Choose the Right Bloomington Recycling Drop-Off Before You Drive
Bloomington-area recycling is handled by the Waste Reduction District of Monroe County. Southside and the other rural centers handle everyday recyclables, while South Walnut is the main location for household hazardous waste, screen electronics, Freon appliances, tires and other special materials.
Start with your item
Fast answer for Bloomington and Monroe County residents
For everyday recycling, Southside Recycling Center at 400 W. Dillman Road is a practical Bloomington location. It operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For special materials, use South Walnut at 3400 S. Walnut Street. It operates Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and handles full household hazardous waste, screen electronics, Freon appliances, tires and several other materials that rural centers do not accept.
On this page
- Recycling system
- Addresses and hours
- Sunday schedule
- Who can use the centers
- Which center to use
- Accepted recyclables
- Not accepted
- Electronics and screens
- Household hazardous waste
- 2026 fees
- Tire recycling
- Hefty Renew plastics
- Bulky items
- Orange Bag trash
- Reuse programs
- Yard waste
- Before-you-go checklist
- Maps
- FAQs
- Official sources
How Bloomington Recycling Drop-Off Works
The Waste Reduction District of Monroe County operates five recycling and disposal centers serving Monroe County. Four are rural recycling centers—Southside, Westside, Northeast and Ellettsville—while South Walnut provides the broadest recycling, reuse and household hazardous-waste services.
All five locations accept the District’s standard recyclable categories. South Walnut additionally accepts materials that require specialized handling, including household chemicals, electronic screens, Freon appliances, tires, aerosol containers, propane tanks, fluorescent lamps and other hazardous or fee-based items.
South Walnut and Southside are not interchangeable
A television, refrigerator, propane tank, container of household chemicals or tire should not be taken to Southside simply because Southside is closer. These special categories normally require South Walnut.
Bloomington Recycling Center Hours and Addresses
| Center | Address | Regular Hours | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southside | 400 W. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47403 |
Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat 7 AM–6 PM |
Everyday recycling, Orange Bag trash and scheduled rural-center services. |
| South Walnut | 3400 S. Walnut St. Bloomington, IN 47401 |
Tue–Sat 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
HHW, screens, tires, Freon appliances and special materials. |
| Westside | 341 N. Oard Rd. Bloomington, IN 47404 |
Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat 7 AM–6 PM |
Everyday recycling, Orange Bag trash and rotating bulky items. |
| Northeast | 6015 E. State Rd. 45 Bloomington, IN 47408 |
Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat 7 AM–6 PM |
Everyday recycling, Orange Bag trash and rotating bulky items. |
| Ellettsville | 6200 N. Matthews Dr. Ellettsville, IN 47429 |
Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat 7 AM–6 PM |
Everyday recycling, Orange Bag trash and rotating bulky items. |
South Walnut is the paved central location
The District identifies South Walnut as a paved site. Southside, Westside, Northeast and Ellettsville are listed as gravel-lot locations.
Verify current Waste Reduction District locations and hours.
Is Bloomington Recycling Center Open Sunday?
No regular Sunday hours are currently listed for any Waste Reduction District recycling center.
South Walnut operates Tuesday through Saturday. Southside, Westside, Northeast and Ellettsville operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Saturday is the shared weekend option
Saturday is listed as an operating day at all five District recycling centers. Choose the correct location based on your material rather than assuming every site accepts the same special items.
Never leave material outside a closed facility
Use posted operating hours and check the District calendar for holiday closures, special events or temporary schedule changes.
Who Can Use Monroe County Recycling Centers?
The District’s public guidance states that users of its recycling centers must be Monroe County residents. Special programs can have additional eligibility limits.
Businesses, commercial haulers and other organizations should not assume that residential programs apply to them. The District specifically excludes businesses and commercial users from several residential programs, including free bulky-item disposal and residential electronics handling.
Ask before bringing a business or institutional load
Commercial, nonprofit, school, church, landlord or institutional waste may follow different rules or fees. Contact the District before loading these materials.
Which Bloomington Recycling Location Should You Use?
| Material | Where to Start | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, cardboard, rigid plastics, glass, metal | Any District recycling center | Material must be clean, dry and separated by type. |
| Small electronics without screens | Any District recycling center | Screen-containing electronics follow the South Walnut route. |
| TVs, monitors, tablets and screen electronics | South Walnut | Displays 7 inches and larger currently have a $20 fee. |
| Refrigerator, freezer, A/C or dehumidifier | South Walnut | Standard household Freon appliances currently cost $20 each. |
| Chemicals, pesticides, mercury items, fuels or fluorescent lamps | South Walnut | These require the full HHW program. |
| Tires | South Walnut | Fees depend on tire category and whether the tire remains on a rim. |
| Large furniture or mattress | Rotating rural-center bulky program | Check the monthly location before loading. |
| Household trash | Rural centers through Orange Bag program | Eligibility restrictions apply; South Walnut does not accept Orange Bag trash. |
Accepted Recycling Items at Bloomington-Area Centers
Standard recyclables should be clean, dry, separated by type and loose rather than placed in bags. The District’s standard-material rules apply across all five recycling centers.
Paper & Cardboard
- Office and printer paper
- Newspaper
- Magazines and books
- Mail and envelopes
- Paper sacks
- Coated cartons
- Paper cups without lids or straws
- Cardboard boxes
- Paperboard
- Cardboard tubes
Glass & Metal
- Beverage bottles
- Food and grocery jars
- Mason jars
- Aluminum cans
- Steel food cans
- Clean aluminum foil and pans
- Iron, steel, aluminum and copper scrap
- Many drained non-Freon metal appliances
Rigid Plastics #1–7
- Soda and water bottles
- Milk and juice jugs
- Yogurt-style tubs
- Hinged grocery containers
- Deli containers and lids
- Food bottles and jars
- Rigid cups
- Laundry detergent containers
Preparation rules that matter
- Plastic containers must be clean, rigid and marked #1 through #7.
- Food containers should be rinsed, dried and free of residue.
- The District currently tells residents to reattach clean plastic caps and lids.
- Paper must stay dry and free of grease or oil.
- Flatten cardboard by unfolding it rather than crushing it.
- Remove plastic, Styrofoam packing and staples from cardboard where required.
- Glass bottles and jars must be empty, clean and dry; remove lids and caps.
- Scrap metal should be drained of fluids.
For larger cardboard loads, see the cardboard box recycling guide.
Materials Not Accepted in Standard District Recycling
Some materials may be recyclable elsewhere but are not accepted through the District’s normal recycling stream.
| Material | Current District Rule |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags and soft plastic film | Not accepted with normal recyclables. This includes shopping bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, air pillows, cling film and similar flexible material. |
| Styrofoam blocks and food containers | Not accepted in normal recycling. Clean packing peanuts may have a reuse route at South Walnut. |
| Dirty plastic food packaging | Not accepted. |
| Unmarked rigid plastic | Not accepted in the standard #1–7 stream. |
| Greasy pizza boxes | Greasy sections are not accepted; clean tops may be recyclable. |
| Mirrors, tempered glass and cookware glass | Not accepted with bottle and jar glass. |
| Yard waste | The District itself does not process yard waste; use a separate composting or mulching facility. |
Electronics, TVs, Monitors and Screen Fees
Electronics are divided by screen status. Small electronics with a battery or power cord and without a screen can generally be taken to any District recycling center.
Electronics with screens must go to South Walnut. Under the District’s current August 13, 2026 fee resolution, an electronic device with a display measuring 7 inches or larger diagonally costs $20 per item.
Examples for all centers
- Small appliances without screens
- Electrical cords
- Remotes
- Electronic accessories
- Many battery-powered devices without displays
South Walnut screen route
- Televisions
- Computer monitors
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Phones and similar screen devices
Protect personal information first
Back up important files, sign out of accounts and erase personal data from phones, tablets, computers and storage devices where practical before recycling.
For television-specific preparation, see the TV recycling guide.
Household Hazardous Waste at South Walnut
The District’s Household Hazardous Waste facility is at 3400 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington. South Walnut’s public recycling-center hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The hazardous-materials department can be reached at 812-349-2848.
Limited HHW accepted at all District centers
- Household batteries
- Used motor oil and oil filters
- Used antifreeze
The District currently limits used motor oil to five gallons per resident per day.
South Walnut-only HHW and special materials
- Household cleaners and chemicals
- Gasoline and petroleum products
- Household oils
- Paint, stains and varnishes
- Automotive liquids
- Fertilizers
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Aerosol containers
- Propane and fuel cylinders
- Fluorescent, CFL, LED, halogen and other lamps
- Mercury thermometers and related devices
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors
- Car and household batteries
- Sharps in appropriate containers
- Non-prescription medications in original packaging
- Ink cartridges, but not toner
- Electronic screens
- Freon appliances
Prescription medications are not accepted
The District specifically says it does not accept prescription medications. Use an approved medication take-back location or contact a local pharmacy or law-enforcement collection program.
For general hazardous-waste preparation, see the household hazardous waste guide.
2026 Bloomington Recycling and Special-Handling Fees
Most standard household recycling does not require a drop-off fee. Special materials can carry processing or handling charges.
| Material | 2026 Published Fee | Location / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic display 7 inches or larger | $20 per item | South Walnut |
| Standard household Freon appliance | $20 per item | South Walnut |
| Commercial / non-standard Freon appliance | $50 per item | South Walnut |
| Unusable latex paint, quart or smaller | $2.25 per container | Monroe County resident fee |
| Unusable latex paint, over quart through 1 gallon | $7 per container | Monroe County resident fee |
| Unusable latex paint, over 1 gallon through 5 gallons | $35 in Resolution 2026-07 | Current HHW webpage has displayed $36; confirm before visiting. |
| Lithium-ion battery 300Wh or greater | Lesser of 50% of District cost or $500 | Special 2026 fee |
| Damaged / defective / recalled lithium-ion battery | Lesser of 50% of District cost or $500 | Special handling required |
| Foaming ISO cylinder | Lesser of 50% of District cost or $500 | Special 2026 fee |
Latex-paint fee discrepancy
The District’s August 13, 2026 Resolution 2026-07 states $35 for unusable latex-paint containers larger than one gallon through five gallons, while the current HHW webpage has displayed $36. For a fee-sensitive trip, confirm the amount directly with the District.
Tire Recycling Fees and Limits
South Walnut accepts residential tires from Monroe County residents. The District’s public guidance limits residents to five tires per visit. Businesses and out-of-county users should not assume residential tire service applies to them.
| Tire Type | Off Rim | On Rim |
|---|---|---|
| Car, light truck, SUV, pickup, motorcycle, lawn mower | $4 | $11 |
| Kart / golf cart / go-kart / mini tire | $4 | $11 |
| Mud-aggressive / ATV / off-road tire | $8 | $16 |
| Bicycle tire | $2.50 | $2.50 |
Hefty Renew Hard-to-Recycle Plastics at South Walnut
The District currently operates a Hefty Renew pilot at South Walnut only. The program provides a separate route for qualifying hard-to-recycle plastics that do not belong in the normal loose rigid-plastics stream.
Qualifying materials must be placed inside an official Hefty Renew orange bag. The bag must be securely closed with its built-in drawstring or supplied fastener before being placed in the designated South Walnut plastics compactor.
Do not confuse Hefty Renew with normal plastic-film recycling
Ordinary shopping bags, bread bags, shipping sleeves, cling film and similar flexible plastics remain excluded from normal District recycling. Follow the specific Hefty Renew eligibility list for the pilot program.
Free Bulky-Item Disposal in Monroe County
The District provides free bulky-item disposal on a rotating monthly basis at the four rural recycling centers. The program is for qualifying Monroe County residential users and is not available at South Walnut.
| Month | 2026 Rotating Location |
|---|---|
| January | Ellettsville |
| February | Westside |
| March | Southside |
| April | Northeast |
| May | Ellettsville |
| June | Westside |
| July | Southside |
| August | Northeast |
| September | Ellettsville |
| October | Westside |
| November | Southside |
| December | Northeast |
Examples accepted through the bulky program
- Furniture, couches and chairs
- Dressers and tables
- Mattresses and box springs
- Baby furniture
- Car and booster seats
- Dog houses
- Wooden bed frames
- Area rugs, but not carpeting
- Bathroom fixtures
- Large toys, swing sets and trampolines
- Pools, spas and covers
- Empty wooden planters and ceramic pots
Bulky-service limits
No unloading assistance is provided. Bin space is limited, and the District reserves the right to accept or reject individual items. Commercial haulers, businesses and other excluded entities cannot use the residential free program.
Orange Bag Trash Program
The Orange Bag Program is a pay-as-you-throw trash option for Monroe County residents who do not have City curbside trash service and do not use a private trash hauler.
Orange Bag trash may be dropped during normal hours at Southside, Westside, Northeast and Ellettsville. South Walnut does not accept Orange Bag trash.
Big Orange Bags
33-gallon bags are currently sold in rolls of 10 for $15.
Little Orange Bags
15-gallon bags are currently sold in rolls of 20 for $12.50.
Orange Bags are for trash, not recycling
Standard recyclable material does not require an Orange Bag or recycling fee. Keep recyclables loose and separated according to District instructions.
Reuse Programs at Bloomington-Area Recycling Centers
The four rural recycling centers have Trading Post areas for reusable household goods. Residents may leave suitable reusable items and take available items, subject to the District’s program rules.
The District’s current accepted-items guidance says residents may take a maximum of four reuse items per person. Common reusable items include housewares, kitchenware, tools, toys, dishes, pet supplies, office and school supplies, craft materials, décor, books and movies.
South Walnut Reuse Sidewalk
The South Walnut Reuse Sidewalk is currently listed Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This closes 30 minutes before the main South Walnut recycling-center closing time.
South Walnut also supports Materials for the Arts and reuse of suitable chemicals through its reuse programs.
Reuse is not another trash stream
Only bring items that are genuinely useful and appropriate for another resident or participating reuse program.
Yard Waste Is Not Accepted at District Recycling Centers
The Waste Reduction District states that its recycling centers do not process yard waste. Leaves, brush, weeds, garden trimmings and woody debris need a separate composting or mulching route.
The District currently lists local alternatives such as Good Earth Compost and other area processors, but private facilities can change their rates, hours and accepted materials. Call the facility directly before transporting yard waste.
Before-You-Go Checklist
- Confirm Monroe County eligibility. District recycling centers and residential special programs are intended for qualifying county users.
- Choose Southside or South Walnut correctly. Normal recyclables can use Southside; screens, tires, Freon appliances and full HHW generally require South Walnut.
- Check the operating day. Southside is Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat; South Walnut is Tue–Sat.
- Do not plan a Sunday trip. No regular Sunday hours are currently listed.
- Clean and dry standard recyclables. Keep them loose and separated by material type.
- Flatten cardboard. Remove packing material and contaminated sections.
- Separate screen electronics. Displays 7 inches and larger require South Walnut and currently cost $20 each.
- Identify Freon appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers require South Walnut and a processing fee.
- Count tires. Residential tire service currently limits users to five tires per visit.
- Check bulky-item rotation. Furniture and mattresses use a monthly rural-center schedule, not South Walnut.
- Keep chemicals labeled and separate. Do not mix unknown chemicals or fuels together.
- Confirm large or damaged lithium batteries. New 2026 special handling fees can apply.
- Use official Hefty Renew bags only. The pilot is separate from normal loose plastics recycling.
Bloomington Recycling Center Maps and Directions
The map below points to Southside Recycling Center. If you have screens, chemicals, tires, Freon appliances or other specialized items, use South Walnut instead.
Bloomington Recycling Center FAQs
Where is the Bloomington Recycling Center?
Southside Recycling Center is at 400 W. Dillman Road, Bloomington, IN 47403. South Walnut at 3400 S. Walnut Street is the main location for household hazardous waste and special materials.
What are Southside Recycling Center hours?
Southside is currently open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What are South Walnut Recycling Center hours?
South Walnut is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Is Bloomington Recycling Center open Sunday?
No regular Sunday hours are listed for the Waste Reduction District recycling centers. Saturday is currently the shared weekend operating day.
Do I need to be a Monroe County resident?
The District’s recycling-center instructions state that users must be Monroe County residents. Individual residential programs can have additional eligibility restrictions.
Can I recycle cardboard in Bloomington?
Yes. Cardboard and paperboard are accepted at District recycling centers. Keep them dry, remove packing materials and flatten boxes before drop-off.
Can I recycle a television in Bloomington?
Yes, but televisions and other screen electronics must go to South Walnut. Electronic displays measuring 7 inches or larger currently have a $20 processing fee.
Where can I take paint in Bloomington?
Paint belongs at South Walnut’s Household Hazardous Waste facility. Reusable material may qualify for reuse, while unusable latex paint can carry a container-size-based fee.
How much does tire recycling cost?
Current fees range from $2.50 for bicycle tires to $16 for certain aggressive off-road tires on rims. The residential program currently limits customers to five tires per visit.
Where can I take a refrigerator or air conditioner?
Freon appliances must go to South Walnut. Standard household refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers currently have a $20 per-item handling fee.
Can I take household chemicals to Southside?
Most household chemicals must go to South Walnut. The limited hazardous materials accepted at all District sites are batteries, used motor oil and filters, and used antifreeze.
What is the Hefty Renew program?
Hefty Renew is a South-Walnut-only pilot for qualifying hard-to-recycle plastics placed in official orange Hefty Renew bags. It is separate from ordinary loose recycling.
Can I drop furniture at South Walnut?
No regular bulky-item bin is provided at South Walnut. The District’s free bulky-item program rotates among Southside, Westside, Northeast and Ellettsville.
Are plastic bags accepted in normal recycling?
No. Plastic shopping bags, shipping sleeves, film, bread bags, bubble wrap and similar soft plastics are excluded from the standard District recycling stream.
Does the District accept yard waste?
No. District recycling centers do not process yard waste. Use a separate composting or mulching facility and verify its current rules first.
Official Sources Checked
This article was refreshed using current information published by the Waste Reduction District of Monroe County, including its 2026 fee resolution, recycling-center locations, accepted-material guidance, household hazardous-waste program, reuse programs, Orange Bag program and bulky-item schedule.
- Waste Reduction District of Monroe County
- Official recycling-center locations and hours
- Official accepted and excluded materials
- Household Hazardous Waste guidance
- Bulky Item Program
- Orange Bag Trash Program
- Reuse Options
- District Calendar
- Resolution 2026-07 — current 2026 fee resolution
- Waste Reduction District contact information
Verification date: September 30, 2026.