Choose the Right St. Peters Recycling Drop-Off Route
Recycle City at 131 Ecology Drive handles everyday paper, cardboard and rinsed containers, but TVs, electronics, batteries, hazardous liquids, tires, yard waste and bulky trash use different City or St. Charles County services. This guide separates those routes so you can avoid a rejected load or an unnecessary trip.
Recycle City at a glance
Temporary recycling closure: September 28–October 2, 2026
Recycle City’s recycling drop-off is temporarily closed Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2, 2026. The City says recycling drop-off will reopen on Saturday, October 3.
The City’s corrected notice says this closure applies to recycling drop-off only. Trash drop-off continues to be accepted during the temporary recycling closure. If you are visiting during this date range, confirm your exact service before loading the vehicle.
Fast answer: where should you go?
For normal recyclable paper, dry flattened cardboard, rinsed cans, glass bottles and jars, and accepted plastic bottles and jars, use Recycle City / Aytes Community Recycling Center at 131 Ecology Drive when recycling drop-off is available.
Use Earth Centre at 115 Ecology Drive for eligible yard waste, St. Charles County Recycle Works Central for electronics and many special materials, STP Collects for curbside schedules and bulky pickup, and Recycle City’s separate walk-in trash disposal service for fee-based trash loads.
On this page
St. Peters Recycle City Overview
St. Peters does not use one public drop-off point for every type of waste. Recycle City handles a defined list of everyday recyclable materials, while other programs handle trash, yard debris, bulky items, electronics and household hazardous waste.
Recycle City
Use the marked outdoor containers for listed paper products, cardboard and rinsed containers.
Earth Centre
Use 115 Ecology Drive for eligible leaves, grass, brush and other approved yard waste.
Recycle Works
Use St. Charles County’s Recycle Works program for many electronics, rechargeable batteries, bulbs, oils and household hazardous waste.
Do not confuse daylight drop-off with staffed office hours
The recycling containers normally have daylight access seven days a week. The Recycle City office is listed separately as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. If you need staff help, a special service or a fee-based disposal route, use the service-specific hours rather than assuming the outdoor recycling schedule applies.
Which St. Peters Recycling or Disposal Service Should You Use?
The fastest way to avoid a wasted trip is to identify the material first. A TV, bag of grass, broken mirror and box of newspapers may all look like “recycling” problems, but St. Peters routes them differently.
| What you have | Best official route | What to know first |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, flattened cardboard, cans, bottles and jars | Recycle City, 131 Ecology Drive | Use only the City’s listed recyclable categories and prepare them correctly. |
| Flat-screen television | Trash cart if it fits, scheduled bulky pickup, walk-in trash, or Recycle Works | Recycle City no longer accepts flat-screen TVs as normal recycling. |
| Computer, monitor, rechargeable battery or fluorescent bulb | St. Charles County Recycle Works Central | Some electronics and bulbs have fees or quantity rules. |
| Oil-based paint, pesticides or household chemicals | Recycle Works household hazardous waste program | HHW is seasonal and limited to qualifying residential material. |
| Leaves, grass, brush or eligible yard waste | Earth Centre, 115 Ecology Drive | Separate hours, check-in and resident benefits apply. |
| Oversized household item | STP Collects bulky scheduling or paid walk-in trash | Two scheduled bulky dates per home may be available under current City rules. |
| Passenger tires | A tire-selling business or another approved tire disposal option | Tires are not accepted in Recycle City’s normal recycling containers or on its trash tipping floor. |
Recycle City Hours: Recycling Drop-Off vs Office Hours
St. Peters publishes two different time concepts for Recycle City. The normal recycling drop-off center is described as available during daylight hours seven days a week, while the staffed office/contact schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Normally 7 days
The outdoor recycling drop-off center is normally available during daylight hours. Temporary closures and City notices can override the normal schedule.
Mon–Fri
8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are listed as closed for the office.
Sept. 28–Oct. 2
Recycling drop-off is temporarily closed during this 2026 date range and reopens Saturday, October 3.
“Open now” is not the same as live gate status
A map listing or normal weekly schedule cannot confirm a temporary event closure, weather disruption or service-specific restriction. Check the current City notice before hauling a large or special load.
Official Page Visual Reference
The existing article included a screenshot of the City’s Recycle City page. It remains useful as a visual reference for recognizing the official City information source, but it should not be treated as proof of live hours or current closure status.
Accepted Items at St. Peters Recycle City
Recycle City’s normal drop-off program focuses on paper products and rinsed containers. The containers at the facility are marked by material type, so sorting before arrival makes unloading faster and reduces contamination.
Paper products
- Newspapers with plastic sleeves removed
- Mixed paper
- Junk mail
- Telephone books
- Magazines
- White office/computer paper
- Brown paper grocery bags
Cardboard and chipboard
- Corrugated cardboard
- Cereal-type chipboard boxes
- Tissue-box-type chipboard
Corrugated cardboard should be dry, empty and flattened.
Cans, bottles and jars
- Aluminum cans
- Tin cans
- Glass bottles and jars of any color
- Accepted plastic bottles and jars
Which plastics does Recycle City accept?
The City’s current rule is more specific than “all plastics.” Recycle City accepts plastic bottles and jars except black plastic and plastic marked No. 4 or No. 6. Rinse accepted containers before placing them in the correct bin.
Pizza boxes and shredded paper
Current City recycling guidance says used pizza boxes should not go into the recycling stream, and shredded paper should be bagged for trash because the shreds do not move properly through the recycling process.
How to Prepare Recyclables Before Driving to Ecology Drive
| Material | Prepare it this way | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | Empty, keep dry and flatten. | Leaving foam, plastic packaging, trash or wet material inside the box. |
| Newspapers | Remove the plastic delivery sleeve. | Putting the newspaper and plastic bag into the same container. |
| Metal cans | Empty and rinse. | Leaving food or liquid inside. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Rinse and separate from non-container glass. | Adding window glass, mirrors, china, Pyrex or CorningWare. |
| Plastic bottles and jars | Rinse and check the plastic type. | Adding black plastic, No. 4, No. 6, grocery bags, wrap or foam. |
Sort before leaving home
Because Recycle City uses separate marked containers, sorting paper, cardboard, cans, glass and plastics before the trip reduces unloading time and makes it less likely that a rejected item will enter the wrong stream.
Items Not Accepted in Recycle City’s Recycling Containers
The City’s rejected-item list is important because many of these materials are recyclable somewhere, just not through the normal Recycle City drop-off bins.
| Do not place in recycling drop-off | Better route |
|---|---|
| Alkaline, rechargeable and car batteries | Alkaline batteries may follow City trash guidance; rechargeable and automotive batteries should use an appropriate battery/recycling route such as Recycle Works where accepted. |
| Electronics | St. Charles County Recycle Works. |
| Flat-screen televisions | Trash cart if it fits, bulky collection, paid walk-in trash or Recycle Works TV recycling. |
| Chemicals and hazardous products | Recycle Works household hazardous waste program when eligible. |
| Plastic grocery bags and plastic wrap | Store collection where available, or regular trash if no accepted recycling route applies. |
| Styrofoam | City guidance directs this to regular trash. |
| Window glass, mirrors, china, Pyrex or CorningWare | For broken glass going to trash, use a sturdy box, tape it closed and clearly label it “broken glass.” |
| Tires | The City directs residents toward a business that sells tires; fees may apply. |
| Motor oil, antifreeze and used cooking oil | Recycle Works accepts certain oils/liquids under its own container and quantity rules. |
| Paint | Dried latex paint may follow City trash guidance; oil-based/alkyd paint is handled as household hazardous waste. |
TVs, Computers, Electronics, Batteries and Light Bulbs
Recycle City points residents with electronics and several other special items to St. Charles County Recycle Works. Recycle Works Central is at 60 Triad South Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304 and is normally open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding County holidays.
Current published fees
- CPU only: $5
- CRT monitor: $20
- Flat-screen monitor: $5
- Printer/copier 0–25 lb: $10
- Printer 26 lb or more: $10
- Desktop copier: $10
- Floor copier: $0.50/lb
- Laptops: no charge
Current published TV fees
- CRT television under 30 inches: $30
- CRT television 30 inches or larger: $40
- Flat-screen TV, any size: $15
- Wood-console or rear-projection TV: $50
Fluorescent bulbs
Recycle Works Central currently accepts up to five fluorescent bulbs per month from St. Charles County residents at no charge. Additional bulbs and other bulb types have posted rates. The County specifically says not to tape fluorescent bulbs and may refuse unsafe bulbs.
Rechargeable and automotive batteries
Recycle Works accepts rechargeable batteries and intact used automotive batteries. Alkaline batteries are not accepted there. Battery type matters, so identify the battery before driving rather than assuming every battery follows the same route.
For additional preparation guidance, see our battery recycling center guide.
Household Hazardous Waste Near St. Peters
St. Charles County’s Recycle Works Central handles qualifying household hazardous waste on a seasonal schedule. For 2026, the published season runs May 1 through September 30, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., excluding County-observed holidays.
September 30, 2026 is the end of the published 2026 HHW season
After September 30, do not assume the hazardous-waste intake window is still operating. Check the County’s current Recycle Works page for the next published collection season or alternate instructions.
Current HHW fee
The County currently lists a charge of $25 for a total HHW load weighing up to 50 pounds, plus $1 per pound above 50 pounds. Recycle Works states that it accepts payment by cash or check payable to St. Charles County Government.
Examples of accepted household hazardous waste
Current County guidance lists residential items including aerosols, antifreeze, certain batteries, brake fluid, poison, fuel, herbicides, oil and oil filters, oil-based paint or stain, pesticides, transmission fluid, pool chemicals, sealants, solvents, thermometers and thermostats.
Latex paint is different
Recycle Works does not list latex or water-based paint as accepted HHW. St. Peters says dried-out latex paint with the lid removed can be disposed of through the City’s regular trash route. Oil-based or alkyd paint requires hazardous-waste handling.
How to transport HHW more safely
- Keep products separate and do not mix chemicals together.
- Leave material in its original container when practical.
- Clearly label containers that are no longer in original packaging.
- Make sure lids are secure.
- Use a sturdy box with absorbent packing material to reduce spill risk.
- Follow staff instructions when you arrive.
For broader disposal planning, see our household hazardous waste recycling guide.
Walk-In Trash Disposal at Recycle City: 2026 Fees and Hours
Paid walk-in trash disposal operates at the same 131 Ecology Drive complex but is a separate service from normal recycling drop-off. The published hours are Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., with closure on City holidays.
Temporary September 28–October 2 closure does not stop trash drop-off
The City’s corrected September 2026 notice says recycling drop-off is closed during the event, but trash drop-off will still be accepted. Follow the trash service’s own hours, payment rules and prohibited-item rules.
| Fee or rule | Current published amount |
|---|---|
| General public minimum | $125 for up to 2,000 lb |
| St. Peters resident minimum | $40 for up to 800 lb with qualifying Resident Privilege Card |
| Weight over minimum | $0.06 per pound |
| Gate rate | $125 per ton |
| Landfill tax | $3.20 per ton in addition to other charges |
| Freon item | $20 additional per item |
| Hot tub | $25 additional per item |
| Prohibited/falsely identified material | $250 service fee plus applicable tipping charges |
| Drive-off without payment | $250 additional fee |
Resident discount rules
A valid Resident Privilege Card is required for the resident rate, and the cardholder must be present. The City says the discounted resident rate applies to up to three tons of trash disposal per year.
Payment method
Walk-in trash disposal accepts MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Do not assume cash is accepted simply because another disposal facility accepts it.
Last-load cutoffs
Hand unloaders must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Automated tippers must arrive at least 15 minutes before closing.
Vehicle requirement
The City requires valid license plates for walk-in trash customers. Customers in rental vehicles or vehicles with out-of-state plates must provide a current valid driver’s license.
Trash tipping floor rejects several special wastes
Tires, yard waste, paint cans containing paint, engine oil and other petroleum-based flammable liquids, asbestos, sealed barrels or drums, compressed/inert gas containers, hazardous materials and chemicals are not accepted on the trash tipping floor.
Earth Centre Yard Waste: Address, Hours and Resident Benefit
Yard waste goes to St. Peters Earth Centre at 115 Ecology Drive, not into Recycle City’s recycling containers. Drivers must follow site signs and check in at the scale house before entering the yard-waste disposal or product-loading area.
Monday–Friday
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Current normal schedule
7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. after the spring expanded-hour period.
No yard-waste intake
Earth Centre states that yard waste is not accepted on Sundays.
Free annual allowance for St. Peters residents
St. Peters residents with a valid Resident Privilege Card may dispose of up to 10 cubic yards of yard waste per calendar year at no charge. The City describes this as approximately five pickup-truck loads.
Non-residents and commercial customers pay separate posted yard-waste fees. Earth Centre accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover for paid disposal.
Earth Centre cut-off times
Hand unloaders must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing, while automated tippers must arrive at least 15 minutes before closing. Weather and City holidays may affect operating hours.
What counts as yard waste?
Typical City yard-waste material includes grass clippings, leaves, weeds, garden waste and qualifying tree limbs/brush. Lumber, landscape timbers, railroad ties, rock, dirt, concrete, asphalt, plastic and metal are not considered yard waste.
See our yard waste recycling center guide for general load-preparation guidance.
STP Collects and Bulky Item Pickup
St. Peters residents do not always need to haul an oversized household item to Ecology Drive. The City’s bulky collection program lets eligible homes schedule curbside service.
Schedule through STP Collects
Single-family customers can use the STP Collects app or online tool to choose a bulky collection date.
Schedule by phone
Multi-family customers should call 636-970-1456 because the app’s bulky scheduling feature is not used for multi-family bulky service.
Each St. Peters home can currently schedule up to two bulky collection dates per year at no additional charge. The no-charge limit is up to three cubic yards on the scheduled date—approximately the amount that fills a pickup-truck bed.
Schedule early
The City caps the number of homes it can service each day, so requested bulky dates can fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Major appliances use a separate service
Major appliance curbside pickup is separate from normal bulky collection. The City currently lists a $15 curbside charge for major appliances without Freon and $20 for appliances containing Freon.
Residents may also bring major appliances to Recycle City for disposal/recycling under the applicable walk-in trash rules and fees.
Before-You-Go Checklist for St. Peters Recycling
- Check the September 28–October 2 closure. Recycling drop-off is temporarily unavailable during that period and is scheduled to reopen October 3.
- Choose the correct facility. Recycle City, Earth Centre, Recycle Works and STP Collects handle different materials.
- Sort normal recyclables at home. Separate paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass containers and accepted plastics.
- Flatten cardboard. Keep boxes empty and dry.
- Rinse containers. Remove food and liquids from cans, bottles and jars.
- Do not bring normal recycling rejects. Electronics, batteries, TVs, chemicals, bulbs, liquids, tires and yard waste need other routes.
- Bring your Resident Privilege Card when claiming resident benefits. This affects walk-in trash and Earth Centre resident pricing/allowances.
- Arrive before service-specific cutoff times. Recycling daylight access, office hours, trash scale hours and Earth Centre intake hours are not interchangeable.
- Confirm current fees for special items. Electronics, televisions, HHW, appliances and trash can have separate charges.
- Never leave rejected material beside a container or closed gate. Reroute the item through the correct City, County or retailer program.
Troubleshooting Common St. Peters Drop-Off Problems
I arrived with a TV
Do not place it in Recycle City’s recycling containers. Use an appropriate trash, bulky or Recycle Works route depending on size and service preference.
I have leaves or brush
Go to Earth Centre at 115 Ecology Drive or use the City’s applicable curbside yard-waste program rather than the recycling bins.
I have paint or chemicals
Identify whether the paint is latex/water-based or oil-based and check the Recycle Works HHW schedule before driving.
I have too much trash for my cart
Use walk-in trash disposal, bulky scheduling or another City trash service depending on the material and load size.
Related Recycling Guides
Recycling Center Near Me
Use this when St. Peters is not your service area or when you need to identify another type of recycling facility.
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling
Preparation guidance for paint, chemicals, pesticides, oils and other regulated household material.
Battery Recycling Center
Use this guide to separate alkaline, rechargeable, lithium-ion, automotive and device batteries before choosing a drop-off.
Tire Recycling Center Near Me
Useful for tire fees, rim rules, quantity limits and alternative drop-off routes because Recycle City does not accept tires in its normal program.
Map to Recycle City at 131 Ecology Drive
The Recycle City / Aytes Community Recycling Center address is 131 Ecology Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376. Earth Centre is a separate operation at 115 Ecology Drive, so confirm which destination matches your load before following map directions.
131 Ecology Drive
St. Peters, MO 63376
Phone: 636-970-1456
Open directions in Google Maps
Official Sources for Current St. Peters Recycling Information
Use the official City of St. Peters or St. Charles County pages for the final decision when hours, closures, fees or accepted materials affect your trip.
Open official Recycle City page
Open Recycling Services
Read closure notice
Check trash disposal details
Open Earth Centre guidance
Check bulky collection rules
Open Recycle Works Central
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peters Recycling Center
Where is the St. Peters Recycling Center?
Recycle City / Aytes Community Recycling Center is at 131 Ecology Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. The published phone number is 636-970-1456.
Is Recycle City open for recycling on September 30, 2026?
No. The City says recycling drop-off is temporarily closed from September 28 through October 2, 2026 for a recycling-industry event. Recycling drop-off is scheduled to reopen Saturday, October 3. The corrected City notice says trash drop-off continues during the temporary recycling closure.
What are the normal Recycle City recycling hours?
Outside temporary closures, the City describes the recycling drop-off center as available during daylight hours seven days a week. Recycle City’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m., with the office closed Saturday and Sunday.
What does Recycle City accept?
Accepted items include newspapers without plastic sleeves, mixed paper, junk mail, telephone books, magazines, chipboard, white paper, dry flattened corrugated cardboard, brown paper bags, aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, and qualifying plastic bottles and jars. Containers should be rinsed.
Which plastics are accepted at Recycle City?
The City accepts plastic bottles and jars except black plastic and plastic marked No. 4 or No. 6. Plastic grocery bags, film and Styrofoam are not accepted in normal Recycle City recycling.
Does Recycle City take flat-screen TVs?
No. The City’s current drop-off page says flat-screen televisions are no longer accepted as normal Recycle City recycling. Options include the trash cart if the TV fits, bulky collection, paid walk-in trash disposal or St. Charles County Recycle Works.
Where can I recycle electronics near St. Peters?
The City directs electronics to St. Charles County Recycle Works. Recycle Works Central at 60 Triad South Drive accepts many computers, monitors, TVs, rechargeable batteries, appliances and other electronics, with fees for certain items.
How much does walk-in trash disposal cost at Recycle City?
The current City fee schedule lists a $40 minimum for qualifying St. Peters residents for up to 800 pounds and a $125 general-public minimum for up to 2,000 pounds. Other weight, landfill, Freon and specialty charges can apply. Residents need a valid Resident Privilege Card for the discounted rate.
Where do St. Peters residents take yard waste?
Use Earth Centre at 115 Ecology Drive. Current 2026 hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. after the spring extended-hour period. Yard waste is not accepted there on Sundays.
Do St. Peters residents get free yard-waste drop-off?
Yes, under the current City program, residents with a valid Resident Privilege Card may receive up to 10 cubic yards of yard-waste disposal per calendar year at no charge. The City estimates this as roughly five pickup-truck loads.
Can I schedule bulky trash pickup instead of driving to Recycle City?
Yes. Single-family customers can schedule bulky collection through STP Collects, while multi-family customers should call the City. Each St. Peters home can currently schedule up to two bulky collection dates per year at no additional charge, subject to the City’s quantity and item rules.
Does Recycle City accept paint, motor oil or antifreeze?
These liquids are not accepted in the normal Recycle City recycling drop-off. St. Charles County Recycle Works accepts certain oils, antifreeze and oil-based paint under its own rules. Dried latex paint follows separate City trash guidance.