The Putnam County Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP) is currently in its public comment period. Having it get this far is quite an accomplishment. For several years, solid waste management did not have a dedicated staff person and the previous LSWMP had lapsed. In 2025, the health department was able to create a new position and brought back former Public Health Corps Fellow Savannah Usher, PhD-c, MPH, as the Solid Waste Program Manager. Savannah dove headfirst into gathering the needed information. She has created a new, updated plan for the future of solid waste in Putnam County, as is required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The LSWMP covers a broad scope of topics, including the existing solid waste infrastructure and current management plan; regulations, both countywide and by municipality, new state amendments, waste stream projections, and plans to reinvigorate a zero-waste challenge. The plan also outlines how Putnam plans to implement strategies to reduce waste, increase recycling, and promote sustainable materials management over the next decade. Continue reading to learn more about Savannah and her work in the Solid Waste Management program.

What drew you to this role and how did you get started?
My background is in public health, where I learned how housing, the environment, and community engagement all connect to well-being. Solid waste touches all of that, from air and water quality to access and education. I saw a chance to bring a public health lens to a field that’s often seen as just environmental and to help build healthier, more connected communities.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m really proud to have led the update of our County’s Solid Waste Management Plan. We relied on solid data and a clear, community-focused framework to make the plan more strategic and future-oriented. The result sets the groundwork for stronger partnerships and community-driven programs, helping Putnam County move toward a more collaborative and sustainable future.

What advice would you give someone looking to join this field?
You don’t need to be an environmental expert to get started. If you’re curious about how systems work and how health, behavior, and the environment connect, this field offers endless possibilities. Bring your strengths in communication, data, or community work because they all make a real impact here.

What motivates you during tough times?
I always remind myself that ‘Every day is a school day.’ To me, that means there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s improving a process, understanding community needs better, or finding a smarter or easier way to manage information and solutions. In this field, that mindset helps me stay open to new ideas and keep moving forward even when the work gets challenging.

What is something you have learned since working in this program that you think the public would find interesting?
Most people don’t realize how connected waste management is to public health. It’s not just about trash. It’s about access, education, and the systems that help people make healthier, more sustainable choices. When we see waste through that lens, it’s clearly about improving everyday life for everyone.

The LSWMP is available on the county’s recycling website at www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle, or in print at the health department, public libraries and town and village halls across Putnam. A presentation about the plan, providing a quick overview of each chapter, is also available on the website.

Those looking to make a comment on the plan have two options: calling 845-808-1390 extension 43164; or submitting a form, also available on the county’s website. For questions about the plan, or any solid waste and recycling questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..