Government

“Are You Our Next Environmental Volunteer Awardee?” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

1 year ago

June 26, 2025

The Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources is officially accepting nominations for the 28th annual Rockland County Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award.

To be eligible to receive the award an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a Rockland County resident. Individuals who have been nominated in the past, but not chosen, are eligible to be re-nominated.

Rockland County is a beautiful place that my administration, on top of protecting our people, is always striving to do more to preserve our environment and guide Rockland towards a greener future.

My administration is proudly ranked one of the top local governments nationwide by the Environmental Protection Agency for utilizing 100% U.S. green electricity.
My administration also launched Rockland’s Sustainability Project. Under this initiative almost two dozen departments are working together on generating a long-term plan to improve the County’s rankings in the New York State Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities programs. The more milestones we achieve in these programs the more grant funding we are eligible for, ultimately opening the door for more green investments without impacting the wallets of local taxpayers.
In addition, we purchased and preserved over 300 acres over the past year under our Open Space Acquisition Program including a historic house and barn located at 101 Old Rt. 304 in New City, known as the DePew House.
But protecting the beauty of Rockland cannot be accomplished by this administration alone; residents must also do their part.

Which is why every year we try to find one of those environmental heroes and honor them for their prestigious efforts with the County Executive’s Outstanding Environmental Volunteer Award. This award recognizes exceptional individuals who care for our parks, champion our watershed programs, encourage recycling, and work every day to enhance the natural beauty of our county’s open spaces.

Submission deadline is Friday, August 29th with the winner then honored by me with a tree dedication ceremony at Kennedy Dells Park on Wednesday, October 8th @ 11 a.m.

For more information, contact the Division of Environmental Resources at 845-364-2670 or via email at ENV@co.rockland.ny.us.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Government

Turn Food Scraps Into Compost with Rockland’s Recycling Program

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After a summer barbecue or family gathering, those leftover food scraps don’t have to end up in the trash.

Rockland County is encouraging residents to join its Food Scrap Recycling Program, which diverts food waste from landfills and turns it into nutrient-rich compost.

Food scraps that end up in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling items such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste, residents can help reduce emissions while creating a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

County officials say the program is easy to join and can make a meaningful difference in reducing a household’s environmental footprint.

From banana peels and watermelon rinds to leftovers from backyard cookouts, every bit of food waste recycled helps keep organic material out of landfills.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and sign up through the county’s Food Scrap Recycling Program.

Government

Rockland Health Department Issues Hudson River Recreation Update

Published

3 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is advising residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3, while reminding the public to follow state health guidance when recreating on the Hudson River this holiday weekend.

According to the department, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been coordinating with Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, and other partner agencies following the wastewater system disruption.

Health officials said residents should not drink untreated Hudson River water under any circumstances. They also advise against swimming or participating in activities that involve full-body immersion at beaches that remain closed.

However, officials said recreational activities involving partial contact with the water—including boating, kayaking, and fishing—are considered safe. Anglers are encouraged to review New York State Department of Health fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

The Rockland County Department of Health said it will continue working with state and local agencies to monitor conditions.