The Tompkins County Recycling and Waste Management Department announced new recycling guidelines that will impact eco-conscious residents of Ithaca. Two key changes are at the heart of the update: food and beverage cartons like milk, juice, and soup boxes, along with black plastic items such as take-out containers and sushi trays, will no longer be accepted at local recycling facilities.
Why the Change?
The reason behind this shift is simple but significant, these materials lack a reliable market for recycling. According to county officials, there is currently no “feasible end-market” for food and beverage cartons. As for black plastic, its dark color poses a problem for the optical sorting systems used in most recycling facilities. These systems are unable to detect and properly sort black plastic, which often leads to the material ending up in landfills.
Environmental Concerns and Rising Costs
This decision comes at a time when landfill space is rapidly diminishing, and the cost of waste disposal is rising. County leaders emphasized that these changes were made with residents’ long-term environmental goals in mind. The aim is to ensure that only items with a strong likelihood of being successfully recycled make it into the recycling stream.
Statement from the Recycling Director
“We know that residents of Tompkins County want to recycle,” said Leo Riley, the Director of the Recycling and Materials Management Department. “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.”
What’s Still Accepted
Despite the new restrictions, several common household materials remain recyclable. Cardboard boxes and mixed paper items, including paper egg cartons, are still accepted. Residents are encouraged to continue recycling these items as usual.
How Residents Can Adapt
The county is also urging people to rethink how they shop and consume. For those looking to reduce their environmental footprint, officials recommend choosing products packaged in recyclable materials or shopping in bulk using reusable containers. These small adjustments can make a meaningful impact on reducing overall waste.
Stay Informed
For residents who want to stay up-to-date or need more information about the recycling program’s changes, the Recycle Tompkins website is the go-to resource. It offers detailed guidelines and tips for minimizing household waste in line with the updated rules.
A Community Committed to Change
Tompkins County’s recycling update reflects its continued commitment to sustainability. While some changes may require a shift in habit, officials believe the new rules will help ensure that local recycling efforts are effective and environmentally responsible.To learn more about how you can support responsible recycling and access more community news, visit The Ithaca Voice.
