Committee backs deconstruction support and awards three‑year reuse services contract to Finger Lakes Reuse

The Tompkins County Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee unanimously approved two related items on June 9: a nonbinding resolution “supporting deconstruction and building materials reuse,” and a three‑year reuse services contract awarded to Finger Lakes Reuse Incorporated.

A county recycling and materials management staff member told the committee the deconstruction resolution is meant to elevate reuse conversations and align with the county’s local solid waste management plan, and noted that only a few New York municipalities have adopted similar nonbinding resolutions. The text recognizes the spectrum of deconstruction (taking buildings apart piece‑by‑piece) and supports expanding reuse capacity in the community.

On the reuse services contract, staff said the county issued a competitive solicitation and received two responses; Finger Lakes Reuse was the lowest qualified bidder. The three‑year agreement will be executed with annual scopes of work. Staff described year‑one activities as improving intake and redistribution infrastructure, reviving the county’s “reuse trail” listing of local reuse outlets, providing education and outreach, and conducting preliminary planning to assess the feasibility of a centralized distribution facility for reused materials. Staff said roughly 50% of education, outreach and planning costs may be eligible for state reimbursement under an unspecified state grant.

Veronica moved the deconstruction resolution (seconded by Rich) and the committee voted unanimously in favor. Veronica moved the reuse‑services award and Greg seconded; that motion also passed unanimously. Committee members praised the county’s partnership with Finger Lakes Reuse and noted the three‑year term would help the nonprofit plan operations. Staff said the contract aims to elevate reuse and reduce landfill diversion.