ITHACA, N.Y. — The City of Ithaca will begin requiring trash tags for pick up after suspending the tag program in March as the city closed down operations in response to COVID-19.
With businesses seeking to re-open as regions get the go-ahead from the state to begin conducting limited business again, the city is beginning the planning process for resuming some services. To that end, starting May 18, residents will need a trash tag for the city to collect trash. The tags will be available at most area grocers, including Tops, Wegmans and GreenStar.
Residents may also purchase tags from the City Chamberlain’s Office by sending a check with a note indicating how many you would like to purchase. The tags will then be mailed to you. Checks should be made payable to the “City of Ithaca” and mailed to the City Chamberlain’s Office, 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.
As revenues fell, in part because of the elimination of parking and trash tag fee collections of the last two months, the city announced the layoff of more than 85 employees in late April in to help close a widening budget hole as a result of COVID-19.
“The City of Ithaca appreciates the support, collaboration, and sense of community that Ithacans have demonstrated during the past few months, and we look forward to the brighter days ahead!” reads the release.
More information on the City’s Trash Tag Program and a complete list of locations where tags can be purchased can be found here.