A Nassau County recycling company is under pressure to finish cleaning up tons of decomposing yard waste that was allegedly dumped on preserved farmland in Calverton.
The site on Youngs Avenue has been a source of frustration and health concerns for nearby residents since the material began arriving in August 2024.
“The odor was so bad you couldn’t even come out of your house, open your windows. It was unbearable,” said Robert Hering, who lives next door.
According to Riverhead Town officials, the dumping was carried out by Patriot Recycling, a company based in Oceanside. The waste was allegedly deposited on Young’s Avenue Farm, a property owned by the same individual who owns Patriot Recycling. Importantly, the land is designated as preserved farmland — meaning it is protected from development and certain types of commercial activity.
On Tuesday, the property owner appeared in Riverhead Town Justice Court to face several code violations, including the illegal importation of material. The company has begun removing the waste.
In a statement from Riverhead Town Attorney Erik Howard, the cleanup effort has already seen the removal of roughly 5,590 cubic yards of material, with about 1,500 cubic yards still remaining. Patriot Recycling has reportedly been clearing approximately 520 cubic yards per day.
The town originally set a Wednesday deadline for the cleanup’s completion, but it has since been extended due to delays caused by rain. Town officials now say the work should be finished by early next week.
Residents, however, remain concerned about potential environmental contamination.
“Waste has to end up somewhere, but we’d rather it not end up in nice orchards like this,” said neighbor Steven Aupperle, referencing the surrounding farmland.
The property owner pleaded not guilty in court, and as of press time, their attorney has not responded to requests for comment.
