The Recycling Center opened in 1991 and was characterized locally as marking the beginning of a new era in environmental management in Central New York. The facility accepts recyclables from households in the two county area and prepares the recyclables for market by further separating them, removing contaminants and baling the recyclables, except glass, which is crushed.

In addition to the two primary commingled groups, paper and containers, other recyclables have been added to the list of acceptable materials since the facility opened; See Acceptable Materials under Recycling.The Authority will continue to add to the list as recycling markets are secured for additional items.