Recycling Center Lubbock: Hours, Map & Accepted Items

Lubbock Recycling Center Overview

When people search for Recycling Center Lubbock, they are usually looking for the City of Lubbock drop-off recycling system. The city has four permanent recycling locations and several satellite recycling locations. The permanent locations are better for a wider set of accepted materials, including cardboard, while satellite locations are more limited.

Lubbock recycling is not a “dump anything” service. The city says residents should place recyclables in the proper bin, and if there is no bin for a certain item, that item is not accepted. The city also warns that using recycling-site trash dumpsters for household or business garbage can be treated as theft of service and illegal dumping.

The safest approach is to separate items before you drive. Put paper and cardboard together, cans and plastics together, and keep questionable items in a separate box. Do not bring plastic bags, dirty containers, household trash, business garbage, electronics, liquids, fuel mixtures or hazardous chemicals to a normal recycling bin unless the official city page clearly says that exact item is accepted.

Quick Facts Before You Drive

Lubbock Recycling Center Hours and Sunday Schedule

The four permanent City of Lubbock recycling locations are listed with hours of operation from Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. They are closed during City of Lubbock holidays. If you are taking cardboard, mixed paper, cans or #1/#2 plastics to a permanent site, plan around those hours.

For Sunday searches, the answer is split. Permanent city recycling locations are not listed for Sunday hours. Satellite locations are listed as 24 hours / 7 days a week, but those satellite locations accept a smaller set of materials. Do not take cardboard or a questionable item to a 24/7 satellite unless the official listing says that site accepts it.

Four Permanent Lubbock Recycling Locations

The City of Lubbock lists four permanent recycling locations. These are the best starting point for residents with cardboard and common recyclables because the city lists cardboard among accepted materials at the permanent sites.

24/7 Satellite Recycling Locations in Lubbock

The City of Lubbock also lists satellite recycling locations with hours of operation as 24 hours / 7 days a week. These sites are useful for after-hours drop-off, but they are more limited than the four permanent sites. The listed satellite materials are #1/#2 plastics, tin, aluminum, newspaper and computer paper. Northridge Elementary is noted for cardboard.

Accepted Items at Lubbock Recycling Centers

The City of Lubbock permanent recycling locations accept common dry recyclables. The official list includes plastics type 1 and 2, clear/color/opaque only, plus tin, aluminum, newspaper, computer paper and cardboard. Keep items clean, dry and sorted into the proper bin.

Cardboard Recycling in Lubbock

Cardboard is accepted at the permanent City of Lubbock recycling locations. The right way to drop it off is simple: empty the box, break it down flat, remove trash and packing foam, and keep it dry. A box full of foam, food waste or plastic bags is not clean cardboard recycling.

Plastic #1 and #2 Recycling in Lubbock

Lubbock’s official listing says the recycling locations accept plastics type 1 and 2, clear, color and opaque only. Do not use the recycling symbol alone as proof. Match the plastic type and the bin instructions at the site.

Items Not Accepted at Lubbock Recycling Centers

The most important official rule is: no bin for a certain item means that item is not accepted. Do not put unaccepted items in with similar recyclables. The city warns that this contaminates the entire bin. Normal recycling drop-off is not for household trash, business garbage, dirty loads, plastic bags, hazardous waste, unknown liquids or bulky disposal.

No Plastic Bags in Lubbock Recycling

The City of Lubbock specifically warns that plastic bags clog equipment used in processing. Residents are asked to remove recyclables from plastic bags, place the accepted recyclables in the proper recycling bin, and dispose of the plastic bag in the waste bin or use reusable bags.

For seniors or anyone who wants an easier visit, sort at home. Carry recyclables in a box, tote or reusable container. At the site, empty the items into the correct bins and take your container back home.

Which Lubbock Waste or Recycling Location Should You Use?

Many Lubbock recycling mistakes happen because residents take every item to a recycling drop-off. Use this quick decision table before driving.

Used Oil, Used Oil Filters and Used Antifreeze

The City of Lubbock says used oil, oil filters and used antifreeze may be brought to Citizen Convenience Stations. Users must sign in with the attendant and show a driver’s license with a valid City of Lubbock address.

The city’s directions are specific: pour used motor oil in the oil igloos, place filters inside the provided barrel, and pour used antifreeze in the separate labeled igloo. The rules also say do not mix fluids, keep it less than five gallons, and do not bring fuel mixtures or other fluids.

Bulky Items and Citizen Convenience Stations

Large or bulky items that prevent dumpster lids from closing should go to Citizen Convenience Stations instead of regular recycling bins. The City of Lubbock gives examples such as mattresses, tree limbs, garage doors and large furniture.

The city lists several bulky-item and convenience-station rules. Tires are allowed at four per home each year. Used motor oil and filters under five gallons may be taken to a Citizen Convenience Station. Appliances must be empty, and refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other items containing CFCs should be dropped off at a Citizen Convenience Station to be safely processed.

The city also notes a total load volume limit of the equivalent of three cubic yards, covered-load rules to prevent spilling, and use limits for City of Lubbock residents hauling household items from their own single-family residential homes.

Household Hazardous Waste in Lubbock

The City of Lubbock recycling locations page points residents to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off program at the Southside 1631 84th location and says to call for an appointment. The HHW page also tells residents to call 806-775-2495 to schedule a drop-off appointment and confirm what items can be brought.

Do not leave chemicals, paint, pesticides, unknown liquids, fuel mixtures or hazardous household materials at recycling bins. HHW is a staff-controlled disposal category. Call first, describe the item, and follow the appointment instructions.

Electronics, Computers and TVs in Lubbock

Electronics do not belong in normal recycling bins unless a listed local program specifically accepts them. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality explains that Texas law requires television and computer-equipment manufacturers to offer recycling opportunities to consumers, and it points residents to TexasRecyclesComputers.org and TexasRecyclesTVs.org for options.

Before donating, reselling or recycling a computer, phone, tablet or storage device, delete private information, remove memory cards, sign out of accounts and back up files you need. A recycler handles the material; it does not automatically protect your data.

How to Prepare Before Visiting a Lubbock Recycling Center

1. Choose the right location. Use permanent locations for the widest city recycling list. Use satellite locations only for the materials listed there.
2. Keep recyclables loose. Do not bag recyclables. Empty them from plastic bags and place the bag in the waste bin.
3. Flatten cardboard. Break down boxes, remove foam and trash, and keep cardboard dry.
4. Rinse cans and plastics. Empty and rinse food or drink containers so they do not smell or contaminate the bin.
5. Use the exact bin. If there is no bin for your item, do not put it in a similar bin.
6. Keep HHW separate. Chemicals, paints, unknown liquids, fuel mixtures and other hazardous items need the appointment route.
7. Use convenience stations for bulky items. Mattresses, furniture, appliances, tires, limbs and similar large items do not belong in recycling bins.
8. Call before questionable loads. Use 806-775-2495 for City of Lubbock Solid Waste questions before making a special trip.

Official Lubbock Recycling Links and Related Guides

Lubbock Recycling Center Map and Directions

The map below searches for City of Lubbock recycling locations. Because Lubbock has four permanent recycling sites and multiple satellite sites, choose the location that matches your material and time. Use permanent sites for cardboard and the broader accepted-material list. Use satellite locations only for the materials listed at those 24/7 sites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Center Lubbock