County Executive Neuhaus Promotes Greener Living with Compost & Rain Barrel

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced today that residents and businesses can purchase compost bins and rainwater barrels at discounted prices through the County's website, thanks to a partnership between the Orange County Department of Public Works Division of Environmental Facilities & Services and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

This green initiative aims to help residents reduce food waste, improve soil quality, and conserve water, all important steps in protecting the environment and reducing household utility costs.

"Programs like this empower our residents to take practical, everyday steps to reduce waste and protect our environment," said Neuhaus. "By composting and collecting rainwater, we not only cut costs but also make meaningful progress toward becoming a greener, more sustainable Orange County."

Food waste makes up nearly 18 percent of New York State's total solid waste, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Composting not only reduces waste sent to landfills but also creates nutrient-rich soil that benefits gardens and landscapes. Similarly, rain barrels help conserve water and reduce the strain on local infrastructure.

Added Neuhaus, "This initiative is designed to raise public awareness while at the same time enhancing our overall environmental quality."

Pre-orders must be placed online at http://www.enviroworld.us/orangecountyny by September 17th. All pre-ordered items will be available for pickup on September 24th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 18 Seward Avenue in Middletown.

Only a limited number of compost bins and rain barrels will be available for purchase on the day of pickup. All residents interested in participating are encouraged to place their orders early at http://www.enviroworld.us/orangecountyny.

Reach out to Ermin Siljkovic, Orange County's Recycling Coordinator, at (845) 291-3246 or drop him a line at [email protected].

For press inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information & Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or mailto: [email protected].

To stay informed about County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus' work and initiatives across Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on social media:

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC

You can also watch NeuCast podcasts and the Leadership Speaker Series on the Orange County Government YouTube channel.