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.

New Safety Requirement for RSWC Tip Floor Users Beginning August 1

Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) will implement 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

YMCA Sports Swap- August 20th

Seeking donations for Sport Swap, a free event open to all— Look for the bin in the YMCA lobby!

Whether you are looking to get into a new sport, or you’re looking for next season’s sizes, you won’t want to miss the Sports Swap. YMCA Ithaca and Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) are collaborating to host a sports equipment themed swap event on August 20, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm.

Early drop-offs began on July 30th and will be available until the day of the swap on August 20th in the YMCA lobby.
Donations will be accepted until 2:00pm on August 20th, the day of the swap.

More information about the YMCA Sports Swap here.

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 boxes

View the new guide her e 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.