In the late 1980’s, the Town of Amherst's leaders were alarmed with the increasing costs of solid waste disposal. The Town Board wanted to slow the increasing special district tax rates, and to comply with the newly enacted New York State recycling laws. On May 7, 1990, the Town Board approved a $1.8 million capital note and bond resolution for the design and construction of a yard waste compost facility. Construction began in the fall of 1990; the facility was completed in the winter of 1990-1991, and composting began in April, 1991.
The Town of Amherst Compost Facility is located at the intersections of Millersport Highway, Smith Road and New Road in East Amherst. See the figure below for a location map. Currently, the Compost Facility serves approximately 33,000 single-family residences, 10,000 multiple family residences and 800 landscapers within the Town of Amherst.
Amherst Compost Facility Location
The Town of Amherst obtained its original NYS Part 360 Solid Waste permit in 1990 and in 1996 obtained a SPDES Permit for storm water leachate wetlands treatment and discharge to a NYS Class C stream (Tonawanda Creek). Per the original Solid Waste permit, the facility was permitted for an annual volume of 30,000 cubic yards of solid waste. In November of 1994, the Solid Waste permit was increased to 70,000 cubic yards, and in November of 1999, the Solid Waste permit was again increased to 85,000 cubic yards.
The Town of Amherst Compost Facility produces and sells various compost and wood mulch products. The Compost Facility also sells AMEARTH, the biosolids fertilizer produced at the Town's Water Pollution Control Facility.
Contact Information
Links
U.S. Composting Council
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