New Program Removes Financial Barriers for Small Businesses to Get into County Hauling Market
Woman-owned Monti’s Haulers, LLC, is the first hauling company to be accepted into the Small Business Incentive Pilot Program since it was passed by vote on April 1 by the Westchester County Solid Waste Commission. This is the first program of its kind in the history of the Commission that is strategically designed to lower the barriers and upfront costs for small businesses looking to enter and take part in the haulage sector in Westchester. The program reduces application fees, annual costs, and 4-year renewal fees by as much as 36% for eligible Class C2 Haulers who own or lease 1 vehicle.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “When we talk about supporting innovation and fostering inclusive economic growth, efforts like this are truly transformative. I applaud the big-picture thinking of the Solid Waste Commission for seeing an opportunity in hauling license fees and how much impact removing a financial barrier like this can have, both in the short and longer term. It’s empowering, and I congratulate Nilovna Martinez, the owner of Monti’s Haulers, on being the first to be part of this exciting program.”
The Westchester Solid Waste Commission is comprised of Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Finance Commissioner Karin Hablow, Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano, Environmental Facilities Commissioner Vinny Kopicki, County Police Commissioner Terrance Raynor and two civilians – Jennifer Fields-Tawil and Chair, The Honorable Anthony Scarpino.
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We voted unanimously and enthusiastically to greenlight this pilot. When you can remove impediments from those who will benefit the most and reduce the upfront costs for small businesses to get started in a field like this – we are creating new opportunities while helping to stimulate the economy. It’s a win-win-win.”
Solid Waste Commission Executive Director Peri Kadanoff, Esq. said: “Westchester is home to a vibrant and diverse hauling community. Creating these incentives to help small businesses to break into this market in our County is a great opportunity for the haulers. The impact is, however, much broader. Opening up the hauling industry directly impacts and supports those in construction and development because it expands our capacity to take on more projects to enhance our County.”
Program Incentive and Eligibility Info
Reduced vehicle fees apply to all eligible licensed and new companies. Reduced application fees only apply to new C2 Construction Debris Hauler Applicants who own or lease one vehicle. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Principal(s) may not have ownership in another related business. To be eligible your business cannot be a roll off business that rents or leases containers to customers. Learn more about the program incentives, reduced fee structure and reporting requirements at www.westchestergov.com/swc
About the Solid Waste Commission
This commission was created to serve as a watchdog agency to improve consumers' rights, lower costs, and foster fairness, honesty and competition in the solid waste and recycling industry.
The commission operates under the Westchester County Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection Licensing Law (Chapter 826-a of the Laws of Westchester County), which requires comprehensive background investigations of all applicants for a solid waste hauler’s license, as part of a major effort by Westchester County to reduce the influence of traditional Organized Crime and other criminal activity in this industry. The Commission requires all haulers and transfer stations have a county license to operate. Learn more at westchestergov.com/swc.