Recycling

We're on a roll! Households within the Urban Services District that currently recycle using an 18-gallon bin or their own container were eligible to receive a free 95-gallon recycling cart! Some deliveries are still being made. If you do not have a recycling container, contact Metro311 to request one. (Missed waste collections should also be reported to Metro311.)

Recycling carts allow for more items to be recycled and the extra space allows Louisville to start every other week recycling collection, a more efficient system that does not decrease the quality of services. Any additional resources will be used for cleanliness initiatives. Carts also help prevent litter because they have a lid. After January 1, 2022 recycling will not be collected from the 18-gallon bins.

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

Watch MetroTV's video about the new carts! 

Download the packet of information that comes with a new cart.

Q&A:

What if I already fill a 95-gallon recycling cart weekly?

In order to conserve space, be sure to only recycle what is accepted, recycle items loosely, crush containers, and flatten cardboard before placing in your cart. You may also place a box of flattened cardboard on top of your cart. If after every other week recycling begins a household needs more capacity, an additional recycling cart may be purchased. You may also use a store-bought container as long as it is 30-40 gallon, has handles, has a lid, and is labeled "RECYCLING." Stickers to label these containers are free and available from the Solid Waste office at 600 Meriwether Avenue Monday-Friday, 8-5. Or Contact us to request one.

What if my new cart didn't come with any information?

If your cart was delivered without a cart packet attached, download that information here. 

How will I know when my recycling will be collected?

The best way is to keep up with the waste collection schedule is to use the Recycle Coach app. 

Can I get a 65-gallon cart instead?

The grant funding is for 95-gallon carts only. We ask that households use the new 95-gallon cart for 60 days. If after 60 days you'd like to exchange the cart for a 65-gallon cart, contact Metro311. 

Can I use my own store-bought container for recycling? 

You may use a store-bought container as long as it is 30-40 gallon, has handles, has a lid, and is labeled 'RECYCLING." Stickers to label these containers are free and available from the Solid Waste office at 600 Meriwether Avenue Monday-Friday, 8-5. Or Contact us to request 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. Recycling from all blue-lidded and orange-lidded recycling carts will be collected.

What will happen to the old recycling bins?

We encourage residents to drop the small 18-gallon bins off at the Waste Reduction Center or one of the three staffed recycling drop-off locations to be reused or recycled if not usable. Residents may also keep their bin for other household uses or additional storage.

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 you mistakenly receive a second cart, please contact us.) If after every other week recycling begins a household needs more capacity, an additional recycling cart may be purchased or a store-bought container can be used as long as it is 30-40 gallon, has handles, has a lid, and is labeled 'RECYCLING." Stickers to label these containers are free and available from the Solid Waste office at 600 Meriwether Avenue Monday-Friday, 8-5. Or Contact us to request one. Tip: In order to conserve space, only recycle what's accepted and be sure to crush containers and flatten cardboard before placing in your cart. You may file flattened cardboard into a cardboard box and place on top of your cart. 

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. 

Will the amount of recycling collected go down when it's collected every other week?

Studies show that the amount of recycling collected in 95-gallon carts weekly versus every other week is not significantly different. We encourage residents who already recycle with carts and fill them weekly to flatten all cardboard and crush containers in order to conserve space. Only recycle accepted items. 

What if my recycling is missed? Will I have to wait another two weeks? 

As with any waste collection service, please make sure your items are set out by 6 a.m. the day of collection. If your items are not collected by the end of the day, report to Metro311. Crews will collect missed items within 72 hours after the report is made. 

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  (no delay for 2022 since New Year's Day is on a Saturday)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Freedom Day, June 19 (observed on June 20, 2022)

Independence Day 

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day 

Christmas Day (no delay for 2021 since Christmas is on a Saturday)

Videos about recycling in Louisville: