Lexington Recycling Center: Hours, Drop-Off Locations & Accepted Items

by
Lexington-Fayette KY · Drop-Off Bins · Electronics · Special Events

Choose the Right Lexington Recycling Route Before You Load the Car

Lexington does not use one single public drop-off site for every recyclable item. Mixed recycling, electronics, household hazardous waste, shredded paper and bulky household trash all follow different routes.

This guide separates the 360 Thompson Road Recycling Center contact location from 24-hour mixed-recycling bins and the staffed Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road, so you can avoid driving to the wrong place.

Quick answer Choose your route Open map

Quick answer for Lexington, Kentucky

The City lists the Lexington Recycling Center contact location at 360 Thompson Road, Lexington, KY 40508, with hours Monday–Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Waste Management contact number is (859) 425-2255.

If you only need to drop off accepted household recyclables, several public mixed-recycling bins operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have electronics, use the separate Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road during staffed e-waste hours.

Two upcoming Lexington disposal dates after September 29, 2026

Free Trash Disposal Day: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at 1631 Old Frankfort Pike, with entry via Jimmie Campbell Drive.

Main Contact 360 Thompson Road · Mon–Fri 7 AM–3 PM
Mixed Drop-Off Several locations accessible 24/7
Electronics 1306 Versailles Road · separate staffed hours
Most Important Rule Recyclables must be loose, dry and clean
On this page

Which Lexington Recycling Location Should You Use?

The right destination depends on the item. The closest recycling pin is not always the correct route.

Mixed recyclables

Use a public mixed-recycling bin for accepted cans, bottles, jugs, jars, paper, cardboard and cartons.

Electronics

Use 1306 Versailles Road for accepted computers, TVs, monitors, cords, batteries, fluorescent tubes and other electronics.

Household hazardous waste

Paint, pesticides, fuels, solvents, pool chemicals and similar household hazards use Lexington’s HHW guidance or scheduled collection events.

Shredded paper

Do not put shredded paper in mixed recycling. Hold it for an official Paper Shred event.

Bulky household trash

Furniture, mattresses and extra household waste belong in the transfer-station or Free Trash Disposal Day route, not a recycling bin.

Full recycling bin

Call 311 rather than leaving bags, cardboard or loose recyclables beside a full container.

Lexington Recycling Center Contact: 360 Thompson Road

The City’s official recycling drop-off information lists the Recycling Center contact at 360 Thompson Road. Do not confuse those contact hours with the access schedule for every public recycling bin.

Recycling Center Contact 360 Thompson Road
Lexington, KY 40508
Contact Hours Monday–Friday
7:00 AM–3:00 PM
LexCall / Waste Management (859) 425-2255

Email: wastemanagement@lexingtonky.gov.

Important distinction: 360 Thompson Road is the City-listed Recycling Center contact location. Residents looking only to drop off clean bottles, cans, paper or cardboard may find a public mixed-recycling bin closer to home.

Lexington Mixed Recycling Drop-Off Locations

The City currently lists several public mixed-recycling locations in Fayette County. Four are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Location Address Current Access
Electronics Recycling Center outside bins 1306 Versailles Road 24 hours · 7 days/week
Beaumont Middle School 2080 Georgian Way 24 hours · 7 days/week
Chinoe Creek Apartments 3522 Creekwood Drive 24 hours · 7 days/week
Veterans Park 650 Southpoint Drive 24 hours · 7 days/week
Haley Pike Convenience Center 4253 Hedger Lane Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri · 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
24-hour access applies to the outside mixed-recycling bins, not staffed electronics intake. A TV or computer should not be left outside the electronics gate simply because the recycling dumpsters are accessible 24/7.
Official Lexington drop-off locations

What Can Go in Lexington Mixed Recycling?

Lexington’s rule is straightforward: loose, dry and clean. The City also warns that a recycling symbol does not automatically mean an item is accepted locally.

Accepted Category Examples Preparation
Aluminum cans Soda and beer cans Empty and keep loose.
Steel cans, lids and canisters Food cans, loose jar lids, coffee/tea/cookie canisters Empty food residue.
#1 and #2 plastic screw-top containers Water bottles, milk jugs, detergent jugs, shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars Keep caps attached; loose caps can fall through equipment.
Dry cardboard Moving boxes, shipping boxes, clean parts of pizza boxes Remove packing material and throw away greasy sections.
Box board Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, paper egg cartons Keep clean and dry.
Paper Office paper, magazines, catalogs, envelopes, newspaper, packing paper Do not shred before putting it in mixed recycling.
Brown paper Paper grocery bags, craft paper and packing paper Keep clean and dry.
Cartons Milk, cream, juice, broth, soup and wine cartons Empty contents; remove the bladder from applicable wine cartons.
Glass bottles and jars Soda, beer, wine, pasta-sauce and salsa containers Use bottle and jar glass only.
Local rule beats the triangle symbol. Lexington specifically says not every item displaying a recycling symbol can be processed at its Recycle Center.

What Should Not Go in Lexington Mixed Recycling?

These materials can contaminate recycling, tangle equipment, damage machinery or create worker-safety risks.

Plastic film and bags

Plastic bags, wrap, film and shipping air pockets do not belong in the mixed recycling stream. Lexington notes that participating Kroger and Meijer stores may have bag-recycling bins.

Electronics and batteries

TVs, computers, phones, batteries and string lights should use the Electronics Recycling Center instead.

Shredded paper

Do not put shredded paper in blue carts or mixed-recycling drop-off dumpsters. Use an official Paper Shred event.

Wrong glass

Pyrex, plate glass and ceramics do not belong with Lexington’s accepted glass bottles and jars.

Tanglers

Chains, hoses, bungee cords, clothing and other long or flexible items can tangle recycling equipment.

Problem plastics

Styrofoam, clamshells, disposable cups, plastic spinach/lettuce boxes, yogurt cups and similar tubs are not accepted in the normal mixed stream.

Compressed gas canisters

Propane, helium and other pressurized containers require another disposal route.

Medical waste

Medical waste should never be placed into a public mixed-recycling bin.

Foil and baking tins

Lexington’s current not-accepted list includes aluminum foil, pie tins and baking tins.

Cardboard, Moving Boxes and Pizza Boxes

Dry corrugated cardboard can be recycled, but preparation matters.

  1. Empty every box. Remove foam, plastic film and packing material.
  2. Flatten boxes. Flattening prevents wasted space in public bins.
  3. Keep cardboard dry. Lexington asks curbside users not to place extra cardboard outside in rainy conditions.
  4. Remove greasy pizza-box sections. Clean cardboard portions can be recycled; food-soiled sections should be discarded.
  5. For curbside extras, tie or bundle flattened cardboard. Place it near the carts according to City instructions.

For larger cardboard loads, see the cardboard recycling center guide.

Shredded Paper Does Not Go in Lexington Drop-Off Bins

Loose paper fibers create processing problems, so Lexington directs residents to Paper Shred events instead of blue carts or mixed-recycling dumpsters.

The City normally holds free Paper Shred events twice each year. The fall 2026 event occurred on September 26, so residents checking this page after that date should watch the City’s Paper Shred page for the next announced event rather than relying on the expired September date.

Recent event rules: Lexington’s September 2026 event allowed Fayette County residents up to five boxes or bags, accepted staples, paper envelopes and paper clips, and prohibited wet material, plastic binders and binder clips. Future events can publish different details.
Official Paper Shred page

Lexington Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road

Electronics recycling is a separate staffed service. The center is in a building near the back of the property at 1306 Versailles Road.

Address 1306 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40508
Mon–Tue / Thu–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wed / Sat Wed noon–4 PM
Sat 8 AM–noon

How electronics drop-off works

  1. Enter from Versailles Road. The electronics building is past the credit union toward the back of the property.
  2. Follow the E-Recycling signs.
  3. Pull alongside the building.
  4. Wait for an employee to assist with unloading.

Who can use the electronics center?

The service is for Fayette County residents only. The City specifically says it does not accept electronics from businesses, home businesses, churches, schools or other nonprofit organizations.

Accepted electronics include

Computers and office electronics

Computers, printers, copiers, laptops, tablets, printer cartridges and toner cases are listed.

TV and media equipment

Televisions, monitors, audio/video equipment, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and cassette tapes are accepted.

Cables and small devices

USB, HDMI, RCA and power cables, extension cords, holiday lights, cell phones, handheld games and small corded electrical items are listed.

Lighting

Fluorescent light tubes and LED bulbs are accepted. CFL bulbs are not accepted at this center.

Batteries

Alkaline and rechargeable batteries are listed, but automotive and other lead-acid batteries are excluded.

Small appliances

Microwaves, vacuum cleaners, humidifiers, toasters, hair dryers, radios and similar small electronics are listed.

Hard-drive handling: Lexington states that computer hard drives are erased twice by the certified vendor under the City’s electronics-recycling contract.
Broken-screen warning: structurally damaged electronics such as televisions with broken screens are not accepted at the Electronics Recycling Center. Lexington directs those items to the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station.
Official electronics recycling page

Lexington Battery Recycling Rules

Battery type matters. Lexington’s Electronics Recycling Center currently lists alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries as accepted.

Automotive and other lead-acid batteries are specifically excluded from that facility. Lexington’s HHW guidance lists separate options for lead-acid batteries.

Battery Lexington Route Important Note
Alkaline household batteries Electronics Recycling Center Listed as accepted at 1306 Versailles Road.
Rechargeable batteries Electronics Recycling Center Listed as accepted.
Automotive / lead-acid Separate battery recycling or HHW route Not accepted at the Electronics Recycling Center.

For battery-specific preparation, use the battery recycling center guide.

Paint, Chemicals, Oil and Household Hazardous Waste

Hazardous household products do not belong in mixed-recycling dumpsters. Lexington hosts free Household Hazardous Waste collection events for Fayette County residents and also publishes year-round routes for some materials.

Next listed 2026 HHW event

Saturday, October 17, 2026
8:30 AM–3:00 PM
1631 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504
Enter via Jimmie Campbell Drive.

Typical HHW includes paint, cleaners, oils, batteries, pesticides, solvents, fuels, pool chemicals and other products with corrosive, toxic or flammable ingredients.

Some materials have year-round alternatives

  • Electronics can use 1306 Versailles Road.
  • Fluorescent tubes can use the Electronics Recycling Center.
  • CFL bulbs can use participating Lowe’s or Home Depot locations.
  • Lead-acid batteries have separate recycling routes.
  • Latex paint may be suitable for donation or other City-listed disposal options depending on condition.
  • Propane tanks use the transfer station for a fee or can be held for an HHW event.
Do not leave chemicals at a mixed-recycling dumpster. Paint, fuel, pesticides and other hazardous products need the route listed by Lexington Waste Management.
Official Lexington HHW guidance

For broader preparation advice, see the hazardous waste recycling center guide.

Lexington Free Trash Disposal Day: October 10, 2026

If your real problem is a mattress, furniture or extra household trash rather than recycling, Lexington’s Free Trash Disposal Day may be the better route.

Next 2026 Date Saturday
October 10, 2026
Hours 6:00 AM–1:00 PM
Facility Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station

The event location is 1505 Old Frankfort Pike. Lexington advises using 1549 Old Frankfort Pike for Google directions and entering at the blue-and-white transfer-station sign.

Resident requirements

  • Valid Fayette County driver’s license or ID with Lexington address
  • Maximum one standard pickup-truck load
  • Loads must be covered with a tarp
  • No commercial vehicles
  • Loads are subject to inspection

Examples accepted free

  • Mattresses
  • Box springs
  • Bagged household waste
  • Small indoor household furniture
  • Up to four tires off the rim
Electronics are not the free-event route. Lexington directs residents to the Electronics Recycling Center for computers, printers, cell phones, microwaves and televisions.
Hazardous materials are not accepted at Free Trash Disposal Day. Paint, pesticides, motor oil, pool chemicals, medical waste and other hazardous materials need another route.
Official Free Trash Disposal Day page

When You Do Not Need a Recycling Center Trip

Lexington city waste-collection customers receive a blue recycling cart, and recycling pickup is normally on the same day as other City waste carts.

Use the City’s LexFind tool when your real question is your collection day rather than a drop-off location.

Basic curbside timing

  • Place carts at the curb no earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection.
  • Have carts out no later than 5:00 AM on collection day.
  • Remove carts by 7:00 PM on collection day.
  • Leave at least three feet between carts and other objects.
Private hauler warning: residents using a private waste company can have different pickup schedules. Do not assume the City collection day applies to a private-hauler account.
Official Lexington waste collection page

What to Do if a Lexington Recycling Drop-Off Bin Is Full

Public recycling dumpsters are emptied on a service schedule. Lexington says bins may be collected once or twice per week depending on the location and staffing.

  1. Do not leave recyclables on the ground.
  2. Call LexCall at 311.
  3. If calling from outside the normal 311 system, use (859) 425-2255.
  4. Give the exact drop-off location.
  5. Use another listed public bin if convenient.
Do not create an illegal dumping pile beside a full bin. Cardboard, bags and loose recyclables left outside containers can blow away, become contaminated and create a cleanup problem.

Holiday Schedules and Electronics Center Closures

Lexington’s curbside holiday schedule and Electronics Recycling Center closure schedule are separate. Check the service you actually plan to use.

Remaining 2026 electronics closures

Holiday Period Electronics Center Closure
Thanksgiving November 26, 27 and 28, 2026
Christmas December 24, 25 and 26, 2026
New Year January 1 and 2
24-hour dumpsters are not permission to leave special items outside a closed staffed facility. TVs, monitors, batteries and electronics should follow the staffed e-waste process even when mixed-recycling bins outside the gate remain accessible.

Before-You-Go Checklist for Lexington Residents

  1. Confirm that you are looking at Lexington, Kentucky. This guide is not for Lexington County, South Carolina or other cities named Lexington.
  2. Choose the route by item. Mixed recycling, electronics, HHW and trash use different facilities.
  3. Keep mixed recyclables loose. Never put them inside a plastic bag.
  4. Keep material dry and clean.
  5. Use only #1 and #2 screw-top plastic bottles, jugs and jars in mixed recycling.
  6. Flatten cardboard and remove packing material.
  7. Throw away greasy portions of pizza boxes.
  8. Do not put shredded paper into mixed recycling.
  9. Use 1306 Versailles Road for accepted electronics.
  10. Protect personal information before surrendering electronics. Back up important files and remove removable media.
  11. Do not use the electronics center for a business or nonprofit load.
  12. Use HHW guidance for chemicals and hazardous liquids.
  13. If a public recycling dumpster is full, call 311.
  14. Check holiday closures before transporting e-waste.
  15. Do not leave anything outside a closed gate.

Official Lexington Recycling Sources

Use Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government pages for final hours, accepted items, special-event dates and temporary closures.

Lexington — About Recycling Accepted and rejected mixed-recycling items, curbside rules, drop-off locations and 2026 holiday schedule. Lexington — Recycling Drop-Off Locations 360 Thompson Road contact, 24-hour bin addresses, Haley Pike hours and LexCall information. Lexington — Electronics Recycling 1306 Versailles Road hours, accepted electronics, resident-only rule and holiday closures. Lexington — Household Hazardous Waste 2026 HHW event, chemical disposal routes, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paint and propane guidance. Lexington — Paper Shred Official event updates and shredded-document preparation rules. Lexington — Free Trash Disposal Day Event schedule, resident ID requirements, load limits and accepted or excluded bulky materials.

Lexington Recycling Center Map and Directions

The map below uses the City-listed Recycling Center contact at 360 Thompson Road. Do not use this map when your actual destination should be a 24-hour mixed-recycling bin, the Electronics Recycling Center or an HHW event.

Map 360 Thompson Road Map Electronics Center Call (859) 425-2255
Map-hours warning: map listings can blur the difference between a 24-hour outside recycling dumpster and a staffed electronics facility. Always match the hours to the exact service you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lexington Recycling Center

Where is Lexington Recycling Center?

The City lists the Recycling Center contact at 360 Thompson Road, Lexington, KY 40508. Public mixed-recycling bins are located at several other sites, and the staffed Electronics Recycling Center is at 1306 Versailles Road.

What are Lexington Recycling Center hours?

The Recycling Center contact at 360 Thompson Road is listed Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Public drop-off bins have different access schedules.

Are Lexington recycling drop-off bins open 24 hours?

Several are. The outside mixed-recycling bins at the Electronics Recycling Center, Beaumont Middle School, Chinoe Creek Apartments and Veterans Park are currently listed as accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What can I put in Lexington recycling drop-off bins?

Accepted mixed recycling includes aluminum and steel cans, #1 and #2 screw-top plastic bottles, jugs and jars, dry cardboard, box board, paper, brown paper, cartons and glass bottles and jars. Material should be loose, dry and clean.

Can plastic bags go in Lexington recycling?

No. Lexington says plastic bags, wrap, film and shipping air pockets should not go in the mixed recycling stream. Participating retail stores may offer separate plastic-bag collection.

Can shredded paper go in Lexington recycling bins?

No. Lexington instructs residents to hold shredded paper for an official Paper Shred event.

Does Lexington recycle pizza boxes?

Dry, clean cardboard portions can be recycled. Throw away areas contaminated by grease or food residue.

Where do I recycle electronics in Lexington?

Use the Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road. It is separate from the 360 Thompson Road Recycling Center contact and from the outside mixed-recycling dumpsters.

What are the Electronics Recycling Center hours?

The City currently lists Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday from noon to 4:00 PM, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon.

Is Lexington electronics recycling free?

The City describes the Electronics Recycling Center as a service for Fayette County residents. Businesses, home businesses, schools, churches and nonprofits are not accepted through the resident program.

Does Lexington accept TVs and computer monitors?

Yes. TVs and monitors are listed at the Electronics Recycling Center, provided the items are structurally intact. Broken-screen units are directed to the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station.

Can lead-acid car batteries go to the Electronics Recycling Center?

No. Lexington specifically excludes automotive and other lead-acid batteries from the Electronics Recycling Center. Use the City’s HHW or battery-recycling guidance instead.

What should I do if a recycling drop-off bin is full?

Call LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255 and report the exact location. Do not leave recyclables on the ground beside the container.

When is the next Lexington household hazardous waste event?

As of September 29, 2026, Lexington lists a Household Hazardous Waste Collection for Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at 1631 Old Frankfort Pike.

When is Lexington’s next Free Trash Disposal Day?

As of September 29, 2026, the next listed event is Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station.

Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Lexington recycling website?

No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Verify current hours, accepted materials, special events and closures through the official Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government website before making a time-sensitive or unusual trip.

Independent information guide: Recycling-Centre.org is not Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Lexington Waste Management, LexCall, the Lexington Recycle Center, the Electronics Recycling Center or the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station. Hours, event dates, closures, accepted materials and disposal routes can change. Check the official Lexington website before transporting electronics, hazardous materials, bulky waste or other special items.

Leave a Comment