‘Brilliant Ideas at Work’

What better place to spend Earth Day than the site dedicated to preserving the cleanliness of the land and water?

Madison County will celebrate National County Government Month in April (NCGM) on Earth Day, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to showcase how the county is building a healthy, vibrant and safe community through innovative efforts.

The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGM is “Brilliant Ideas at Work,” showcasing how counties are trailblazing new approaches, seizing opportunities and overcoming community challenges.

Public tours will showcase the innovative energy saving solutions at the Landfill site, such as: the 210 panel free standing solar array, the exposed geomembrane solar cap, the gas-to-energy facility that turns methane gas into electricity that is sold on the grid and Johnson Brothers Lumber drying kiln, which uses excess heat from the gas engine to dry lumber.

This family- oriented event will also feature “The Terminator”, a giant shredding machine that will be demonstrated by landfill employees along with heavy equipment demonstrations and a look at the new Styrofoam Recycling Densifier.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department will be on hand with their Command Trailer where SafeChild Cards will be issued, including a photo and fingerprints. The K9 unit will be in attendance along with the mobile camera tower, mobile radar speed sign, snowmobiles, and the boat used by the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office will also be bringing a patrol car with all the “bells and whistles”.

Residents can sign up for NY Alert for their cell phone or e-mail. The Emergency Management shelter, which can be heated or cooled, will be set up on site.

Sheriff’s deputies will be distributing free smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors to families and bike helmets for the kids.

“Madison County is proud of the programs and services we provide to our residents,” said Board Chairman John Becker. “Our efforts combined with efforts of counties across the country are helping American communities to thrive. I encourage all county residents to take advantage of National County Government Month’s outreach events to learn how the county can assist you and your loved ones.”

In addition to the NCGM events, the Madison County Dept. of Solid Waste & Recycling program is hosting two major events on Saturday as well.

The semi-annual Safe Pill Collection and free Shredding Event for destruction of confidential documents will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main Landfill site on Buyea Road in the Town of Lincoln – just 3 miles south of the traffic light on Route 5 in Wampsville - at the Re Use Store Building.

Residents can drop off controlled & non- controlled prescription medicines, over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and veterinary medications. Organizers ask that participants keep the medications in their original containers and cross off personal information with a black marker. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to collect medications.

Please bring any sharps (lancets & syringes) in red bio-hazard containers directly to the transfer station attendant – we do not accept these at the pill collection.

The ‘Safe Pill Drop Off’ is sponsored in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Agency, Madison County Sheriff’s Dept. and BRIDGES, Madison County Council on Alcholism & Substance Abuse along with the Madison County Dept. of Solid Waste & Sanitation.

Those attending the free shredding event can shred up to three cubic feet (3 file boxes) of confidential material on site.

PHOTO COURTESY MADISON COUNTY Affectionately dubbed the ‘Terminator’ for its power, this machine figures to play a large role during the demolition of properties participating in the City of Oneida FEMA Buyout.