CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

On behalf of the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority (the Authority), I am pleased to submit the 2022 Annual Report. This year marked the 34th anniversary since the formation of the Authority.

2022 was another excellent year for the Authority. The Authority remains financially stable and strong, ending 2022 with a positive change in net position of $6,063,570. One driver in the year’s positive return was the EPA demolition of the Charlestown Complex located in Utica, NY. The Authority received 29,481 tons of direct haul asbestos. Furthermore, development in Oneida and Herkimer Counties continues to provide tonnage growth for the Authority.

In 2022, the Authority paid down principal on the only debt issue in the amount of $1,690,000. The remaining principal of $9,307,593 will be paid in full by April 1, 2026.

The recycling markets in 2022 contracted in comparison to 2021. For 2022, the Authority earned $2,630,836 in recycling sales which was a decline of $724,923 from 2021. The Authority continues to accept Oneida-Herkimer recyclables at no charge.

The Authority realized $501,311 in landfill gas revenue through a Landfill Gas Purchase Agreement with Waste Management Renewable Energy (WMRE) in 2022. The landfill gas revenue realized was $184,024 more than 2021. The increased landfill gas revenue included $176,255 in electricity sales revenue sharing with WMRE which is triggered when the electricity sales price exceeds an agreed upon price. In 2022, the Authority realized revenue through this sharing agreement for the first time in many years.

2022 marked the third full year of operation of the Authority’s Food2Energy Facility. This facility allows us to accept bagged and packaged non-edible food waste and divert it from disposal at the Regional Landfill. The facility produces an organic slurry which is used to generate electricity at Oneida County’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. The facility opened and became fully operational in June 2019. In 2022, the facility accepted and diverted 4,584 tons of organic food waste from the landfill. This was an increase from 2021 of 752 tons or 19.6%.

I am proud of the accomplishments and hard work from the employees and my fellow colleagues on the Authority Board. While we continue to manage the region’s waste and recyclables in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner, I invite you to review this summary of our operations, and feel free to call anytime.

Kenneth A. Long Chairman