Recycling & Materials Management

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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.


Find your recycling day
or use our What do I do with...? tool


Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is material that must be handled and disposed of properly due to dangers it poses to our health and the environment.

 


New Tompkins County Recycling Guidelines Are Available

Please note: Food and Beverage Cartons and Black Plastic Are No Longer Accepted Due to Changes
2025 Curbside Recycling Guidelines(PDF, 5MB)

July 2025-July 2026 Curbside Guidelines


4R Times Newsletter

Fall 2025 Newsletter Now Available

Check out the latest edition of the 4R Times Newsletter
Fall-2025-Newsletter-3.pdf(PDF, 7MB)


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Food Scraps Recycling

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