4R Times
Spring Newsletter
Volume VI | Issue I
Recycling Center Updates
Users of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center should be aware of a few changes coming to the facility this spring as part of a new operational contract.
 
As of March 1st, plastic bags and films are no longer accepted for recycling. Residents are encouraged to recycle clean and dry plastic bags and films at grocery and retail stores.
Additionally, fluorescent bulbs and tubes from residents will only be accepted during Household Hazardous Waste events. Fluorescent bulbs, but not tubes, can generally be recycled at big box hardware stores.
 
There will be some construction projects happening throughout the Spring and early Summer for maintenance and upgrades. Users of the facility should not experience major delays or changes, but please be take heed of any changing traffic patterns.
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TCRMM Named Partner of the Year
The Tompkins County Department of
Recycling and Materials Management was recently named Partner of the Year for 2020 by Casella Waste Systems for
advancing resource sustainability by forging great partnerships and embodying the spirit of commitment to teamwork.
 
“We’ve had a long-standing partnership for 30 years with Casella and it’s a really great example of how we’ve both had mutual success with our sustainability programs,” said Barbara Eckstrom, Director.
 
“It gives us a sense of great pride to honor the entire Tompkins County team for their leadership and outstanding work in advancing sustainability,” said John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO.
Drop Spot Compost Giveaway
International Compost Awareness Week is a yearly
celebration of the benefits of composting, and takes place in the first full week of May. This year’s theme is “Grow, Eat, Compost, Repeat”, a reflection on how composting provides the opportunity to recycle food scraps into new food, creating a farm to table to farm lifecycle.
 
TCRMM and Cayuga Compost will be hosting a Food Scraps Drop Spot Compost Giveaway at the
Hancock St( 5/5, 4-6pm), Newfield Town Hall (5/6, 4-6pm), and Tompkins County Highway Department
(5/8, 9-Noon). Bring your own container, first come first serve, limit 5 gallons per customer.
 
Upcoming HHW Events
Getting rid of old paint, automotive care products, and other household chemicals requires careful handling and proper treatment.
Fortunately, there are 6 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off events scheduled for 2021. Make HHW a part of your spring cleaning or summer projects by signing up for the April 17th, May 15th, or July 17th drop off events. A valid solid waste permit and an appointment are required, visit RecycleTompkins.org/HHW to get started. 

Remember to Cover Truck Loads
With warm weather on the way, we’d like to remind residents and commercial users of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center that uncovered loads are against the law. Truck beds and trailers
containing trash, yard waste, recyclables, and other materials should be covered with a tarp to prevent them from being blown away during transit and becoming litter or impacting other vehicles. Uncovered loads can result in tickets and fines.
Holiday Closings
 
 
Memorial Day
May 31st
 
Office and RSWC closed, curbside pickup delayed one day for
 remainder of week.


The Find My Recycling Day tool automatically adjusts for holidays.
Sign up today!
Shop Online
Order disposal punch cards,
coupons, permits, and more online at

Find a Food Scraps Drop Spot Near You
 
A list and map of all drop spots can be found at

Did You Know...
 
TCRMM offers presentations to community groups. Contact Us about
scheduling one for your group.
 
Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management
(607) 273-6632 | reducewaste@tompkins-co.org | recycletompkins.org