A few items can also be dropped off without a permit, including textiles, electronics, vehicle batteries, and motor oil.

 

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  • Air Conditioner

    Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners go directly to the DSW, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown, for disposal. This is the only county-sponsored site that accepts Freon containing units. There is a $5 charge per unit. Residents must report to the scalehouse attendant, and show proof of county residency. Remove doors and any food before disposing of refrigerators or freezers.


  • Antifreeze

    Cannot be disposed of at the transfer station as liquid waste. If an automotive shop will not take it back, bring it to the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Aug. 5, 2023, by appointment.


  • Appliances

    Classified as an appliance: Stove, furnace/wood stoves, dishwasher, washer, dryer, hot water tanks. Put in metal bin.

    Caroga residents only: $5 appliance disposal charge, tickets sold by the town clerk. All other stations accept appliances at no charge from permitted residents. Station attendants are not expected to help with disposal, residents should bring assistance to help unload.

    Residents must bring Freon containing units (refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier, air conditioner) directly to the Fulton County DSW, 847 Mud Rd., Johnstown, for recycling. (See “Freon”)


  • Asbestos

    - Is NOT accepted at transfer stations. Call 518-736-5501 for more information on disposal.


  • Ashes

    No hot ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves or pellet stoves are accepted.


  • Automobiles, Car Parts

    - Whole automobiles, automobile frames, engines and transmissions are NOT allowed in the metal bin at the transfer stations. Car doors or bumpers can go in the metal bin. Residents should be encouraged to call a junk car disposal company.


  • Backing Up at Stations

    Vehicles should keep back a minimum of five feet if backing up to disposal hoppers as a personal safety precaution to residents during unloading of materials.


  • Barrels / Drums

    Barrels/55-gallon drums (metal or plastic)should be rinsed clean. They should be cut in half, or tops and bottoms MUST be removed to show that there is nothing inside. 55-gallon metal drums with tops and bottoms removed can be placed in the metal bin, as long as they are NOT rusted out. Plastic drums should be disposed of as garbage.


  • Batteries - Household (Alkaline)

    Only rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at the Electronics Collection at transfer stations. AAA, AA, C and D-cells etc. are considered as garbage.


  • Batteries - Rechargeable

    Residents can bring rechargeable batteries (nickel/cadmium or lithium ion batteries) to any transfer
    station, there is a special container, in with electronics.


  • Batteries - Vehicle

    Are NOT allowed to be disposed of as garbage. A designated location is available at the transfer station, as these are recycled. Residents should be encouraged to trade in their old battery, for a $5 to $10 rebate on the purchase of a new battery, wherever vehicle batteries are sold.


  • Bedsprings

    Metal bed springs go in the metal bin. Fabric covered box springs go in the garbage hopper.


  • Blackbags

    Black bags are not allowed for garbage (white or clear bags are both acceptable). A Fulton County Law went into effect on March 1, 1993 that states all bagged material entering the Fulton County Waste System shall be placed in a clear or a white bag. Per Fulton County Law, NO black bags are allowed for safety reasons. Transfer Station Attendants have the right to ask residents to open black garbage bags at hoppers. This helps to ensure employee safety.


  • Boat Wrap

    The overwrap used to seasonally store boats should go into the garbage.


  • Boats

    Boats are NOT allowed in the garbage hoppers or metal bins at the transfer stations. Residents should be encouraged to sell or give away an unwanted boat. If it is in total disrepair, call the DSW to arrange for direct disposal and to get information on the current commercial refuse rate, (which will be charged by weight).


  • Books

    Soft cover books and phone books can be placed in recycling. Hardcover books are NOT acceptable as recyclable, with covers intact. Either remove the binding and recycle the paper, share books with others, check with your local library to see if they want it as a donation, or throw the entire book in the garbage.


  • Bulk Metals

    Stoves, furnace/wood stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, hot water tanks, automobile doors, mufflers, aluminum chair frames, old pipe, etc. These go into bulk metal bins at transfer stations (resident must have valid permit).

    Items unacceptable as bulk metal include:

    • Tires (See Tires)
    • Large propane tanks (See Propane Tanks)
    • Paint cans (See Paint)
    • Cloth covered box springs (go in garbage)
    • Freon units (See Freon)
    • Engine parts, Car frames, Gas tanks

    Residents must bring all Freon containing units (refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier, air conditioner) directly to the Dept. of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown. There is $5 charge per unit. See
    also: “Appliances” and “Metal Bin”


  • Business / Commercial / Industrial / Institutional

    Are NOT allowed to use the transfer stations. Transfer stations are for RESIDENTIAL use only, as specified in the County’s Local Solid Waste Management Law, as well as contracts between municipalities and the County. Business and commercial entities should arrange for garbage disposal on their own, through a permit to use the Fulton County Landfill, or by hiring a private garbage/refuse hauler. Call the DSW at 518-736-5504 about the Small Business Recycling Program, which offers direct recycling drop-off.


  • Cellphones

    Cell phones may be dropped off at any Electronics Drop-off, located at all transfer stations.


  • Cement (Blocks)

    The DSW recommends that residents find a clean-fill location to dispose of cement blocks. This department does not make recommendations of any particular clean fill area, as residents must find these locations on their own. Or they can call the DSW for rates and disposal at the Mud Road Facility.


  • Clean Wood Products

    These special non-residential disposal categories for construction and demolition debris, as well as clean wood products, were established by the Fulton County Dept. of Solid Waste in 2010. It provides an alternate disposal to landfilling - and these categories qualify for LEED certification for recycling.

    CATEGORIES CANNOT BE MIXED

    Clean Wood Products will be processed and ground in the department’s tub grinder. The finished material will be used as mulch or compost.

    • Tree parts
    • Brush
    • Pallets
    • Lumber - No paint (max length 8 ft.)

    *NOT ACCEPTED AS CLEAN WOOD:

    • Wood treated with paint, adhesive, lacquer or other chemicals.
    • No Plywood.
    • No Stumps.

    Call 518-736-5501 for details


  • Clear Bags

    No plastic bags allowed in singlestream recycling, except shredded paper, which goes in a clear plastic bag. This bag can be included in the recycling bin. Black bags are not allowed for garbage (white or clear bags are both acceptable). A Fulton County Law went into effect on March 1, 1993 that states all bagged material entering the Fulton County Waste System shall be placed in a clear or white bag. Per Fulton County Law, black bags are NOT allowed for safety reasons. Transfer Station Attendants have the right to ask residents to open black garbage bags at hoppers.


  • Closing Time

    Residents must be unloaded and out of the station by closing time. This means they should allow enough time to unload their vehicles to exit at the scheduled closing time. The attendant has the right to refuse to allow a resident to unload if it will prevent the station from closing at the assigned time.


  • Computers / Electronics

    As of Jan. 1, 2015, all electronics are banned from landfill disposal, as per New York state law. The Department of Solid Waste offers Electronics Collection to all Fulton County residents, with drop-offs at all transfer stations (during the station’s regular hours). There is no cost, and no transfer station sticker is needed to drop off: computer towers, monitors, keyboards, printers, computer peripherals, fax machines, cell phones and televisions. (Small businesses and non-profits can use the Electronics Collection at the Department of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown).


  • Construction & Demolition Debris

    These special non-residential disposal categories for construction and demolition debris, as well as clean wood products, were established by the Fulton County Dept. of Solid Waste in 2010. It provides an alternate disposal to landfilling - and these categories qualify for LEED certification for recycling.

    CATEGORIES CANNOT BE MIXED

    Construction & Demolition Debris will be crushed and used as alternate daily cover or as road base.

    • Concrete (no metal)
    • Asphalt pavement
    • Bricks
    • Rocks

    Call 518-736-5501 for details


  • Cooking-Oil

    Should NOT be disposed of at a transfer station; it is liquid and NO liquid waste is accepted. If this comes up for a business, direct them to contact the DSW directly at 518-736-5504 for a listing of businesses that handle cooking oil disposal.


  • Covered Loads

    Waste and recyclables must be contained when being brought to a transfer station. Garbage and recyclables must be contained so that they do not create litter while being transported from a residence to the station. Contained garbage is a state Department of Transportation Law!! This can be accomplished in several ways – a tarp over loose garbage, or covers on containers such as garbage cans, or weighted down bags.


  • Curbside Recycling Service

    Is available in 11 municipalities. Check the recycling brochure for the pick up schedule. All transfer stations have drop off of singlestream recycling, as well as the following recyclable items: used motor oil; vehicle batteries; rechargeable batteries; bulk metal items (excluding Freon units); electronics; and textiles.


  • Dead Animals

    Are NOT allowed to be put in containers at transfer stations. Medium to large animal carcasses (such as dead deer), are classified as Special Waste and can be disposed of directly at the Department of Solid Waste, call ahead for an appointment and a nominal fee will be assessed at the commercial rate.


  • Dirt and Rocks

    Should NOT be coming into a transfer station. Residents should dispose of them on their own property, or bring that material to a clean fill area. This department does not make recommendations of any particular clean fill area.


  • Disposal Fees

    Year 2023 rates are $53/ton for the garbage containers hauled by the Department of Solid Waste to the landfill, which is charged back to the municipality. Recycling (hauling) rates are $20.00/ton from transfer stations, so the more residents recycle, the more money they save.


  • Donut Tires

    Can be disposed as a tire (with rims off), at the Solid Waste Department. There is a $3.00 charge for donut tires.


  • Dump Trucks

    Dump Trucks and Dump Trailers are NOT allowed at transfer stations, under any circumstance.


  • Electronics

    As of Jan. 1, 2015, all electronics are banned from landfill disposal, as per New York state law. The Department of Solid Waste offers Electronics Collection to all Fulton County residents, with drop-offs at all transfer stations (during the station’s regular hours). There is no cost, and no transfer station sticker is needed to drop off: computer towers, monitors, keyboards, printers, computer peripherals, fax machines, cell phones and televisions. (Small businesses and non-profits can use the Electronics Collection at the Department of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown).


  • Fire Extinguishers

    Residents should be encouraged to refill those that are refillable. Empty fire extinguishers (with all contents discharged) can go in the bulk metal bin at transfer stations. Hold full or partially full tanks for the next HHW event.


  • Fluorescent Bulbs

    Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs can be dropped off at the DSW Electronics Collection Trailer during regular hours (7:15 am-3 pm weekdays; 7:15-11:30 am Saturday), or they can be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste Day, Aug. 14, 2021. They can also be disposed of as garbage by residents. Business disposal of fluorescent bulbs is handled differently; businesses should call the Recycling Info-Line direct at 518-736-5504 for alternate disposal options.


  • Freon Units

    Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners go directly to the DSW, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown, for disposal. This is the only county-sponsored site that accepts Freon containing units. There is a $5 charge per unit. Residents must report to the scalehouse attendant, and show proof of county residency. Remove doors and any food before disposing of refrigerators or freezers.


  • Helium Tanks / Oxygen Tanks

    Helium tanks and oxygen tanks can not be disposed of at transfer stations, either in the garbage or recyclable metal. Residents should return them to the original place of purchase, or contact Bornt’s Waste & Metal at 518-725-6227 for disposal options.


  • Hot Tubs / Spas

    Residents should be encouraged to sell or give away an unwanted hot tub. If it is in total disrepair, call the DSW to arrange for direct disposal and to get information on the current commercial refuse rate, (which will be charged by weight).


  • Hours of Operation

    Station hours are posted on large signs at the front of each station. Holiday closings are announced
    in the local newspapers, in the Recycling Calendar, and at the stations where a flier is posted. Municipal clerks and officials are notified by letter through the Department of Solid Waste.


  • Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day

    The Department of Solid Waste sponsors household hazardous wastes drop off on alternating years. It is for residents and by appointment only. The next program will be held in the summer of 2023. There is no charge.

    The following type of items are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event:

    • Pool Chemicals & Pool Chemical Bottles
    • Lawn Care Products (Pesticides, Fertilizers, Herbicides, Insecticides)
    • Oil-based House Paint and Latex House Pain
    • Household Cleaning Products
    • Solvents, Degreasers
    • Driveway Sealer
    • Automotive Fluids (anti-freeze, brake fluid etc.)
    • Home Maintenance Products(Thinner, Strippers, Varnish)
    • Roofing Tar
    • Photographic Chemicals

  • Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off

    The next county-wide Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day will be held in the summer of 2023.

    Residents are advised to hold unsafe materials in a safe spot until the next HHW event in 2023 – especially petroleum-based products, or items marked as poisonous, flammable or caustic.

    Many items can be left in the original can and dried out (such as paint, roofing tar, or sheetrock and joint compound). Once completely hardened, the material can be disposed of in regular garbage, (NOT Recycling) with the lid clearly removed, so garbage crews can tell there is no liquid contained within. This is the best way to dispose of old/bad paint.

    To dispose of good, reusable latex paint, please call (855) PAINT09 or visit paintcare.org for drop off site locations. Bad paint should be dried up in the can and disposed with garbage, as explained above.

    For questions, call the Solid Waste Department’s Recycling Info-Line at (518) 736-5504.


  • Intended Use of Transfer Station

    Transfer stations are open only to residents of the municipality for their regularly generated household garbage and small quantities of remodeling waste. This is specified in both local County law and the contract between the municipality and County for the use of each station. The rule of thumb for quantity allowed for remodeling waste is the equivalent of five pick up truckloads for any one project (except Northampton, which accepts only 3 loads of remodeling debris). If a resident says they will have more than this quantity, they should be advised to hire a private hauler to handle the job. Call the Department of Solid Waste at 518-736-5501 for a list of permitted haulers in your area.


  • Landlords

    Are NOT allowed to use transfer stations to dispose of garbage from their tenants’ apartments; for clean-out of a dwelling when a tenant leaves; or in renovating an apartment house. Landlords are considered to be businesses, since they earn revenue from renters. Therefore, a landlord should be advised to tell his or her tenants to utilize existing curbside garbage collection services in the municipality where they live, or to obtain a permit for the station that serves the municipality where they rent. The Landlord may hire a hauler to bring refuse directly to the Fulton County Landfill,
    or may open an account with the Department of Solid Waste.


  • License Plates

    Can be recycled in the bulk metal bin at transfer stations. License plates are NOT accepted in curbside pick up programs.


  • Liquid Waste

    Of any kind is NOT allowed to be disposed of at any Fulton County Solid Waste facility, including the transfer stations. (Used motor oil is considered a recyclable.)

    Paint must be dried up by putting cat litter, dirt, sand or sawdust in the paint until it is no longer in liquid form. Any good, reusable latex paint can be brought to the Latex Paint Exchange at the Department of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown, from June through August.


  • Manure

    Manure may not be disposed of at any Fulton County solid waste facility. Manure generated by farm animals should be disposed of on site as a farm is considered a business and is not allowed the use of transfer stations. Small quantities of animal waste can be disposed of at the transfer station, but it must be contained in a bag, or sealed in some manner.


  • Mattress

    Mattresses (and cloth-covered box springs) can be disposed of as garbage. (Metal bedsprings go into metal bin).


  • Metal Bin

    The following items may be deposited in the bulk metal bin at transfer stations for recycling:

    ACCEPTABLE

    • Mufflers, Old pipe, Old wire
    • Car doors, Hoods , License plates
    • Appliances (See “Appliances” page 1)
    • Aluminum doors, aluminum chair frames
    • Oil tanks (for furnaces) See Oil Tanks,
    • page 9, for preparation instructions.
    • Metal 55-gallon drums w/tops & bottoms
    • removed & crushed
    • Lawn mower engines with all fluids drained

    UNACCEPTABLE

    • Gas tanks
    • Car frames, Tires
    • Car/Truck Engine parts
    • Transmissions
    • Paint cans, Propane tanks
    • Cloth covered box springs
    • Freon-containing units

  • Motor Oil

    Motor oil from lawn mowers and vehicles is acceptable for recycling at all transfer stations at no charge. Oil must be placed in a translucent jug (See-through, such as a windshield washer container) with a screw-on cap, to keep it from spilling. Used oil jugs should be handed to the attendant, who pours it into a 55-gallon drum. It is the attendant’s responsibility to hold the oil for at least 24 hours to ensure that no contaminants are in the oil, before pouring it into the drum. Residents are NOT allowed to pour oil directly into the drums! Do NOT mix thinners, antifreeze or any other automotive fluids in with the oil.


  • Needle Disposal

    See Sharps


  • No Smoking

    There is no smoking allowed at the transfer stations, by the attendants, who are county employees. Residents are also prohibited from smoking while they dispose of garbage and recyclables and lit cigarette butts should NOT be thrown into the garbage hoppers, as there is danger of fire.


  • Oil Tanks

    Oil tanks (fuel oil tanks for furnaces) must be empty and cut in half and flattened; or they can be drilled with numerous holes on all sides. An alternative method of disposal is to take the tank to Bornt Waste & Metal, call 518-725-6227 for information on their hours and disposal requirements.


  • Paint – Latex & Oil Based Options

    Please call (855) PAINT09 or visit paintcare.org for a list of drop off site locations.

    To dispose of small quantities of any kind of paint – completely dry up the liquid paint (in the original can) and dispose of it with regular household garbage, with the lid clearly removed. Dry the paint by removing the lid and letting the can sit until it is solidified; or bulk-up liquid paint with cat litter, sand, or sawdust, let it harden, then throw away in regular garbage, with the lid re-
    moved. Do not recycle paint cans in singlestream recycling.

    Bad oil paint or stain can be disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day, which is held every other year (See HHW Drop-off Day.) 

    Call the Recycling Info-Line, 518-736-5504 with questions.


  • Permit Sales

    Are the responsibility of the municipality served by the transfer station, per the contract between the municipality and the County. The color of the permit sticker, timing of renewal and cost of sticker are determined by the municipality, which should notify this department of the new color, price, etc. Municipalities are encouraged to ensure the permittee is the owner of a residence in that municipality, (meaning they have a residence, not just land with no structure on it,) and obtain their name, license plate number, make and model of vehicle, address and phone number. This information assists this department in identifying anyone who abuses the station rules.

    It is Department of Solid Waste policy that transfer station permit stickers must be permanently affixed to the vehicle listed on the application. Residents are NOT allowed to loan their sticker privileges to others. Proper display of a valid sticker assists the station attendant to ensure the station is not being abused; assists them in performing their job, and assures the municipality isn’t paying for waste that doesn’t come from within their area or from businesses.


  • Permit Stickers, Revocation

    The Director of the Department of Solid Waste through local solid waste management aw, has the authority to revoke a user’s permit to utilize a transfer station for just cause. Typically, an attendant brings a problem of noncompliance, unauthorized business use, or non-resident use of a station to this department’s attention.

    Transfer station attendants are advised to write down the permit sticker number, license plate number, make and model of the vehicle in case of a problem, so this department can match the permit sticker with the individual. Municipal clerks, who sell the stickers and keep records of permit numbers, are helpful in identifying an abuser. Depending on the infraction, the Director may issue a warning, or revoke the permit. Revocation is done via letter, with a copy to municipal clerks and station attendants.

    Revocation may be permanent, or for the remainder of the year. If someone whose permit has been revoked attempts to use a station, they are turned away. In extreme circumstances, the Sheriff’s Department may be called to escort a revokee out of the station. Anyone whose permit is revoked should hire a private hauler or utilize curbside garbage pick up if offered in the municipality.


  • Pharmaceuticals

    Leftover or outdated prescription and over-the-counter medicines should not be flushed down the toilet. Residents are encouraged to use the Prescription Drug Drop Box, located in the lobby of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department on Rt. 29, Johnstown. It is no cost and available 24 hours a day. (Controlled substances and veterinary medicine are also accepted. No liquids or sharps). The Gloversville Police Department also has a drop-box in the lobby. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Most pharmacies in Fulton County have mailback programs for old medicines. An alternate disposal method is to mix the medicine with dirt, kitty litter, or coffee grounds and put it into the regular garbage. The empty pill bottles are also garbage (not recycling).


  • Pizza Boxes

    Clean, non-greasy pizza boxes, both corrugated and one-layer cardboard, are allowed in singlestream recycling. All food waste should be removed. Dirty boxes should go into the garbage.


  • Plastic Grocery Bags

    One-use plastic grocery bags should be deposited at grocery and retail stores. “Bags of plastic bags” (including bubble wrap and film wrap) go in specially marked bins at stores. No loose bags or “bags full of bags” are allowed in singlestream recycling. The New York State one-use plastic bag ban begins March 1, 2020, residents are encouraged to use re-useable bags.


  • Prohibited Materials

    The following materials are prohibited from disposal at all transfer stations:

    • HOT ASHES
    • COMMERCIAL WASTE
    • LIQUID WASTE
    • INFECTIOUS WASTE
    • EXPLOSIVE WASTE
    • SEPTAGE & SLUDGE
    • HAZARDOUS WASTE
    • PROPANE TANKS (Dispose at DSW only)
    • DEAD ANIMALS
    • FREON UNITS (Dispose at DSW only), $5 ea. for residents. See “Freon”
    • MEDICAL WASTE
    • TIRES (Dispose at DSW only.) Fees apply. See “Tires” 

  • Propane Tanks

    20-lb propane tanks (barbeque grill size) are accepted at the DSW ONLY (next to Freon units). No permit needed. Small 1-lb propane tanks (Coleman portable stove size) can be disposed of as garbage if EMPTY. Large propane tanks (such as 100 lb. residential tanks) should go back to the dealer.


  • Quantities & Limitations

    The transfer stations are designed to accept weekly generated household refuse, and SMALL QUANTITIES of remodeling debris. Rule of thumb, is any one project is allowed the equivalent of five pick up truck loads.

    (Except Northampton, which allows only three loads).

    If more than that quantity will be generated, residents should be advised to hire a hauler.


  • Recyclables (at transfer stations)

    Details are outlined in Department of Solid Waste brochures. Additional brochures available upon request by calling the DSW at 518-736-5504. All transfer stations accept the following material (a permit is needed for singlestream recycling or bulk metals).

    • Singlestream Recycling - Drop-off containers for singlestream recycling are located at every transfer station. (See Singlestream for recycling preparation guidelines). Recycling can be transported in any way convenient to resi- dents, and dumped loose into the bin at the transfer station. Residents need valid permits to recycle at transfer stations.
    • Bulk Metals - Stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. (See "Bulk Metal"). A transfer station permit is needed for metal disposal. Caroga residents must purchase a coupon from municipal clerk to dispose of an appliance (see "Appliances.")
    • Electronics and televisions - see “Computers”
    • Textiles & Shoes - Put in textile collection boxes. See “Textiles” for expanded list.
    • Motor Oil - Put used motor oil in a translucent jug with a tight cap, hand to station attendant (Residents DO NOT pour the oil into the 55-gallon drums themselves).
    • Propane Tanks - 20-lb propane tanks are accepted at the Solid Waste Department ONLY. No permit needed. (Put next to Freon units). Small, empty 1-lb propane tanks are garbage.
    • Rechargeable Batteries - Residents can bring rechargeable batteries and button batteries and dispose of them in special containers at each transfer station (in with electronics).
    • Vehicle Batteries - Place in designated location at each transfer station. Or encourage residents to turn in their batteries for the rebate at stores that sell vehicle batteries.

    Perth residents are allowed use of the Broadalbin Transfer Station, 221 Union Mills Road, to drop off used motor oil, rechargeable batteries, vehicle batteries, electronics or textiles at no charge (and no sticker needed).


  • Recycling Law

    “Source Separation” or recycling, has been mandatory in Fulton County since 1992. This means that recyclables previously noted, CANNOT be included in with garbage. It is a Transfer Station Attendant’s job to look at both garbage bags and recyclables to ensure adherence to both recycling and garbage disposal guidelines. The more residents recycle, the less they pay through their local taxes, and it lengthens the life of the Fulton County Landfill.


  • Refrigerators/Freezers

    Freon containing units (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers are not accepted at transfer stations. They may be disposed of only at the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown. There is a $5 disposal fee (residential). See Freon


  • Residency

    Out of County waste is NOT permitted to come to the transfer stations. Municipalities selling permit stickers should make every effort to ascertain that a permit applicant is a resident of their municipality (meaning they have a residence in that municipality, not just land with no structure on it.)


  • Scavenging Prohibited

    Once deposited at a County owned facility such as the transfer station, all materials become the property of the County. Residents are NOT allowed to take items from transfer stations, and are NOT allowed to climb into any container to retrieve anything. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!

    County ownership is noted in the County’s local solid waste law, and there is liability on the part of the County if someone were to get hurt trying to retrieve an item out of any county container.


  • Sharps (Syringe & Needle Disposal)

    There are several safe, approved methods of disposal for used needles, syringes and lancets. Palmer’s Pharmacy in Johnstown participates in the “Project Needle Smart” program. A free 1 quart container or miniholder is given on request, and the store has an anonymous drop-off kiosk to deposit the container when filled. (Sharps disposal containers can also be purchased at all pharmacies).

    Filled containers can also be dropped off at the Fulton Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care, 847 County Highway 122, Johnstown. Call the facility at 518-773-3400 for drop-off information. An alternate method is to place needles in a rigid plastic container, (such as a liquid laundry detergent bottle) and tape the top closed with duct tape and PUT IT IN THE GARBAGE.

    A PLASTIC JUG WITH NEEDLES SHOULD NEVER GO IN WITH RECYCLABLES!


  • Shingles

    Can be disposed of at transfer stations, but refer to QUANTITY AND LIMITATIONS (page 12), for the equivalent of 5 pick-up truck loads (except Northampton, which allows 3 loads) for a home improvement project. If the quantity will be greater than five loads worth, resident should be advised to hire a private hauler. Call the Department of Solid Waste for a list of local permitted haulers. Station attendants are within their job duties to request the loads be spaced out and not be brought on the same day, so the garbage hoppers do not become overfull.


  • Shredded Paper

    Shredded paper (from a paper shredder) should go into a clear plastic bag. This bag should be included with (loose) singlestream recycling. Put the tied bag (of shredded paper) into recycling containers at transfer stations. For curbside recycling put the bag in the bin if it fits, or else set a larger bag on the ground, beside the recycling bin. This should be the only item in plastic bags for singlestream recycling.


  • Singlestream Recycling

    (all loose, no plastic bags)

    • Paper Products - Newspapers, color inserts, magazines, glossy ads, junk mail, phone books and soft cover books, clean pizza boxes, milk and juice cartons, and “grayboard” (one-layer cardboard, like cereal boxes or paper egg cartons). Shredded paper (only) goes in a clear plastic bag. NO hardcover books, carbon paper, tissues or paper napkins.
       
    • Corrugated Cardboard- (three layers with a wavy inner layer).Flatten all cartons. These go into singlestream containers at transfer stations. For curbside recycling, corrugated cardboard can be set beside or under the bin (do not tie / do not put in plastic bag).
    • Glass- Clear, brown & green bottles and jars– rinse clean. Labels and caps DO NOT have to be removed. Take deposit bottles back for 5-cent refund.
    • Plastic- Food and beverage containers that resemble a bottle(screw top), milk jugs, and containers such as margarine tubs, yogurt cups (flexible plastics). Caps and labels DO NOT have to be removed, but container should be rinsed. Take plastic deposit bottles back to the store for 5-cent refund. NO: flowerpots, toys, Styrofoam, pool chemical bottles, pill bottles or motor oil bottles should be put into recycling.
    • Tin & Aluminum Cans- Rinse can, put lid inside can and crimp. Labels DO NOT have to be removed. Take aluminum deposit cans back to the store for 5-cent refund.

  • Solicitation at Transfer Stations

    is NOT allowed, by political candidates, non-profit organizations, businesses, etc., due to liability issues. If a group or organization asks to sell something or distribute fliers or information at a station, the request will be denied.


  • Stumps

    Should be disposed of onsite, and are not allowed at transfer stations due to size and quantity. Residents should check the DEC website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/ ⇗) or call the Recycling Info Line at 518-736-5504 to locate a DEC-approved land-clearing debris disposal site.


  • Styrofoam Peanuts

    Are NOT recyclable in Fulton County’s recycling program. Suggest reusing them for mailing fragile packages or donating them to commercial mailing centers. Large blocks of Styrofoam packaging, as well as Styrofoam cups, plates, to-go containers or egg cartons, go in the garbage.


  • Televisions

    Residents can drop off televisions with electronics at the transfer station that serves their municipality, (during regular hours of operation, at no charge).


  • Textiles

    Containers are located at all transfer stations. These are for clothing, shoes, belts, hats, curtains, linens, blankets, towels and stuffed animals. Items should be placed inside a clear plastic bag that is tied. Residents should be directed to the Salvation Army Thrift Store, 43 West Fulton St., Gloversville, or other second-hand stores, if they have miscellaneous household items such as lamps, small appliances, vases, knickknacks. These (non-cloth) items should not be placed in the textile boxes.


  • Thermostats

    Non-digital (mercury containing) thermostats can be dropped off year round at the Electronics Collection at the Department of Solid Waste. There is no charge, and this program is open to residents, contractors and businesses. Thermostats are also accepted at the HHW Drop-Off.


  • Tires

    ALL TIRES MUST BE OFF THE RIM. Residents can drop off tires ONLY at the Fulton County Department of Solid Waste, 847 Mud Road, Johnstown.
    The charge per tire is:

    •  $5 each for tires up to, and including 21” (a typical car or pick up truck tire. This includes motorcycle and donut tires.)
    •  $13 each 21.5” - 24.5”
    • Tires over 24.5” will be charged by weight: $350/ton
    • Bulk Tires (over 20 tires) are charged by weight: $350/ton.

    Residents must report tires to the scale house attendant, and provide proof they are a Fulton County resident. Tires must be placed in a designated location at the DSW transfer station. The attendant will direct residents to the appropriate spot.

    Residents should also be encouraged to utilize disposal options offered wherever their new tires were purchased.


  • Trailers

    are allowed to use transfer stations, but only single axel, (2 wheel) non-dumping style, maximum size 5’ by 8’. No exceptions. (All other larger trailers are considered commercial and owners must obtain a permit to use the Fulton County Landfill if so desired.)


  • U-Hauls

    Are NOT allowed at transfer stations. If a resident inquires about renting a U-Haul, have them call the DSW for approval and information on disposal rates and guidelines.


  • Vehicle-Batteries

    Accepted at all stations (no permit needed). Place in designated location. Stores that sell vehicle batteries will give a $5 to $10 rebate when an old battery is brought in, so encourage residents to trade in their batteries for the rebate.


  • When to Recommend Hiring a Private Hauler

    If a resident intends to do a home improvement/remodeling project, or a huge clean out of a garage, attic, shed, etc., and the quantity will be more than the equivalent of five pick-up truck loads (three loads in Northampton), a private hauler should be recom-mended. Call the Department of Solid Waste (578-736-5501) for a list of permitted haulers in your area.


  • Wood Waste/Limbs/Branches

    Limbs are acceptable, but only 3 feet in length maximum, and 6 inches in diameter. If there is a large quantity, it is recommended that residents hire a private hauler.