Westchester County has announced the expansion of its Small Business Incentive Program designed to assist local waste haulers. The initiative, managed by the Solid Waste Commission, aims to provide reduced licensing and vehicle fees to smaller companies, particularly “junk” haulers, removing financial obstacles and encouraging industry entry and compliance.
Initially launched in 2024, the program’s first phase offered discounted fees to C-2 haulers operating a single truck without a container business. Phase II now broadens eligibility to include businesses focused on cleanouts and household removals, which typically lack the resources to shoulder standard license costs traditionally applied to larger operations.
County Executive Ken Jenkins stressed the importance of this initiative for local business owners. “Small businesses are the backbone of Westchester’s economy, and we must ensure they are not shut out of opportunity due to financial constraints. By expanding this program, we are helping ensure that local entrepreneurs — especially those operating on a small scale — have the support they need to comply with regulations and grow responsibly. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to equity, economic development and smart government,” Jenkins stated.
Peri Kadanoff, Executive Director of the Westchester County Solid Waste Commission, highlighted the program’s initial success. “The response to the first phase of this program was incredibly positive, not just from those who benefited but from the larger hauling community. Phase II builds on that momentum by supporting another group of hardworking small businesses that deserve a pathway to compliance and economic opportunity,” Kadanoff noted.
The expansion is anticipated to assist at least 13 small companies currently licensed under the Solid Waste Commission. Eligible newcomers and existing businesses will benefit from the reduced fees. The Commission, which supported the expansion unanimously in early April, expects the program’s costs to be around $40,000, fully funded through its budget.
