Recycling Centers in Lowell, MA
Find drop-off recycling locations in Lowell, Massachusetts. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
If you live in Lowell 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 Lowell: A Local Guide
Lowell, Massachusetts' fourth-largest city and a historic mill town in Middlesex County, has two listed recycling facilities — both within a short stretch of Tanner Street in the city's industrial district. The Max Levine & Co. scrap-metal yard at 270 Tanner Street has been buying copper, brass, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals for more than 65 years. The Lowell Bottle & Can Return Center at 143 Tanner Street has served as a Massachusetts bottle-deposit redemption point, though its current status is uncertain as of October 2026 — call ahead before visiting.
Max Levine & Co. operates Monday through Friday, 7:15 AM to 4:15 PM, and is closed on weekends. It accepts copper, brass, aluminum, insulated wire, stainless steel, and lead with a 20-pound minimum on all purchases. A valid picture ID is required, and sellers must check in at the office before entering the yard. The family-owned business also offers corporate pick-up arrangements for commercial accounts generating regular scrap volume — call 978-454-7786 to discuss. Prices are market-driven; a quick call before your visit will confirm current rates and whether your load meets the 20 lb threshold.
The Lowell Bottle & Can Return Center at 143 Tanner Street redeems Massachusetts' 5-cent bottle-deposit refunds on qualifying glass bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, and plastic beverage bottles. However, as of July 2026 conflicting listings online — one Yelp entry marked "CLOSED" alongside a separate active listing — make its current status unclear. Call 978-995-8161 before making a trip. If that center is unavailable, Massachusetts supermarkets and grocery stores with bottle-redemption machines (such as Stop & Shop locations in the area) are required by law to accept containers sold in their stores.
Lowell is bordered by several communities that also have recycling resources. Chelmsford and Billerica each have facilities within a short drive. Dracut and North Billerica are also nearby. For statewide resources, the Massachusetts recycling directory lists facilities by city, or visit MassDEP's recycling guidance for items like household hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events serving the Merrimack Valley region.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Lowell
What metals does Max Levine & Co. in Lowell accept, and is there a minimum amount?
Max Levine at 270 Tanner Street buys copper, brass, aluminum, insulated wire, stainless steel, and lead. There is a 20-pound minimum on all purchases, so small household quantities may not qualify. Bring a valid picture ID and check in at the office before entering the yard. Call 978-454-7786 for current pricing.
Is the Lowell Bottle & Can Return Center still open?
Its status is uncertain as of October 2026. One Yelp listing for 143 Tanner Street is marked closed while another appears active. Call 978-995-8161 before visiting. As an alternative, many Massachusetts grocery stores are required to accept bottle returns for containers they sell — Stop & Shop and Market Basket locations in the Lowell area are options if the dedicated redemption center is unavailable.
Where can I recycle electronics or household items in Lowell, MA?
Neither facility on Tanner Street handles electronics or general household recyclables. For e-waste, Middlesex County periodically hosts household hazardous waste and electronics collection events through MassDEP's programs. Chelmsford and Billerica nearby may have transfer-station options for residents. Check the Massachusetts recycling directory for the nearest electronics drop-off.
Are there other recycling resources near Lowell for different materials?
Yes. Chelmsford, Dracut, Billerica, and North Billerica are all within a few miles and each have listed facilities. Haverhill and Methuen are also accessible to Lowell residents heading north. The Massachusetts state recycling page provides a full directory.