Recycling Centers in Johnston, RI
Find drop-off recycling locations in Johnston, Rhode Island. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
If you live in Johnston 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 Johnston: A Local Guide
Johnston, a town in Providence County, is home to two of Rhode Island's most significant recycling destinations. Together they cover everything from a simple aluminum-can drop-off to statewide household hazardous waste collection, making Johnston a practical recycling hub for Providence-area residents.
Sims Metal - Johnston, at 15–17 Green Earth Avenue, is a licensed scrap-metal facility open to the general public, tradesmen, and commercial customers. The yard buys ferrous and non-ferrous metals — steel, copper, aluminum, brass, and more — plus household appliances, aluminum cans, metal fencing, aluminum siding, and end-of-life vehicles. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 7:00 AM to noon. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to receive payment; a clean title is required for junk vehicles. Freon must be removed from refrigerated appliances before drop-off, and non-metallic materials are not accepted.
Rhode Island Resource Recovery / Central Landfill, at 3 Shun Pike (East Entrance), is Rhode Island's statewide solid-waste and recycling authority and the broadest-scope facility in the state. The Residential Recycling Area accepts mixed recyclables, cardboard, scrap metal, appliances, e-waste, tires, motor oil, cooking oil, antifreeze, batteries, bulky plastics, plastic film, textiles, books, shredded paper, mattresses, yard debris, and construction debris. Household hazardous waste is taken via the free Eco-Depot program (RI residents, appointment required at 401-942-1430 x3241). The facility is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and Saturday 6:00 AM to noon. Individual residents pay commercial gate rates — review the fee schedule at rirrc.org before arriving.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Johnston
Where can I recycle electronics in Johnston, RI?
The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Central Landfill (3 Shun Pike, East Entrance) accepts e-waste at its Residential Recycling Area, open Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–3:45 PM and Saturday 6:00 AM–noon. Sims Metal on Green Earth Avenue does not accept electronics — it is a metals-only facility.
Does Sims Metal Johnston pay me for scrap, or is there a fee?
Sims Metal pays you by weight at current market rates — no drop-off fee. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to receive payment. No appointment is needed.
How do I dispose of household hazardous waste like paint or pesticides in Johnston?
Use RIRRC's free Eco-Depot program at the Central Landfill. An appointment is required — call 401-942-1430 x3241 or visit EcoDepotRI.org. Eco-Depot accepts automotive fluids, gasoline, propane tanks, pesticides, and pool chemicals, but not electronics or containers over 5 gallons.
Can I bring my junk car to a Johnston recycling facility?
Yes. Sims Metal Johnston (15–17 Green Earth Avenue) buys running and non-running vehicles. Bring a valid title and ensure the vehicle is drained of oils, fuels, and hazardous substances before arrival. Hours: Monday–Friday 7 AM–4 PM, Saturday 7 AM–noon.