OCCA has been involved with recycling, composting, and solid waste education efforts since the organization’s founding. Recognizing that waste management is a vital component of environmental conservation, we have consistently prioritized community education around reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Over the years, OCCA has hosted composting workshops, school presentations, and public outreach events to help residents make informed, sustainable choices when it comes to waste.
We work closely with the Otsego County Solid Waste and Planning Department to align our messaging, complement county programs, and amplify critical information about proper waste disposal and recycling procedures. By partnering with the county and other local stakeholders, we help ensure that residents have access to the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to manage their waste responsibly. Whether it’s explaining what goes in the recycling bin, helping people start backyard composting, or promoting special collection events for hard-to-dispose-of items, OCCA continues to be a key local resource in building a more sustainable and waste-conscious Otsego County.
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Drive Through, Drop Off Recycling
Mark your calendars for our upcoming recycling day in April 2025! OCCA is inviting all Otsego County residents to bring their hard-to-recycle items to Brewery Ommegang. We've made it as convenient as possible for you-simply drop off your items, and we'll take care of the rest. The 2024 Drive-Through Drop-Off happened on April 27, and we collected over 5000 pounds of hard-to-recycle items.
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Plastic Bag Challenge
OCCA, Otsego County Department of Solid Waste, and Casella Waste Management are proud sponsors of this significant challenge, inspired by a national initiative by Trex Company, Inc. The challenge's primary aim is to educate our youth and the wider community about the correct recycling methods for plastic bags and other film plastics. These items, such as bubble wrap, wood pellet bags, food storage bags, and package wrap, cannot be recycled in curbside programs or at County transfer stations. However, they can be conveniently dropped off at most grocery stores and other large retailers. By recycling film plastics, we can create a range of new products, including composite lumber and decking, plastic bags, and pallets, crates, and pipe.
The next challenge will begin in November 2025. The winners from the 2024 challenge were Unatego Elementary, which collected 2823 pounds of plastic, and Gibertsville Mount Upton Middle/High, which collected 490 pounds. Check with your local school district to see if they are participating.
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Household Hazardous Waste Day
Household Hazardous Waste Day (HHWD), is a way for residents and businesses to dispose of materials not-suitable for regular garbage processing. The program is sponsored by the Otsego County Solid Waste Department and occurs in August. Visit: Otsego County Solid Waste for specific details.
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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.
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Repair Cafe
Repair Cafés: A Community Fix for a Sustainable Future
In 2025, OCCA partnered with Otsego 2000 and the Otsego Land Trust to bring a series of Repair Cafés to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and the annual Earth Festival. Inspired by the global movement that began in Amsterdam in 2009, Repair Cafés are community events that encourage people to repair rather than discard broken items. These gatherings offer free, hands-on help from skilled volunteer coaches who assist with fixing everything from small appliances to clothing and household items. By reducing waste and sharing repair skills, Repair Cafés strengthen community connections and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.