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.
Christmas Closings and Recycling Pick-up Schedule
The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) Office and Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and will reopen Friday, Dec. 26 during regular hours.
There will be no curbside recycling collection on Thursday, Dec. 25. Recycling pickup will occur one day later than usual for the remainder of the holiday week.
| Thursday, December 25 |
|
| TCRMM Office |
Closed |
| RSWC |
Closed |
| Curbside Collection |
No Collection |
| Friday, December 26 |
|
| TCRMM Office |
Open |
| RSWC |
Open |
| Curbside Collection |
A Day Late |
The Hancock Street Food Scraps Recycling Drop Spot will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24. The Newfield Drop Spot will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25. Residents are encouraged to visit other Drop Spots.
Free Holiday Tree Drop-Off
Holiday trees can be dropped off for recycling at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC) from Dec. 26 through Jan. 31at no cost. No permit is required. The RSWC is at 160 Commercial Ave. in Ithaca, New York, and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All decorations, lights and other objects must be removed from tree before drop-off. Synthetic trees will not be accepted.
Upon arrival at the RSWC, visit the Scale House to get a holiday tree recycling ticket. Proceed to the yard waste drop-off area, hand the ticket to the attendant on duty and drop off your tree. Thank you, and happy holidays.
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
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