Recycling Centers in Wyoming

Recycling in Wyoming

Wyoming has 77 recycling centers spread across 29 cities, encompassing municipal drop-off facilities, scrap yards, and private recyclers from the high plains to mountain resort towns. Recycling policy is administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Solid and Hazardous Waste Division (SHWD). The SHWD oversees the state Recycling Program and conducts studies and assessments on waste diversion; it also maintains a statewide recycling directory. Wyoming has no bottle-deposit law and no statewide mandate requiring electronics recycling or specific landfill bans on common household materials beyond standard solid waste rules. State law requires that all solid waste be disposed of, treated, or recycled at designated facilities approved by the SHWD and the local governing body.

The state capital Cheyenne is by far the largest hub with 16 listed centers, followed by the university city of Laramie with 6, and Casper, Rock Springs, and Gillette each with 5. Resort community Jackson lists 4 centers, while Buffalo and Sheridan each have 3. Together these eight cities account for the majority of recycling access in the state, though the Wyoming Solid Waste Recycling Association (WSWRA) supports additional programs statewide. Neighboring states: Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota.

Because Wyoming lacks curbside recycling mandates and a bottle bill, most residents rely on drop-off centers operated by cities, counties, or private haulers. The SHWD publishes a recycling directory listing programs in towns throughout the state, available through its website or as a downloadable file. The Wyoming Solid Waste Recycling Association holds periodic conferences and maintains resources for local programs. Residents in communities without curbside service typically drive materials to the nearest drop-off location; distances can be significant given Wyoming's geography.