Sort Your Load Before Visiting 550 Recycle Drive
The Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center at 550 Recycle Drive is a government recycling facility serving Madison County through recycling drop-off, processing and curbside functions.
The safest way to plan a visit is to sort materials before leaving home and call ahead whenever timing, electronics, fees, holiday access or another special item matters. Current online directory hours are not consistent enough to present as an official 2026 schedule.
Current-hours verification is important
The older version of this page listed weekday office hours and 24/7 drop-off access. During this refresh, those operating-hour claims could not be reconfirmed from a currently accessible responsible-government facility page.
Third-party business directories also show conflicting schedules. For a staffed visit, weekend trip, holiday visit, electronics drop-off or after-hours arrival, call 859-625-0202 before driving.
Plan your Richmond recycling trip
- Facility overview
- Hours and access
- Verified recycling streams
- Plastic rules
- Cardboard and paper
- Glass and metal
- Problem and rejected items
- Curbside recycling
- Electronics and batteries
- Hazardous waste
- Fees and special items
- Shred days and events
- Before-you-go checklist
- Map and directions
- FAQs
- Sources and verification
Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center Overview
Kentucky’s recycling-facility directory identifies the Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center as a government facility at 550 Recycle Drive in Richmond. Its listed service area is Madison County.
The facility is identified with three functions: processing, drop-off and curbside recycling. This means it is more than an unattended collection point; it forms part of the local recycling system for material collection and processing.
Drop-off recycling
Residents and other eligible users can bring appropriate recyclable materials to the facility and use the labeled recycling streams.
Processing
Kentucky identifies the site as a processing facility, so collected materials form part of a managed recycling operation rather than a general trash dump.
Curbside connection
The facility is also listed with a curbside function. Richmond residents can use the city’s current street-based recycling-day lookup for collection-day information.
Richmond Recycling Center Hours and After-Hours Access
A current authoritative 2026 operating-hours schedule was not accessible during this refresh. The older article stated Monday-Friday office hours and a separate 24/7 drop-off area, but those details should not be treated as current without confirmation.
Because third-party listings disagree, the center’s phone number is the safest source before a time-sensitive trip.
| Visit Type | What to Do | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First weekday visit | Call 859-625-0202. | Confirm current staffed and public-access hours. |
| After-hours drop-off | Confirm unattended access before arrival. | An older 24/7 claim could not be reconfirmed from a current government page. |
| Saturday or Sunday | Call before driving. | Current public weekend access is not sufficiently verified. |
| Holiday week | Confirm the holiday schedule. | City holidays can change office or drop-off availability. |
| Electronics or special item | Ask about item-specific timing. | Special materials may require staff, fees or a scheduled event. |
Verified Recycling Streams at Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center
Kentucky’s facility directory specifically identifies the following material streams: glass, aluminum, PET plastic, HDPE plastic, corrugated cardboard, mixed office paper, sorted office paper, steel cans and newspaper.
| Material Stream | What It Includes | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Accepted recyclable container glass. | Keep dishes, ceramics and other problem glass out of the recycling chute. |
| Aluminum | Appropriate aluminum cans and containers. | Empty containers before recycling. |
| PET plastic | PET is specifically listed as a facility stream. | Empty containers and follow onsite labels. |
| HDPE plastic | HDPE is specifically listed as a facility stream. | Keep non-accepted plastics out. |
| Corrugated cardboard | Shipping, moving and other corrugated boxes. | Flatten boxes and keep them dry. |
| Mixed and office paper | Mixed office paper and sorted office paper. | Keep paper clean and dry. |
| Steel cans | Accepted steel food or household containers. | Empty before recycling. |
| Newspaper | Clean, dry newspaper. | Protect from rain, food and liquid contamination. |
Plastic Recycling Rules: PET and HDPE Are the Verified Streams
PET and HDPE are the plastic streams identified in Kentucky’s facility listing. These commonly correspond to many #1 and #2 containers, but a resin number does not automatically mean every product shape is accepted.
The facility description also identifies several plastics that visitors sometimes bring by mistake.
PET
PET is a verified recycling stream. Empty the container and use the correct labeled chute.
HDPE
HDPE is also verified. Common containers may include bottles and jugs, subject to onsite instructions.
#3-#9 plastics
Kentucky’s facility description identifies #3-#9 trash plastics among items accidentally brought to the center that are not recyclable there.
Cardboard and Paper Recycling in Richmond
Corrugated cardboard is a verified material stream at the Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center. Flattening boxes before your trip reduces volume and makes drop-off easier.
Mixed office paper, sorted office paper and newspaper are also included in the state facility listing. Keep paper and cardboard dry and free from food or general trash.
- Flatten cardboard boxes
- Remove plastic wrap and packing material
- Keep cardboard dry
- Keep food-soiled material separate
- Do not hide trash inside boxes
- Follow the correct chute label
Glass, Aluminum and Steel Recycling
Glass, aluminum and steel cans are all identified in Kentucky’s list of material streams for the Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center.
Container type matters. A glass bottle or jar is different from a ceramic plate, drinking glass, mirror or other non-container glass product.
Glass
Use the glass stream only for material that matches the center’s container-glass instructions.
Aluminum
Empty recyclable aluminum containers before placing them in the appropriate stream.
Steel cans
Steel cans are specifically included in the Kentucky facility listing.
Items That Should Not Go Into the Recycling Chutes
The facility description warns about several problem materials. If an item does not match the chute label, do not force it into the recycling stream.
#3-#9 plastics
The facility listing describes these as trash plastics rather than accepted recycling streams.
Brown plastic containers
Brown plastic containers such as some root beer bottles are specifically identified as problem material.
Glass and ceramic dishes
Dishes and ceramics should not be placed into the facility’s glass recycling stream.
Richmond Curbside Recycling and Collection-Day Lookup
Kentucky lists curbside recycling as one of the center’s functions. Richmond also maintains an online street-by-street recycling-day lookup that shows collection days for individual streets.
Because routes can vary by street, use the current lookup instead of assuming that all Richmond households share the same pickup day.
Check your street
Richmond’s online recycling-days application lists streets and their assigned collection day.
Confirm eligibility if uncertain
If your address is missing, recently developed or outside city service, call the recycling center before relying on a nearby street’s schedule.
Electronics, Computers and Battery-Powered Devices
Older Richmond recycling information references electronics recycling, but the complete current 2026 electronics list, item limits and fee schedule could not be verified from a currently accessible authoritative facility page.
Before bringing a television, monitor, laptop, desktop computer, printer, phone or other electronic device, call 859-625-0202 and name the exact item.
Protect your data
Back up files you need, sign out of accounts, remove removable media and erase personal data from computers, phones and storage devices when possible.
Separate batteries
Lithium batteries should not be mixed blindly into ordinary recycling because damaged batteries can create a fire risk. Ask for the current battery route before transport.
Household Hazardous Waste Needs a Separate Disposal Route
Historical Madison County solid-waste planning documents describe used motor oil, batteries, antifreeze and household hazardous waste as materials handled through household hazardous waste collection events rather than normal recycling chutes.
Because event dates and accepted-material lists change, do not take chemicals, pesticides, solvents, unknown liquids, hazardous containers or similar material to the normal recycling drop-off unless the center specifically confirms acceptance.
Fees and Special-Item Costs
A current authoritative 2026 fee schedule was not located for the Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center. For that reason, this page does not publish an assumed electronics, bulky-item or special-event price.
| Material or Service | Verified Status | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Glass, aluminum, PET, HDPE, cardboard, paper, steel cans and newspaper | Listed material streams | Sort and follow onsite instructions. |
| Electronics | Older local information references electronics recycling | Call for current device acceptance and fees. |
| Shredding | Historically offered through special events | Use the current event notice for limits and cost. |
| Unusual or bulky item | No universal current fee confirmed | Call before loading the item. |
Shred Days and Special Recycling Events
The Richmond recycling operation has hosted document-shredding and other special recycling events. These are event-based services, not services that should be assumed to operate every day.
Event instructions can specify dates, hours, box limits, prohibited materials and preparation rules. Use the latest Richmond or Madison County announcement for the specific event you plan to attend.
How to Prepare Before Visiting 550 Recycle Drive
- Confirm access if timing matters. Call before a staffed, weekend, holiday or after-hours visit.
- Sort recyclables at home. Separate cardboard, paper, glass, metal and accepted plastic streams before loading your vehicle.
- Flatten cardboard. Empty boxes, remove packing waste and keep cardboard dry.
- Empty containers. Food, liquid and general trash can contaminate recycling loads.
- Keep uncertain plastics separate. PET and HDPE are verified streams; do not assume all numbered plastics are accepted.
- Read the chute labels. Use the center’s labeled green pull-chute doors to select the correct material stream.
- Keep dishes and ceramics out. They do not belong in the container-glass stream.
- Call about electronics and batteries. Confirm current acceptance, fees and special handling before transport.
- Do not leave rejected material. If the item does not match a listed stream, take it back with you and identify the proper disposal route.
- Destination: 550 Recycle Drive
- Phone saved: 859-625-0202
- Cardboard flattened
- Paper clean and dry
- PET/HDPE separated where practical
- #3-#9 plastics kept out
- Ceramics and dishes kept out
- Special items confirmed before loading
Map and Directions to Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center
The facility address listed by Kentucky is 550 Recycle Drive, Richmond, KY 40475.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Recycling Center
Where is Richmond Recycling Center in Kentucky?
The Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center is at 550 Recycle Drive, Richmond, KY 40475.
What is the Richmond Recycling Center phone number?
The facility phone number listed by Kentucky is 859-625-0202.
What are the Richmond Recycling Center hours?
A current official 2026 operating-hours schedule was not reliably accessible during this refresh, and current third-party directories conflict. Call 859-625-0202 before a staffed, weekend, holiday or after-hours visit.
Is Richmond Recycling Center open 24 hours?
Older information described after-hours or 24/7 drop-off access, but that claim could not be reconfirmed from a current authoritative facility page. Confirm access by phone before an after-hours trip.
Does Richmond Recycling Center accept cardboard?
Yes. Corrugated cardboard is listed as a material stream in Kentucky’s recycling-facility directory. Flatten boxes and keep them dry.
What plastics are accepted at Richmond Recycling Center?
Kentucky’s facility directory specifically lists PET and HDPE plastic streams. Its facility notes identify #3-#9 trash plastics and certain brown plastic containers as problem materials that should not go into the recycling chutes.
Does Richmond Recycling Center accept glass?
Glass is listed as a facility material stream. Glass dishes and ceramic dishes should not be placed in the container-glass recycling stream.
Can I take electronics to Richmond Recycling Center?
Older Richmond information references electronics recycling, but a complete current 2026 electronics acceptance and fee list was not verified. Call 859-625-0202 with the exact device type before driving.
Does Richmond provide curbside recycling?
Kentucky lists curbside recycling as one of the facility’s functions. Richmond also provides an online street-based recycling-day lookup for current collection-day information.
Are recycling fees charged at the center?
A current authoritative 2026 fee schedule was not located during this refresh. Call before bringing electronics, bulky items or another special material that may carry a fee.
Official Sources and Verification
The strongest source used for facility identity and core recycling details is the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet recycling-facility directory. It identifies the Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center as a government facility, gives the 550 Recycle Drive address and 859-625-0202 phone number, lists Madison County as the service area, identifies processing/drop-off/curbside functions, and lists the core material streams.
- Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet — Recycling Facilities by County
- City of Richmond — Recycling Days Street Lookup
- Map to 550 Recycle Drive
- Richmond-Madison County Recycling Center — 859-625-0202
Verification limitation: the older Richmond recycling webpages referenced by the previous article were not reliably accessible through current search. For that reason, unconfirmed office hours, 24/7 access, holiday schedules and special-item fees have not been presented as verified current facts.