Recycling Centers in Palmer, AK
Find drop-off recycling locations in Palmer, Alaska. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Residents of Palmer, Alaska can use this directory to locate nearby recycling drop-off locations. Whether you have household recyclables or specialty items like electronics or batteries, the facilities listed here can help you dispose of materials responsibly.
Recycling in Palmer: A Local Guide
Palmer, Alaska — the Matanuska-Susitna Borough seat — is served by two distinct facilities for recycling and solid waste disposal. Together they cover most of what Mat-Su households need, from clean material drop-off to hazardous waste.
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle is Palmer's community recycling nonprofit and the Mat-Su Valley's primary clean-material drop-off. VCRS is free, open Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and accepts 13 types of material: mixed paper, office paper (loose and shredded), newspaper, corrugated cardboard, steel food cans, aluminum beverage cans, kitchen aluminum, plastic PET #1 bottles, plastic HDPE #2 jugs, plastic PE bags and film, and plastic PP #5 containers. In September 2025 VCRS added glass recycling — bottles and jars are accepted and pulverized on-site into cullets and sand for local reuse. Accepting plastic bags and film sets VCRS apart from most curbside programs in Alaska.
For general waste disposal, yard waste, tires, and construction debris, the Mat-Su Borough Central Landfill at 1201 N 49th State Street is open every day of the week, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Small loads of bagged household garbage (33-gallon bags or cans) cost $3 each, up to 5 per day. The minimum tipping fee is $15 for loads under 200 pounds. On designated HAZMAT Days — every Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM — the landfill accepts household hazardous waste including automobile batteries, used motor oil, antifreeze, latex and oil-based paint, fluorescent tubes, herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning supplies.
Palmer is the hub for recycling across the Mat-Su Valley. Nearby communities including Wasilla, Eagle River, and Anchorage also have recycling resources. See all Alaska recycling centers.
All Recycling Centers in Palmer
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Palmer
Where can I recycle cardboard and plastic bottles in Palmer, AK?
VCRS at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle accepts corrugated cardboard, plastic PET #1 bottles, and plastic HDPE #2 jugs at no charge. Drop-off hours are Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Does Palmer have glass recycling?
Yes — VCRS added glass bottle and jar recycling in September 2025. Glass is pulverized on-site into cullets and fine sand available for local reuse and purchase.
Where do I dispose of motor oil, paint, or batteries in Palmer?
The Mat-Su Borough Central Landfill holds HAZMAT Days every Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at 1201 N 49th State Street. Accepted items include used motor oil, antifreeze, latex and oil-based paint, automobile batteries, fluorescent tubes, herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning supplies.
Can I recycle plastic bags at VCRS in Palmer?
Yes — Valley Community for Recycling Solutions accepts plastic PE bags and film, which most curbside programs in the state do not collect. Bring clean, dry bags to the Chanlyut Circle drop-off during regular hours.