For Immediate Release: June 18th, 2025
New Tompkins County Recycling Guidelines Are Available – Food and Beverage Cartons and Black Plastic Are No Longer Accepted
(Ithaca, NY) – The new 2025-2026 Tompkins County Curbside Recycling Guidelines brochure is now available. The brochure is produced by the Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) and covers the 12-month period from July 2025 through June 2026.
The publication includes a recycling collection calendar and important information for curbside recycling such as accepted materials and set-out procedures. It also offers tips for further reducing waste, recycling food scraps, and bringing additional recyclables to the Recycling and Solid Waste Center for drop off.
This year’s brochure includes updated guidance on accepted materials for curbside recycling. Of note, two items are no longer accepted: food and beverage cartons and black plastic.
TCRMM actively works with its contracted recycling processor to ensure that collected materials are recycled. Recently, it was identified that food and beverage cartons do not currently have a feasible end-market, and black plastic is problematic in the process due to composition and sorting technology. Examples of black plastic items include microwavable food trays and take-out containers. Food and beverage cartons would include drink boxes and gable-topped milk cartons.
“We know that residents of Tompkins County want to recycle” says Director Leo Riley. “We monitor what is happening at the state and regional level, and make changes to what we accept so you can be confident that what you put in your recycling bin is being recycled into new products. With declining landfill space statewide and increasing trash disposal costs, our department is deeply committed to supporting the community with waste reduction.”
Considering these changes, residents are encouraged to follow the 4R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink. Alternatives to using non-recyclable cartons and black plastic include participating in bring your own container bulk purchasing, avoiding purchasing goods in non-recyclable packages when other packaging options are available, and contacting manufacturers about designing products with recyclability in mind.
Copies of the Guidelines are available at the TCRMM Office at 122 Commercial Avenue and the Recycling and Solid Waste Center public drop off area. They are also made available at municipal offices, Food Scraps Recycling Drop Spots, and select grocery store service desks throughout Tompkins County.
For an electronic copy, please visit our website, www.recycletompkins.org.
Note: this press release has been edited to clarify that food and beverage cartons are affected by the change.
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Contact:
Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management
607-273-6632
