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

Food Scraps Recycling
Drop your food scraps for free at Drop Spots throughout Tompkins County