Recycling Centers in Kentucky: 168 Locations

Recycling in Kentucky

Kentucky has 168 recycling centers across 69 cities, including scrap-metal yards, auto recyclers, county transfer stations, and municipal drop-off sites. The state does not have a bottle-deposit law, so there is no refund for returning cans and bottles. Recycling and waste policy is overseen by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) through its Division of Waste Management, and under 401 KAR Chapter 47 all solid waste must be disposed of at permitted facilities, with illegal dumping subject to fines of up to $25,000 per violation.

Recycling capacity is heavily concentrated in the state's two largest metros. Louisville dominates the list with 36 centers, far ahead of Lexington with 14. Frankfort, the capital, lists 7 centers, while Shelbyville and Richmond each list 5.

Without a deposit system, Kentucky residents recycle through local curbside and drop-off programs, county solid-waste districts, and private facilities. Scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles go to operations such as River Metals Recycling in Louisville, while household recyclables and bulky items can be taken to the Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center. The Energy and Environment Cabinet maintains e-scrap guidance and supports local recycling-assistance grants across the commonwealth.

Top Cities by Number of Centers

Louisville 36 Lexington 14 Frankfort 7 Richmond 5 Shelbyville 5 Winchester 5 Burlington 4 Elizabethtown 4

All Cities in Kentucky

Ashland 1 center Barbourville 1 center Bardstown 1 center Berea 2 centers Bowling Green 3 centers Burlington 4 centers Cadiz 1 center Calvert City 1 center Campbellsville 1 center Clarksville 1 center Columbia 2 centers Covington 1 center Crab Orchard 1 center Cynthiana 1 center Danville 1 center Dry Ridge 1 center Dunnville 1 center Eddyville 1 center Elizabethtown 4 centers Fisty 1 center Florence 4 centers Frankfort 7 centers Franklin 1 center Georgetown 2 centers Glasgow 2 centers Grayson 1 center Greenville 1 center Hardinsburg 1 center Hartford 1 center Hazard 2 centers Hebron 1 center Henderson 1 center Irvine 3 centers La Grange 1 center Lancaster 1 center Lawrenceburg 2 centers Lebanon 1 center Lexington 14 centers London 2 centers Louisville 36 centers Manchester 3 centers Maysville 2 centers Middlesboro 2 centers Monticello 1 center Morehead 2 centers Newport 2 centers Nicholasville 1 center Owensboro 2 centers Paris 1 center Pembroke 1 center Pineville 1 center Radcliff 1 center Richmond 5 centers Salt Lick 1 center Salyersville 2 centers Scottsville 1 center Shelbyville 5 centers Shepherdsville 2 centers Somerset 3 centers Stanford 3 centers Sulphur 1 center Taylorsville 1 center Versailles 1 center Walton 1 center Wellington 1 center Whitesburg 1 center Wickliffe 1 center Williamsburg 1 center Winchester 5 centers

Recycling in Kentucky — FAQ

Does Kentucky have a bottle deposit?

No. Kentucky does not have a container-deposit or bottle-bill law, so you do not pay a deposit or receive a refund for returning beverage containers. Cans and bottles are recycled through local curbside and drop-off programs instead.

How do I recycle in Kentucky?

Use your local curbside program, county solid-waste district, or a drop-off center for paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, and electronics. The directory lists 168 centers across 69 cities. Accepted materials, fees, and hours vary by county, so confirm with the specific center before you go.

Does Kentucky ban anything from landfills?

Kentucky requires all solid waste to go to permitted facilities under 401 KAR Chapter 47, and illegal dumping carries fines up to $25,000. The state has not confirmed broad statewide landfill bans on yard waste in these sources, so check your county solid-waste district for local rules on electronics, tires, and yard debris.

Where are the biggest recycling hubs in Kentucky?

Louisville is by far the largest hub with 36 listed centers, followed by Lexington with 14. Frankfort lists 7, and Shelbyville and Richmond list 5 each. These cities offer the widest range of scrap yards, drop-off sites, and electronics recyclers in the state.