Recycling and Materials Management

Recycling & Materials Management

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.

Erasing Waste: What Do We Do With All The Stuff?

A Tompkins County Trash Talk

Tuesday, November 10

WEBINAR RECORDING 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

a hypnotic swirl with paper cups surrounding a the 2026-2027 Curbside Recycling Guidelines

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.

cover of the 2026-2027 curbside recycling guidelines

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

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Food Scraps Recycling

Drop your food scraps for free at Drop Spots throughout Tompkins County

Thanksgiving Closings and Recycling Collection Schedule

The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) office The Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) will be closed Thursday, November 26.

The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) office will be closed on Friday, November 27, and will reopen Monday, November 30, during regular hours. The Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) will remain open as usual on Friday, November 27.

There will be no curbside recycling collection on Thursday, November 26. Curbside recycling collection will be a day late for the remainder of the week.

The Enfield Food Scraps Recycling Drop Spot will be closed on Thursday, November 26. Residents are encouraged to visit alternative drop spots during the week.

For participants of the Fork ‘em Over: Curbside food scraps recycling pilot, collection will be a day early with pickup occurring Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25.