Recycling department reports full staffing, plans part‑time code enforcement and food‑scrap driver positions

Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management Director Leo Riley told the Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee on Jan. 13 that his department is fully staffed for the first time in several years and plans to add two part‑time positions in 2025: a code enforcement officer (approximately 20 hours per week) and a part‑time food‑scrap driver tied to a recently awarded food‑scrap collection grant.

Riley said the code enforcement officer will focus on enforcement of the county’s Chapter 140 solid waste rules—illegal dumping, hauler licensing, trash‑tag (pay‑as‑you‑throw) compliance, and mandatory recycling rules for certain materials. He said enforcement helps ensure a level playing field among licensed haulers and supports recycling and waste‑management goals.

Why it matters: Strengthened enforcement may reduce illegal dumping, improve recycling compliance and support county programs that rely on hauler licensing and trash‑tag systems. The food‑scrap driver position will support a new collection program funded by a separate grant.

Details from the presentation

- Staffing: Riley said the department has 14 employees and plans two part‑time hires in 2025.

- Code enforcement duties: Riley listed four main enforcement areas—hauler licensing, trash‑tag enforcement (pay‑as‑you‑throw), illegal dumping response, and mandatory recycling requirements for businesses or haulers. He said enforcement is important because some haulers follow rules and need a level playing field.

- Funding and fees: Riley summarized funding for the Recycling & Solid Waste Center: the department contracts operations (the center accepts recyclables, household hazardous waste and other materials) and revenue streams include an annual fee billed to residents/colleges/institutions, tipping fees, permit fees, and grant revenue.

- Contracting and reporting: Riley said the county has been finalizing a contract extension with Casella Waste Systems to operate the center and is in the annual reporting season (transfer station, household hazardous waste, electronics volumes and destinations).

Questions and follow‑up: Committee members raised constituent issues (missed collection at a manufactured home park, aggressive driver complaint), and Riley suggested they provide more information so he can direct complaints to Casella or, when appropriate, to the health department or police. He offered to follow up if provided the park owner name or additional details.

Ending: Riley said department work plans and goals are being finalized and the department will participate in a Food Futures stakeholder meeting on Jan. 24.