Lexington residents will soon have the opportunity to resume curbside recycling as the Lexington Recycle Center reopens on Monday, December 18, 2024. The center had been closed from December 4 to December 15 for repairs, during which any recyclables that were collected were redirected to the Lexington landfill.
The closure allowed for critical updates, including the replacement of a baler, a machine that compacts recycled materials into large blocks. Additionally, a fabric covering over the center’s tipping floor, where recyclables are unloaded, has been replaced after wear and tear. These improvements aim to enhance the center’s efficiency in processing recyclable materials.
City officials are particularly focused on decreasing the amount of contaminated recycling. Materials that are contaminated or deemed unrecyclable cannot be sold, impacting the city’s recycling efforts. To mitigate contamination, officials stress that residents must adhere to specific recycling guidelines.
Residents are advised on what can and cannot be recycled. Acceptable items for recycling include certain plastics and metals, while prohibited items include other metal or plastic products, medical waste, batteries, or electronics. Furthermore, recyclable materials should not be placed in bags, and residents are warned against using recycle carts as trash containers. Failure to follow these guidelines poses risks to employees and may cause damage to equipment.
For metal recycling, residents can visit Cohen Lexington or other local scrap metal facilities. Plastic bags can be disposed of in drop-off bins available at many local grocery stores, while electronics can be taken to the city’s Electronic Recycling facility on Versailles Road. Detailed information on operating hours and accepted items is available on the city’s official website.
By adhering to these recycling protocols, Lexington residents can contribute to a more efficient and effective recycling system, ultimately supporting the city’s environmental goals. The reopening of the Recycle Center marks a significant step in improving waste management practices throughout the community.
