ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Two items will no longer be accepted for curbside recycling in Tompkins County.

Black plastic and cartons have been omitted in the updated guidelines, which run from July 2025 through June 2026.

Officials with Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) say paper cartons and drink boxes don’t currently have a “feasible end-market,” meaning such items are unlikely to be recycled.

Black plastic, such as take-out food containers and microwaveable food trays, has become problematic due to both its composition and sorting technologies at processing centers.

“We know that residents of Tompkins County want to recycle,” said TCRMM 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.”

The change will take effect on July 1.

More information is available here.