Recycling

We're on a roll! Households within the Urban Services District that currently recycle using an 18-gallon bin or their own container will receive a free 95-gallon recycling cart! Cart delivery begins June 2021.

Recycling carts allow for more items to be recycled and the extra space also allows Louisville to start every other week recycling/yard waste collection, a cost-saving measure that does not decrease the quality of services. Carts also help prevent litter because they have a lid. 

Beginning the week of July 12, 2021 recycling and yard waste will be collected every other week. Use the Recycle Coach app to view your personalized waste collection calendar and set reminders. View the entire 2021-2022 calendar. 

Why are carts being given for free?

Louisville applied for and received grant support for advancing recycling in the community. Once all participating households have a larger container, we can start every other week recycling/yard waste collection.

How do we know which households will receive a cart?

A waste container audit was performed throughout the Urban Services District over a three week period. Any household that participated in recycling during the audit but did not have a recycling cart will receive one. 

Why do the new carts have a blue lid?

The color blue is commonly used to indicate a container is for recycling. The new carts received through the grant all have blue lids. Over time, as old containers and lids are replaced, we will use blue.

What will happen to the old recycling bins?

Residents may keep their bin for other household uses or additional storage. Otherwise, they can be dropped off at the Waste Reduction Center or one of the three staffed recycling drop-off locations to be reused or recycled if not usable. 

What if I already have a cart?

Households that already have a 65-gallon or 95-gallon cart will not receive a new cart for free. If after every other week recycling begins a household needs more capacity, an additional recycling cart may be purchased. 

What if my new cart is stolen?

Be sure to remove your cart from the alley or curb after collection. This helps prevent it from being stolen or damaged and helps prevent litter. If your cart is lost or stolen please report to Metro311 and we will determine next steps on a case by case basis. Report damaged carts to Metro311 and staff will come repair it. 

 

WHAT CAN I RECYCLE? Accepted items, how to prepare	MAP OF DROP-OFF LOCATIONS  Recycling locations, Waste Reduction Center, HazBin
RECYCLE COACH APP Sign up for collection reminders, view event calendar, search items	RECYCLING BINS & CARTS Purchase city recycling bins or carts
KNOW WASTE LOUISVILLE   Educational programs, recycling tips	BUSINESS RECYCLING Tips for starting or enhancing a business recycling program
ELECTRONICS & BATTERY RECYCLING	WET DRY RECYCLING IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Waste collection does not occur in the Urban Services District on Metro Government Holidays. All holidays incur a one day delay and all collections for the remainder of the week are also delayed one day.

Metro Government Holidays: 

New Year's Day 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Freedom Day, June 19 (observed on June 18, 2021)

Independence Day (observed on July 5, 2021)

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day 

Christmas Day (observed on December 24, 2021)

Videos about recycling in Louisville: