Recycling and Materials Management Announces 2026 Fee Changes

Published on December 10, 2025

The Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management is announcing fee changes that will take place beginning January 1st, 2026.  
 
Fee changes are as follows:  
  1. The Solid Waste Annual Fee will increase from $82 per residential unit to $85 per unit to keep services running smoothly. The fee supports recycling, organics programs, waste reduction, closed landfill maintenance, administration, and household hazardous waste collection events. This increase helps maintain quality while covering rising costs.  
  2. The disposal fee for municipal solid waste will increase to $110 per ton, reflecting increased disposal and transportation costs. 
  3. Trash disposal will be simplified by eliminating the tiered pricing. There will be a $20 minimum fee. This new structure is easier to understand, fairer for all customers, and part of an ongoing effort to make positive, customer-focused improvements. 
  4. The tire fee increases from $4 per tire to $5 per tire; by weight from $300 per ton to $350 per ton.  
The full fee structure will be available in 2026 at: