Recycling Centers in Providence, RI
Find drop-off recycling locations in Providence, Rhode Island. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Residents of Providence, Rhode Island 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 Providence: A Local Guide
Providence, Rhode Island has 8 recycling-related locations in our directory, and the list leans heavily toward heavy industry: several large scrap-metal operations and auto-recycling buyers cluster along Allens Avenue and the city's industrial south side. You'll find the city's own Providence Recycling Program facility plus private metal recyclers and junk-car buyers. For everyday household recycling, the City of Providence runs a single-stream blue/green cart program: the city's recycling guide says clean paper, clean cardboard, plastic containers smaller than two gallons, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans all go in the cart loose (no bags). Statewide processing is handled by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. Start with our Rhode Island recycling hub for the big picture.
By category, the scrap and metal operators dominate: Sims Metal - Providence, Schnitzer Northeast, and Ocean State Metals are all listed as metals yards. For end-of-life vehicles, Rhode Island Junk My Car Auto Recycling and Cash For Junk Cars LLC buy junk cars. The municipal Providence Recycling Program site rounds out the list. Pricing, hours, and exactly what each yard takes vary, so check each center's page to confirm what it accepts.
For options outside the city, nearby Rhode Island towns add a few more drop-offs: Pawtucket (3 centers), Johnston (2), Lincoln (2), and Bristol (2). See every listed town on the Rhode Island hub.
All Recycling Centers in Providence
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Providence
What can I put in my Providence recycling cart?
According to the City of Providence recycling guide, your cart takes clean paper, clean and flattened cardboard, plastic containers smaller than 2 gallons (bottles, jugs, tubs, yogurt cups, deli clamshells), glass bottles and jars, and metal cans, lids, and foil. Keep everything loose, not bagged, and leave out plastic bags, food, clothing, wires, hoses, and Styrofoam. Confirm current rules with the city's Department of Public Works.
Where can I sell scrap metal in Providence, RI?
Our directory lists several metals buyers, including Sims Metal, Schnitzer Northeast, and Ocean State Metals, most along the Allens Avenue industrial corridor. Scrap prices change daily, so call ahead for the current rate on copper, aluminum, steel, or other grades.
Where can I recycle a junk car in Providence?
Two auto-focused buyers are listed: Rhode Island Junk My Car Auto Recycling and Cash For Junk Cars LLC. We have not verified their current payout terms or towing policies, so contact them directly before you go.
Are there recycling options near Providence?
Yes. Nearby Rhode Island towns in our directory include Pawtucket, Johnston, Lincoln, and Bristol. Statewide, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation operates central recycling and disposal in Johnston. Browse all towns on the Rhode Island hub.