Recycling Centers in Fairbanks, AK
Find drop-off recycling locations in Fairbanks, Alaska. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
If you live in Fairbanks and need a convenient place to recycle, this directory helps you find local recycling centers. These centers accept standard materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and aluminum, as well as specialty items depending on the facility. Browse the listings below to find contact information and hours for each location.
Recycling in Fairbanks: A Local Guide
Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city and the hub of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB), has a well-organized public recycling system built around two connected organizations. The FNSB Central Recycling Facility at 1855 Marika Rd is the borough's main public drop-off, free for both residents and businesses Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–5:30 PM and Saturday 9 AM–5 PM. It accepts corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, aluminum beverage cans, #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (caps removed), steel and tin cans (rinsed), household electronics, non-automotive batteries, and eyeglasses. Glass is not accepted.
The CRF is operated under contract by Green Star of Interior Alaska, a local nonprofit whose main administrative office is at 2134 Texaco Ave. Green Star's office is not a drop-off location — all material recycling happens at the Marika Rd facility. Green Star also runs the ReUse IT refurbished electronics sales shop (Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 1–5 PM, call 907-457-1900) where residents can buy affordable used electronics.
Fairbanks residents should be aware of a few key rules at the CRF: glass goes in the trash (no glass recycling), aluminum foil and aerosol cans are not accepted even though aluminum cans are, and only #1 and #2 plastic bottles/jugs qualify (not cups, clamshells, or tubs). For batteries, tape the terminals of 9V and lithium batteries (laptops, phones, power tools) with clear transparent tape before drop-off.
Other recycling resources in Interior Alaska can be found in nearby communities such as North Pole, Ester, and Nenana. The full FNSB Recycling & Reuse Guide covering 60+ material categories is available at iagreenstar.org/guide/.
All Recycling Centers in Fairbanks
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Fairbanks
What does the FNSB Central Recycling Facility accept in Fairbanks?
The CRF at 1855 Marika Rd accepts corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, aluminum beverage cans, #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (caps removed), steel/tin cans (rinsed), household electronics, non-automotive batteries, and eyeglasses. It is free for residents and businesses, open Tue–Fri 10 AM–5:30 PM and Sat 9 AM–5 PM.
Does Fairbanks recycle glass bottles?
No — glass is not accepted at the FNSB Central Recycling Facility or at Green Star. Glass bottles and jars must go in the regular trash in Fairbanks. Check FNSB for any periodic special collection events.
Can I drop off old electronics at Green Star of Interior Alaska on Texaco Ave?
Not at the Texaco Ave office — that address is administrative only. Bring electronics to the FNSB Central Recycling Facility at 1855 Marika Rd, where nearly anything that plugs in or uses batteries is accepted free (except VHS/cassette tapes, vacuum cleaners, and fluorescent bulbs). Remove all packaging first.
Is recycling in Fairbanks free, or is there a drop-off fee?
Recycling at the FNSB Central Recycling Facility is completely free for both residential and business customers. No fees are charged for any accepted material stream.