Trash Tags

All trash set out for collection in Tompkins County must have a trash tag affixed to the bag or can. One tag is required for each weight denomination listed on the tag. Trash not collected may be left with a note explaining why it was not collected. In the City of Ithaca, residents may face a fine if uncollected waste is not removed. Click here to read the local trash tag law.

To receive trash collection services, Tompkins County residents and businesses must arrange for pickup with a Tompkins County licensed hauler.

The City of Ithaca and the villages of Cayuga Heights, Dryden and Trumansburg offer collection services for residents which would make privately contracting with a hauler unnecessary.

Trash tags are available at various locations throughout Tompkins County as well as by mail from each licensed hauler. To find out more about trash removal and where trash tags are available, see the list of licensed haulers in Tompkins County.

Please note: Trash placed in dumpsters does not require a trash tag.

For more disposal options at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center click here.

Remember to look for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle items first before you throw them away in your trash.

Trash Tag Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I need to use the trash tag system?
  • The trash tag system is a Pay-As-You-Throw system. The fee you are charged for trash tags is based on the County disposal fee and covers the disposal cost for trash collected. This encourages reduction, reuse and recycling.
  • For example, if the disposal rate at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center is $96/ton, a 25 pound trash tag must be sold for at least $1.20.
• Can my Hauler just give me trash tags?
  • No. All solid waste haulers must sell tags to their customers suitable for display on garbage cans and bags. All solid waste haulers must make single trash tags available for purchase by the public at least at one location or by mail.
• What happens if I place more weight in the can or bag than the size of the tag on it?
  • Some haulers place warning stickers on the container without picking it up. Some take only the weight of the trash covered by the tag(s) leaving the remainder.
• Can I get around using tags by having the Hauler back up in my driveway?
  • No. The reference to “curbside” in the Code is meant to differentiate between trash placed in a dumpster and trash placed out for regular collection in a bag or can. Boxes, bins and storage sheds are not considered dumpsters.
• If I have a dumpster do I need to use trash tags?
  • No. The law only applies to Container Program Solid Waste. Boxes, bins and storage sheds are not considered dumpsters.
• I have businesses and place trash out in cans and bags, do I need to use Trash tags?
  • Yes. Container Program Solid Waste is any solid waste generated or originated on residential property and any solid waste generated or originated on commercial property.
• Can I have my Hauler place the trash tag on the bag or can for me as they pick up the trash?
  • No. Those generating the trash and placing it out for collection must place a trash tag on the trash. It is a violation for any person to place solid waste out for collection without a tag required by this Code.
• I am the only stop my Hauler has in Tompkins County; Do I still need to use trash tags?
  • Yes. The Code does not have exemptions for the number of customers a Hauler has. No solid waste hauler may pick up container program solid waste unless the container holding the solid waste bears a tag required by this Code. This Code applies to all solid waste generators in Tompkins County.
• I live in a Mobile Home Park; do the residents still need to use tags if the park owners pay the service fee?
  • Yes. Even though the service is under a contract, trash tags are still required. No solid waste hauler may pick up container program solid waste unless the container holding the solid waste bears a tag required by this Code.
• Can I, or my Hauler, leave the same trash tag on my trash can from week-to-week?
  • No. The Hauler must remove trash tags as the trash is collected. Trash tags may be disposed of with the bag in cases where the customer has placed the tag on the bag instead of a can.
• Can I use one Trash tag even though I have several cans or bags?
  • No. Trash tags are issued and sold in weight denominations reflective of the County disposal fee. No more weight can be placed out than covered by the tag size.
• Do I still need to use Trash tags even though my trash is taken out-of-County?
  • Yes. The Trash tag system is not based on the final disposal destination.
• Am I violating the law by not using trash tags or is it just my Hauler?
  • Yes. It is a violation for any person to place solid waste out for collection without a tag required by this Code.
• What about farms? Are they required to use trash tags?
  • Yes. Container Program Solid Waste is any solid waste generated or originated on residential property and any solid waste generated or originated on commercial property placed out for collection.
• What if my Hauler sells tags for more than the cost of disposal?
  • All fees must be listed separately on trash tags. Any other costs such as administration costs must be listed separate from the disposal fee. Contact the Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management if you have any questions or concerns. 607-273-6632
• What if my Hauler tells me its okay not to use tags?
  • Your Hauler is telling you its okay to violate the law. You may still be ticketed for failing to use tags.