The mission of the Department of Recycling and Materials Management is to develop and implement a sustainable materials management strategy for Tompkins County. With a focus on the state’s solid waste management hierarchy, this approach utilizes and prioritizes environmentally sound, cost-effective, socially responsible, and safe practices. This is accomplished through coordinated administrative, operational, and educational programs that maximize diversion with the 4R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink) as a focal point.
Save the Date!
Erasing Waste: What Do We Do With All The Stuff?
A Tompkins County Trash Talk
Tuesday, November 10
12:00 – 1:15 pm
Online Webinar
Presentations by Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Council and Sustainable Finger Lakes.
In honor of America Recycles Day on November 15, three speakers from TCRMM will address local waste management challenges, such as declining landfill capacity and overconsumption, and present current programs and future ideas that can help lower costs for waste disposal and keep our county clean. Kat McCarthy, TCRMM’s Deputy Director, will present an overview of the department’s materials management systems and how local laws support the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink. Jeremy Betterley, Waste Reduction and Recycling Coordinator, will take you on the full journey of recyclables from curbside to end market, and describe opportunities to divert valuable materials. Wren Kingsley, Assistant Recycling Specialist, will focus on the role residents and towns can play in reducing waste at the source, from thoughtful consumer choices to making use of existing TCRMM programs.
Jessika Bond, Deputy Director of Sustainable Finger Lakes, will facilitate, and the presenters will have time to answer some questions from attendees. Pre-registration is required. Details on registration coming soon.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Sign-ups Open!
Sign-ups for our November 21 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event is open.
Reserve your spot now.
Solid waste permit and appointment required.
Autumn 2026 Newsletter Now Available
Check out the latest edition of the 4R Times Newsletter:
Autumn 2026 Newsletter PDF(PDF, 3MB)
New Safety Requirement for RSWC Tip Floor Users
Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) implemented a new safety requirement at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) starting August 1, 2026. All users entering the RSWC tip floors—including residents, licensed haulers, contractors, and businesses—must wear a high visibility (hi-vis) vest while on the tip floors.
Learn more by reading the article
Paper cups can now be recycled curbside in Tompkins County!
Remember:
- Paper cups must be empty
- NO Styrofoam cups
- Remove straws and lids
- NO food and beverage cartons such as milk, juice, and soup boxe
View the new guide here or pick up a copy at locations across the county.
July 2026–June 2027 Curbside Recycling Guidelines and Pick Up Schedule
Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management has released the 2026–2027 Curbside Recycling Guidelines, which becomes effective July 1.
Be on the lookout for printed copies coming to municipal offices and select grocery stores near you—coming soon! In the meantime, check out the new guide online or print out a copy for yourself:
Check out our Introduction to On-Farm Composting video!
International Compost Awareness Week is here!
This year’s theme, “Feed the Soil That Feeds Us,” reminds us how important composting is for healthy farms and healthy communities.
We’re excited to share our brand‑new On‑Farm Composting video, created from last spring’s workshop with guidance from Jean Bonhotal of the New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education and partially funded by USDA.
Watch and learn how to build soil, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.
Our online store is temporarily unavailable
You may purchase permits, punch cards and coupons in person during business hours:
Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management Office
122 Commercial Ave
Ithaca, NY
14850
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Call us if you have any questions:
(607) 273-6632
Find your recycling day
or use our What do I do with...? tool
Veteran's Day Closings and Recycling Collection Schedule
The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) office will be closed Wednesday, November 11, and will reopen Thursday, November 12, during regular hours. However, the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) will remain open as usual on Wednesday, November 11.
There will be curbside recycling collection on Wednesday, November 11. Recycling pickup will occur as usual for the duration of the week.
Participants of the Fork ‘em Over: Curbside food scraps recycling pilot will ...........................................
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 |
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TCRMM Office
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Closed
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RSWC
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Open
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Recycling Collection
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Normal
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Food Scraps Drop Spots
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different |
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Fork 'em Over: Curbside
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different |
Food Scraps Recycling
Drop your food scraps for free at Drop Spots throughout Tompkins County