Chapter 5. Alternatives Evaluation And Selection

After assessing the existing conditions, the next step is to evaluate the various technological and programmatic alternatives and enhancements available to the planning unit to decrease the amount of waste disposed and increase reduction, recycling and recovery of recyclables. The assessment must include the following:

  • Alternatives Assessment: The alternatives assessment must address, at a minimum, the introduction or enhancement of the following efforts or describe why they are not applicable:
    • Waste reduction programs
    • Reuse programs
    • Recyclables recovery programs for paper, metal, glass, plastic and textiles
    • Organics recovery programs for food scraps and yard trimmings
    • Programs to develop or improve local and regional markets for recyclables
    • Enforcement programs
    • Incentive-based pricing
    • Education and outreach
    • Data collection and evaluation efforts
    • Local hauler licensing programs, including an assessment of laws preventing commingling of recyclables with waste
    • Flow control and districting potential
    • C&D debris reduction, including deconstruction, reuse and recovery programs
    • Private sector management and coordination opportunities
    • Management of waste through thermal treatment technologies
    • Waste disposal options

The information used in the alternatives assessment may be drawn from sources provided by the Department or any other information available to the planning unit.

  • Alternatives Evaluation: The evaluation must include alternatives that may enhance existing solid waste management programs or add new program elements. For each alternative evaluated, the following must be addressed:
    • Administrative/Technical Impacts:
      • The estimated quantitative and qualitative impact of each alternative on the various components of the waste stream
      • The appropriate types and sizing of facilities or programs needed, based on the projected quantities and composition of the solid waste generated
      • A summary of the cost data used for evaluation, including consideration of any available life-cycle analysis data for the various alternatives
      • The impact or effect on natural resource conservation, energy production and employment-creating opportunities
    • Jurisdictional Impacts:
      • An assessment of interest in participation by other neighboring planning units or other neighboring jurisdictions
      • Alternatives that would be available if any neighboring planning units or other neighboring jurisdictions participated
      • Comments and recommendations received from any neighboring planning units or other neighboring jurisdictions
      • An assessment of the environmental justice impacts in the planning unit
  • Selected Alternatives and Programs Identification:
    • The alternatives chosen and reasons for their selection
    • An identification of expected qualitative and quantitative impacts, including, but not limited to: waste reduction, reuse, materials recovery, increased participation in recovery opportunities and product stewardship programs, as well as any economic, administrative or partnership benefits
    • An identification of the administrative, contractual and financial requirements
    • An identification of any new or modified local laws, ordinances or regulations that may be required to fully implement the selected alternatives

Chapter 6. Implementation Plan and Schedule


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DMM, Bureau of Solid Waste Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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