Business Details
Your Trusted Recycling Partner in Tompkins County
Established to serve Tompkins County residents, our department specializes in comprehensive recycling solutions that adapt to evolving environmental standards. We provide biweekly curbside recycling collection using single-stream methodology, eliminating the need for material separation. Our Food Scraps Recycling Program offers free drop-off locations for organic waste, diverting food waste from landfills while supporting community sustainability. Through the Friendship Donations Network, we rescue surplus food from local businesses and farms, redistributing it to neighbors in need. Our team maintains updated recycling guidelines reflecting current material acceptance policies, including recent changes removing food and beverage cartons and black plastic from acceptable items.We publish educational resources like the 4R Times Newsletter to keep residents informed about recycling best practices and schedule adjustments. Our holiday schedule adjustments ensure continued service reliability while accommodating observances like Labor Day and Independence Day. Our dedicated staff provides online tools including recycling day calculators and disposal guidance to simplify waste management for residents. We actively collaborate with local municipalities to optimize collection efficiency and promote environmental stewardship across the county.
Services
Curbside Recycling
Food Scraps Recycling
Donation Network
Recycling Guidelines
Holiday Schedule Info
Highlights and features
- We offer biweekly curbside recycling collection with single-stream convenience
- Our free food scraps drop-off locations support sustainable waste management
- Friendship Donations Network redistributes surplus food to neighbors in need
- Current guidelines reflect updated material acceptance policies for 2025
- Holiday schedule adjustments maintain service reliability throughout the year
Services
Curbside Recycling
Biweekly single-stream recycling collection for Tompkins County residents eliminates material separation requirements. Our program accepts paper, cardboard, metal cans, and select plastics while excluding food cartons and black plastic. Collections occur every other week with schedule adjustments for major holidays.
Food Scraps Recycling
Free drop-off locations accept household food scraps to divert organic waste from landfills. This program converts collected materials into compost while reducing methane emissions. Residents can locate nearby Drop Spots through our online directory and operating hours information.
Donation Network
The Friendship Donations Network recovers edible surplus food from local businesses and farms. Our volunteers redistribute these resources to community members facing food insecurity through established social service organizations and food pantries across Tompkins County.
Recycling Guidelines
Current recycling guidelines reflect updated material acceptance policies, including recent removal of food and beverage cartons and black plastic. Educational resources explain proper preparation techniques and prohibited items to maintain processing efficiency and contamination control.
Holiday Schedule Info
Holiday adjustments delay collections by one day when major holidays fall on collection days. Our department announces schedule modifications for Labor Day, Independence Day, and other observances through official communications and online announcements.
Questions
What materials are no longer accepted in curbside recycling?
Food and beverage cartons (milk, juice, soup containers) and black plastic are no longer accepted under the updated 2025 guidelines.
Where can I drop off food scraps for recycling?
Free food scraps drop-off locations are available at designated Drop Spots throughout Tompkins County.
How does the Friendship Donations Network work?
We collect surplus fresh food from local stores and farms, redistributing it to community members facing food insecurity.
What happens to recycling collection during holidays?
Collections are delayed by one day following major holidays like Labor Day and Independence Day.
How can I find my recycling collection day?
Use our online 'Find My Recycling Day' tool to determine your curbside collection schedule.
Where can I get printed recycling guidelines?
Downloadable guidelines are available on our website, or request physical copies at our department offices.
