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.

2010 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 35-pound bag/can of yard waste, or rimless car tire.

Coupons
Category 1 - Sedan vehicles (2 & 4 door) need one $8 coupon. Can be used for one load of garbage or Yard Waste.

Category 2 - Larger capacity vehicles (station wagon, SUV, minivan) need one $12 coupon. Can be used for one load of garbage or Yard Waste.

Coupons are available for purchase at the Solid Waste Management Division office during regular business hours. Coupons and punch cards are also available at Wegmans customer service desk.

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

Disposal                                                                                      Yard Waste

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