Recycling department reports slight commodity uptick; DEC grant accepted and solid‑waste plan reaches "approvable" status

Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management staff reported on April 14 that average commodity revenue (ACR) rose in March to $81.41 per ton and described several departmental developments including acceptance of a state grant and progress on the county solid‑waste plan.

Leo (Director, Recycling and Materials Management) told the Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee that the department received the March ACR after the committee packet was published and that the March figure—$81.41 per ton—continues a recent upward trend. Staff said the department budgeted $95 per ton for 2025 but is currently projecting approximately $81 per ton for the year; that projection implies a shortfall versus budget “just under $200,000,” the director said.

The committee voted unanimously to accept a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) under the Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Coordination and Education Program (grant ID 13226). The grant will reimburse county waste‑reduction and recycling education and outreach expenses for the 2025 calendar year up to approximately $197,000. The motion to accept was moved by Rich John and seconded by Veronica; votes recorded were unanimous in favor.

Committee members asked whether recent tariff and trade news could affect commodity markets; department staff said it is unclear whether tariffs will change county ACRs and that much of the marketed material is processed and sold to domestic markets. Staff noted that some infrastructure investments in the U.S. after earlier export restrictions have increased domestic processing capacity.

The department also reported on organics and composting programs. Staff said the county’s food‑scrap processor supplies a range of products—bagged soil blends and custom mixes—that are marketed to landscapers and retailers; staff emphasized that the program removed “compostable” serviceware from accepted loads because contamination (plastic and coated items) harmed marketability. A committee member suggested scheduling a facility tour in June; staff agreed to arrange tours of the landfill and of Cayuga Compost.

Other updates included: payments to a consulting engineering firm for upcoming capital projects (listed in the packet); a reuse‑services RFP under review with a draft acceptance resolution expected next month; and notice from the DEC that the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan is in "approvable" status. Staff said a formal county resolution adopting the plan and associated SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) documentation will be submitted next month; once the county adopts the plan and submits required paperwork to DEC, the plan becomes an approved plan.

The department said it will continue monthly ACR monitoring and provide updates to the committee.