Rye Receives County Eco Award for Highest Recycling Rate

The City of Rye has received an Eco Award from Westchester County for achieving the highest municipal curbside recycling rate in Westchester County in 2023. Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) hosted the 5th annual Eco Awards at Glen Island Park last Thursday. The Eco Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the environment and sustainability made by residents, students, schools, municipalities, businesses and other organizations.

Assistant City Manager Brian Shea accepted the award on behalf of the City. The residential curbside recycling rate is based on the materials left curbside for collection by the municipal sanitation department on recycling day. No other information was provided by the County on the scoring of other municipalities recycling rates or the actual rate of material diverted from the waste stream.

The other 11 winners:

• Greystone Food Scrap Program: For developing a food scrap recycling program at The Greystone Co-op, which resulted in diverting 8 tons of food scraps from the waste stream in 2023.
• Melanie Tucker: For a Capstone Project that educates on the importance of recycling not only for people but also for animals and our shared natural environment.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Zeta Nu Omega Chapter: For the Chapter’s instrumental role in A Love Letter to Nature, an interdisciplinary garden project designed to educate the community on composting and greenhouse gardening.
• The City of White Plains: For the development of a local composting site at the Gedney Way Recycling Center.
• Hilltop Hanover Farm: For developing and hosting the first Community Work Day for Native Plants Care.
• Balaboste: For emphasizing zero waste and sustainability principles in offering space organization services.
• Village of Irvington: For achieving the highest waste percent reduction in Westchester County in 2023.
• Brightcore Energy: For offering clients environmentally friendly options for meeting energy needs, while providing cost savings, limiting waste and reducing carbon footprint.
• David Tonjes – Stony Brook University: For research designed to improve the management of solid waste in New York State.
• Mom’s Organic Market ­in Dobbs Ferry: For an emphasis on environmental sustainability and locally sourced options, and providing customers with an extensive recycling take-back program.
• New Rochelle Parks Department – Green and Sustainable Operations Program: For implementing green practices that emphasize sustainability in operations, achieving a “Green Marina” designation, and donating produce to feed the food insecure.