Recycling Collection
Contracted Services
Businesses that produce more than two bins of recyclables every other week may choose to contract with a private hauler for collection of recyclables. There are several options for size and collection frequency, businesses should consult with a private hauler for pricing. To determine the correct size container for your recyclables, it may be useful to conduct a ReBusiness waste assessment.
Curbside Collection
Businesses may put no more than two recycling bins worth of recyclable materials out with residential curbside collection, every other week. To determine the set out day in your area, please refer to the collection schedule.
Recycling Bin
Curbside bins may be purchased at cost from the Solid Waste Management Division office.
Please Note:
- NO PLASTIC BAGS!!!!!
- Improperly prepared recyclables or unacceptable materials will be left in your bin with a Whoops! notice explaining why.
- Recycling pickup schedules and set-out times are listed on the collection schedule. If your recyclables are picked up on the same day as your trash, place your bin at least two feet from the trash so your hauler can easily see your recyclables.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS is currently used on contracted recycling vehicles and will assist in determining the areas where trucks did and did not travel. The system will also tell us what time the vehicle was at a stop.
- Additional materials, accepted only at the RSWC include: textiles, sneakers, fluorescent light bulbs (fee applicable and appointment is required), yard waste, scrap metal, auto batteries, computers and electronics (appointment is required), hazardous waste (fee applicable and appointment is required for qualified businesses), and appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers (fee applicable for Freon removal).
Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC)
Businesses that produce more than two bins worth of recyclables every other week may also choose to bring their recyclables to the drop-off center. Materials may be brought to the RSWC during regular facility hours. There is no disposal fee or permit required for curbside recyclables.
Please Note: The Public Drop-Off Area is provided for the convenience and safety of our customers. Only one pick-up truck load or less of garbage or acceptable recyclable materials may be taken to the Public Drop-Off Area per trip. To ease handling, more than one pick-up truck load of recyclable materials or garbage must go to the Tipping Floors.
Additional Recyclables Accepted only at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center
Acceptable Materials | Includes | Preparation | Limitations |
| Electronics | Phones, TVs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, VCRs, and camcorders. | Appointment is required. | Appointment only. |
| Computer Equipment | Computers, keyboards, monitors, mice, hard drives, printers, scanners and cables | Appointment is required. | Appointment only. |
| Large and Small Appliances | Washers, dryers, *refrigerators, *freezers, *air conditioners, hot water heaters, *dehumidifiers, dishwashers, stoves, microwave ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, other items that are mostly metal. | Must unhinge and remove glass doors from appliance before recycling. | NO: Glass doors, such as those on commercial freezers and cold cases. |
| Lead-Acid Batteries | Auto, marine, motorcycle, etc. | If leaking, place in plastic bag with absorbent material before recycling. Place on pallet. | Vehicle batteries only. Limit: 10 per load. |
| Fluorescent Bulbs | Straight fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs. | Appointment is required. | Appointment only. |
| Textiles | Clean, wearable clothing, paired shoes, hats, purses, belts, scarves, other apparel and accessories, clean bedding (blankets, sheets, spreads), draperies, and towels. | Place items in the box located at the RSWC Public Drop-Off area. Items must be in clear bags. | NO: grease-stained, mildewed or wet items. |
| Sneakers | Athletic shoes ONLY. | Place items in the box located at the RSWC Public Drop-Off area. | NO: Metal parts, including cleats or eyelets, boots, sandals, flip-flops, dress shoes, or slippers. |
| Scrap Metal: Ferrous and non-ferrous household scrap | Includes metal furniture, pots and pans, toys, wheels, hub caps, fixtures, window and door frames, fence wire, drain pipes, pipes, tools, small engines, lawn mowers, chain saws, and paint cans. | Remove non-metal handles from pots and pans, if possible. Paint cans must be completely empty and dry. Remove all upholstery from metal furniture. Small engine fuel tanks must be completely dry and empty–remove and discard cap. Store leftover or unused paint safely or donate to others. | NO: Paper, plastic, glass, textiles, upholstery, window screens, propane or gas tanks, or hazardous materials. |
| Yard Waste | Leaves, grass clippings, and brush. | Limit: one pick-up truck load or less per trip. | NO: Brush larger than 6" in diameter. Check with your local municipality about yard waste collection service and schedules. |
*There is a $20 charge per unit, if Freon has to be removed. Proof of removal by a licensed technician is required upon drop off.
SPECIAL NOTICE
All loads brought to or from the RSWC, whether recyclables or trash, must be securely covered. Collecting or scavenging materials at the RSWC is not allowed. Tompkins County reserves the right to inspect all vehicles containing solid waste that enter the Center.
