Tompkins County | Solid Waste

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Solid Waste Management Plan

In 1995 Tompkins County approved a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan to address the issue of solid waste in Tompkins County for the period from 1992 to 2012. This plan was created in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Solid Waste Management Act of 1988 and to meet the requirements of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The major thrust of the Solid Waste Management Plan is to divert materials from the landfill through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, with waste-to-energy and landfilling as secondary sollutions.

This integrated solid waste mangement plan outlines the following as its four major goals:

To meet its share of the statewide goal of 50% reduction by 1997 (set forth in the 1987 State Solid Waste Management Plan) by developing a program that will maximize reduction and recycling in Tompkins County
(Chapter 3, Section A1; Chapter 5, Section C1)
To extend the life of products and materials through maximizing opportunities for reuse in Tompkins County
(Chapter 3, Section B2; Chapter 5, Section C2)
To encourage maximum recycling through user-friendly systems, an increased disposal tipping fee (including trash tags) and helping development of markets for recycled materials
(Chapter 3, Sections C2, D2, and G2; Chapter 5, Sections C3, C4, C5, and C6)
To provide an environmentally sound, cost-effective disposal strategy for all non-recoverable waste over the 20-year planning period (1992-2012)
(Chapter 3, Section 12; Chapter 5, Section C7)

These goals are set forth in an effort to work towards the mission of the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division.

This plan applies to the following waste within the County: municipal solid waste (MSW), non-hazardous industrial waste, construction and demolition debris (C&D), sewage sludge, and household hazardous waste (HHW).

For more information, please refer to the Solid Waste Management Plan Executive Summary and the Total Solid Waste Generated in Tompkins County in 1991.