Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC)

Tompkins County residents have the opportunity to dispose of their trash directly at the RSWC. Only residents of Tompkins County may dispose of waste. A facility permit is required, which must be displayed on the driver side window (not the windshield) of the vehicle.

Where does your trash go? Tompkins County no longer operates a landfill. All waste received at the RSWC is transferred to trailers and trucked to an out-of-county facility. Currently all solid waste received at the RSWC is disposed of at the Seneca Meadows landfill in Waterloo, NY.

Fees

Tompkins County Solid Waste has implemented a system of waste disposal fees including punchcards and coupons. Residents have the option of selecting which payment option is best for them, punch cards or disposal coupons, as explained below. Please note that new fee changes occured January 1, 2008.

Disposal Fees and Charges

Punch Cards
Solid Waste Disposal Punch Cards cost $12.00 each. All cards come with 5 punches, with a fee of 1 punch ($2.40) per 35-pound garbage bag/can or rimless car tire. Old punch cards from 2007 will be honored until March 29, 2008.

Coupons
Cars and station wagons need one $6.00 coupon. SUV's and mini-vans need two $6.00 coupons. Coupons are available individually or in booklets of 6 for $36.00 at the Solid Waste Management Division office during regular business hours. Coupons and punchcards are also available at Wegman's customer service desk.

Please note that coupon rates changed as of January 1, 2008. Old coupons will be honored until March 29, 2008.

All other vehicles are charged based on the 3-tiered system as follows (i.e. pickups, full sized van, dump trucks, etc.):

For a complete list of acceptable materials and their associated fees, click here.