Tucked away at the very end of Torne Valley Road, there’s a lot more than recycling going on at the low-slung Rockland County Solid Waste Mangement Authority buildings. Surrounded by geometrical shaped bio-solids composting near the hilltop plant, the center is the site where all county paper and plastic comes to be separated and processed in huge hanger-like warehouses. But those activities are only part of the authority’s activities. This Sunday, May 6, come rain or shine, the RCSWA team welcomes area residents to discover more about their efforts during the 3rd Annual Environmental Day: Living Green in Rockland from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“In all, we’re probably going to have close to 40 exhibitors in some way, shape or form,” said Kerri Scales, Solid Waste Educator at RSCWMA. “It’s probably going to be more than that. We have the county’s command center coming, we have the hybrid tour bus coming, we have an organic plant sale and farmers’ market.”

Scales said most of the activities will be tented, so people shouldn’t worry about rain or too much sun. “We have kids’ activities, tours of the environmental center and recycling center — and giveaways,” she said, adding that the event gives the authority an opportunity to show the public recycling’s all about.

At the heart of the Environmental Day’s events will be the RCSWMA Rockland Recycles! Awards, where winners will be honored for their green initiatives in a ceremony from 1pm – 2pm. The awards recognize excellence in recycling, waste prevention and reduction programs. One of last year’s awards winners was the Suffern Middle School Green Team.

“The reason we started this program was really to find a home for the Rockland Recylces! Awards,” Scales said. “What this awards program does is recognize excellence in waste reduction and recycling programs in Rockland County.  It’s a way to show people recognition for their good efforts as well as use them as models for success to hopefully encourage others to say, ‘if they can do it, I can do it too.'”

Part of the RCSWMA’s overall WasteWise initiative, which partners with the U.S. EPA and encourages area businesses and institutions to reduce disposal of solid waste, the awards reach out to recognize and highlight the successes of organizations, agencies, businesses, institutions, schools, and government entities that go above and beyond the norm to advance recycling and/or waste prevention/reduction. This year’s recipients include the BOCES Jesse Kaplan School, the Town of Clarkstown and Arri Inc., which has offices in Blauvelt, NY. An honorable mention will be awarded to Lillian Merrill.

“This is the first time we’re awarding a municipality,” Scales said, regarding the Clarkstown award. She said Lillian Merrill was being awarded for her environmental enthusiasm and recycling creativity. Merrill made crocheted bags out of plastic grocery bags, presenting them to RCSWMA staff.

Sunday’s Environmental Day will include a wide assortment of exhibitors, including We Care Organics, Clear Harbors and the Rockland Farm Alliance. The farmers’ market will include goods from Auntie El’s, Suburban Foragers, as well as displays from both the Piermont and Suffern Farmers’ Markets. The day also includes a Native Plants Demonstration Garden that will be open for strolling to learn about gardening with native New York State plants. A solar powered merry-go-round, balloon artist, environmental illustrator, airplane simulators, and live music with the Bossy Frog Band will be on hand for family fun.

At a nearby site alongside Torne Valley Road, visitors will have the chance to talk with Cornell Environmental Educator, Chuck Stead. Stead is reconstructing the Town of Ramapo’s 200-year-old Ramapo Saltbox House, with the help of college students. The Saltbox House will eventually become home to an environmental and cultural education classroom.

Scales said the day is an effort to let residents know that “there’s an agency in the county that’s actually working towards educating the public about all of the waste/environemental programs and services available.”

“With the communities in Rockland, we’re very close and tight knit,” she said. “So, it’s nice when there’s something positive happening within our community, for others to know and be able to support and participate.”

The 2012 Environmental Day, presented by Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority, takes place Sunday, May 6, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information, visit RocklandRecycles.