James Zecca to Retire as Madison County ‘Recycling Czar’ After 30 Years

Community Advocate and Madison County Recycling 'Czar' James Zecca is retiring after 30 years of service.

Zecca has always had a passion for recycling. He started the first recycling program at SUNY Cobleskill in the 1970s, despite heavy opposition.

Zecca began working in Madison County 30 years ago and took a small, insignificant site and transformed it into the energy efficient facility it is today.

Reflecting on his tenure Zecca says, "Throughout my tenure at the Madison County Dept. of Solid Waste, I was fortunate to have a great group of people working shoulder to shoulder with me to turn a small rather insignificant landfill into a showplace for renewable energy."

The progress made in Madison County is something that has influenced professionals in the industry around the world. According to a release announcing Zecca's retirement, "Scientists, news reporters and those involved in the solid waste industry from Australia, Ecuador, Russia and Sweden, along with visitors from across the United States, have toured the Buyea Road landfill site seeking information on renewable energy from Director Zecca."

Zecca was presented with the 2014 New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement during the 25th anniversary conference of NYSAR3 in Cooperstown. His presence in Madison County will certainly be missed.

Congratulations to Mr. Zecca for his years of dedicated service to the community he has served.