics such as backyard composting, proper recycling practices, waste reduction strategies, and understanding what really belongs in the bin. We also partner closely with the Otsego County Solid Waste and Planning Department to share accurate, up-to-date information and support countywide waste initiatives.
In addition to our educational programs, OCCA convenes a Recycling Committee that meets monthly to explore local challenges, improve community awareness, and advance waste reduction efforts throughout the county. If you are interested in joining the committee or learning more about its work, please contact Shelby MacLeish.
By serving as a trusted local resource and bringing partners together, OCCA is helping build a cleaner, more sustainable, and waste conscious Otsego County.
Our Recycling Initiatives
-
![Two people standing in front of a pile of old electronics and electronic waste in a truck bed.]()
Drive Through, Drop Off Recycling
Each spring, OCCA hosts a countywide Recycling Day where residents can bring hard to recycle items to a central drop off location. This popular event makes it easy for households to responsibly dispose of materials that cannot go into regular curbside recycling or county transfer stations. Participants simply drive up, drop off their items, and our team takes care of the rest.
Past events have diverted thousands of pounds of materials from the landfill, demonstrating the strong commitment our community has to responsible waste management.
**The 2026 event will take place at SUNY Oneonta on May 9.
-
![A young girl wearing glasses, a pink hat with earflaps, a teal and green winter jacket, and gray pants stands next to a large blue recycling bin filled with paper. She is holding a Target shopping bag in one hand and reaching into the bin with the other. The background features a colorful Easter-themed display with decorated eggs and rabbit images.]()
Plastic Bag Challenge
OCCA partners with the Otsego County Department of Solid Waste and Casella Waste Management to support a countywide Plastic Film Recycling Challenge inspired by the national initiative led by Trex Company. The goal of this program is to help schools and community groups learn how to properly recycle plastic film items including bubble wrap, wood pellet bags, dry cleaning bags, food storage bags, package wrap, and other flexible plastics.
These materials cannot be recycled at the curb or at county transfer stations, but they can be dropped off at many grocery stores and large retailers. By collecting and recycling plastic film, schools help divert waste and support the creation of new products such as composite lumber, plastic bags, pallets, crates, and pipe.
The challenge runs each school year and participating districts compete to see who can collect the most plastic film. Residents are encouraged to check with their local school to learn how they can contribute.
-
![People gathering outdoors at a table with cans and supplies, participating in a community service event in a parking lot on a cloudy day.]()
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste Day is an annual opportunity for residents and small businesses to safely dispose of materials that should never be placed in the regular trash stream. This event is organized by the Otsego County Department of Solid Waste and provides proper disposal for items such as chemicals, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, and other hazardous materials.
For details on accepted materials, dates, and registration requirements, visit: Otsego County Solid Waste for specific details.
-
![A booklet cover from the Otsego County Conservation Association titled 'How to Get Rid of...' with recycling symbol and green, beige, and brown colors, providing guidance on recycling and waste disposal in Otsego County.]()
How to Get Rid Of....
Click on the link below to learn how to recycle an/or properly dispose of items here in Otsego County.
-
![A man and woman smiling and holding a lamp together inside a brick-walled room with large windows. The man is wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and jeans, while the woman is wearing a purple jacket and a green hat.]()
Repair Cafe
Repair Cafés offer a creative and community centered way to reduce waste by repairing, rather than discarding, household items. OCCA partners with Otsego 2000 and the Otsego Land Trust to bring Repair Café events to locations such as the Cooperstown Farmers Market and the Earth Festival.
At each Repair Café, volunteer coaches share their skills and help participants troubleshoot and fix a wide variety of items including small appliances, clothing, toys, and home goods. These events not only extend the life of everyday objects but also build community connections, empower residents with new skills, and support a culture of sustainability.
