RECYCLING PRESENTATION AT FEBRUARY 24, 2026 PUBLIC MEETING
On 2/24/26, Warren County Board of Supervisors Public Works Committee will host a virtual presentation from Bob Gedert, former solid waste manager for the City of Fresno, CA; the City of Austin, TX; and Hamilton County, OH, and former President of the National Recycling Coalition. The meeting starts at 9:15 a.m.
Mr. Gedert has led the development of local infrastructure and financially self-sustaining recycling systems that reduced disposal by as much as 75% in large U.S. communities. In this presentation, he will discuss how municipalities have approached:
- Building local recycling infrastructure to reduce long-term disposal dependence
- Managing recycling market volatility and improving revenue stability
- Designing programs that aim to be financially self-supporting
- Phasing in pilot projects before making major capital commitments
- Evaluating operational and overhead considerations
- Engaging residents and stakeholders through effective community outreach and public events
This presentation is intended to provide real-world examples of how communities have strengthened recycling performance while maintaining fiscal and operational responsibility.
Warren County is currently evaluating options for improving its recycling system. No decisions have been made. This presentation is part of an information-gathering process to determine what may be feasible, practical, and financially responsible for our region.
The link to watch remotely is available here so interested residents and stakeholders may also view the presentation.
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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Public Works is responsible for overseeing all Warren County highway and bridge construction, maintenance of all road machinery and snow removal, as well as managing the following divisions: Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, Maintenance Shop, Buildings and Grounds, Civil Defense & Natural Disaster, Parks & Recreation, Engineering, Sewer Administration, and Highway & Traffic.
Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport
- Inspect airfield facilities daily
- Manage contract with Fixed-Base Operator
- Manage Federal and State grants for airport capital improvements
- Maintain/clean/paint airfield pavements; maintain airfield lighting & electrical services; clean and maintain buildings, septic systems and storm water facilities
- Control snow and ice (Note: National Award received for 2002-2003); maintain 699 acres of airport property; maintain associated equipment
- Provide emergency response services at the airport
- Market the airport to businesses and manage capital development to improve the airport and meet market demand
- Facilitate safe transition between aviation operations and events taking place at the airport
Maintenance Shop
- Responsible for service and maintenance on all DPW equipment; equipment is maintained at a reasonable level in order to keep it safe and dependable
- Preventive maintenance, New York State inspections and repairs are done in-house
Buildings and Grounds
- Routine building maintenance
- Wood shop - custom millwork and signs
- Special projects - office renovations, building repairs, construction, sidewalk/masonry
- Seasonal - summer grounds maintenance, winter snow and ice control
Civil Defense and Natural Disaster
- STOP-DWI / Traffic Safety - a program for Warren County residents to bring traffic safety issues to the attention of the Board of Supervisors and the NYS Department of Transportation. Also administers National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course to County Employees. (The Coordinator's salary is partially funded by this program)
- Office of Natural Disaster & Civil Defense - works with the State Office of Emergency Management to coordinate planning, response and mitigation in the event of a catastrophic incident; works to comply with State and Federal mandates. (The Deputy Director's salary is partially funded by State and Federal funds)
- Local Emergency Planning - mandated by State Archives and Records Administration Title III Regulations; meets with private industry, County departments, fire, police, etc. to ensure that hazardous materials are maintained and safely used, and incidents correctly managed
- County Department of Public Works Safety Officer - works to ensure that DPW employees have proper training and equipment; works to make sure the County is in compliance with PESH (Public Employees Safety and Health) standards
Parks & Recreation
- Warren County Bikeway - 12 miles of trail from Lake George to Glens Falls;
- Warren County Fish Hatchery Complex - Hatchery operations & visitor complex;
- Warren County Fairgrounds - maintain and operate facility;
- Warren County Railroad - administration of railroad operations;
- Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center - administers, operates and maintains educational facility;
- Warren County Cross County Ski Trails/Nature Trail Picnic Area - maintains 10 miles of trails;
- Canoe Access Sites on Hudson and Schroon Rivers - maintains and operates 8 sites;
- Snowmobile Trails - Coordinates trail program with local clubs;
- Sheriff's Dock Lake George - maintains dock for lake patrol;
- Sheriff's Garage - maintains satellite vehicle garage.
Engineering
- Transportation Improvement Program - funding mechanism for local highway projects;
- Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council -
- Local Bridge Program - inspect the County's 57 bridges and correct deficiencies;
- Permits - Work in County Right-of-way, hauling permits, posted roads, DEC permits involving bulk storage of fuel;
- Lake George Watershed Conference - represents the County in setting up and executing environmental priorities in the Lake George Drainage Basin;
- Hazard Mitigation Coordinator - provides assistance on issues involving natural and man-made hazards.
Additional Engineering Services
- Environmental review of properties for completion of SEQRA documents;
- Environmental engineering for petroleum contamination remediation projects;
- Provide guidance, advice and support services to various entities;
- Deputy Superintendent serves as Sewer Administrator of the Warren County Sewer District (Industrial Park).
Sewer Administration
- Warren County Sewer Project - administer $20,000,000 Federal grant for wastewater improvements.
Highway & Traffic
- Repair and upkeep of County Highways and appurtenances on 247.36 miles of highway;
- Snow and ice control;
- Road construction projects and CHIPs (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program).
Miscellaneous
- Inventory of County and Town roads;
- Traffic counts and pavement grades;
- Right-of-way information;
- Engineering designs, survey and inspection of smaller County projects;
- Develop specifications for equipment purchases;
- Develop and publish bid specifications;
- Develop and maintain the DPW web site.
Zero Waste Computer Recycling Event 10/18/25