BETHEL, NY — In the early hours of the morning, while most of Sullivan County is fast asleep, a garbage truck with a tie-dye paint job and a dog named Sadie riding shotgun rumbles through the serene local roads at dawn. It’s not just a trash pickup—it’s the heartbeat of a family legacy.

Bethel Sanitation isn’t your average trash hauler—the people behind it are all about keeping the community clean and doing it right, and having a lot of fun along the way. Founded over 25 years ago by Ira Liff, the business recently experienced a revival as his children, Samantha Garchik and Andrew (Drew) Liff, took the reins. With their father still involved in the day-to-day, the operation is a true family affair—and is the kind of story that speaks to the soul of our local Sullivan County spirit. 

The Liff family story starts on the intersection of Happy Avenue and Route 17B, the family property where their grandfather Ralph Liff settled as a child. Ralph was one of the Jewish farmers who shaped the Bethel landscape and was close friends with Max Yasgur. He played an unforgettable role during Woodstock—towing stuck cars in the land he so kindly lent to the many Woodstock concertgoers. He lived to be 103, and yes, he was still driving a garbage truck late in life.

Ira, his son, has continued the spirit of helping people; he belongs to the White Lake Fire Department, where he still serves today—over 50 years strong. Now, Drew is stepping into that same spirit of service as a rescue diver with White Lake. 

Drew, who returned to Sullivan County full-time in 2020, brought new life into the company. With his return came growth, a renewed focus on community, and a whole lot of color—literally. With help from local muralist Josh Deitchman aka Low Key Creative, the Bethel Sanitation trucks now sport vibrant paint jobs that turn heads, and their mascot Sadie the dog keeps the vibe friendly and familiar. Social media posts capture it all, flipping the script on what people expect from sanitation services. The company’s new advertisement even features a track from local guitarist and musician Eamon Lebow, again showcasing their commitment to the community at every turn. 

In 2024, Bethel Sanitation expanded through the acquisition of another local hauler, extending service across Sullivan County and welcoming new employees and customers into the fold. Yet despite the growth, the company’s foundation remains unchanged: be kind, be present, do the job right, and do it with a smile. 

“Trash pickup is personal,” says Samantha. “You’re meeting people at their homes. It’s about trust and consistency. When we go the extra mile, people notice—and they stick with us.” They pick up seven days a week at both residential and commercial properties, and the range extends throughout Sullivan County, though the HQ is in Bethel. 

Community is at the center of everything Bethel Sanitation does, from service to celebration. Whether it’s hosting neighborhood gatherings or partnering on future litter pluck clean-up initiatives at no cost to towns, the company wants to continue to give back in big ways.

Still, like many in the industry, they face challenges. Recent tipping fee hikes (read more at riverreporter.com/stories/your-trash-will-cost-more,177401#) have put pressure on businesses and residents alike. Despite it all, the Liff family keeps showing up—tie-dye trucks, Sadie the dog and all. Because for them, trash isn’t dirty work. It’s honest work. It’s community work. And it’s family.

Editor's note: Originally, the photos with this article were misattributed and have now been credited correctly as photos taken by Michael Bloom as of April 24, 2025.