Northern Kentucky Recycling
Recycling is Responsible
Why Should Northern Kentucky Recycle?
Recycling in Northern Kentucky (NKY) is an important practice for maintaining our environment and preserving our natural resources. By recycling, we reduce the need to extract and transport new raw materials, decrease pollution and litter, all while conserving energy.
Why Recycle? First and foremost, recycling reduces the need to extract new raw materials. When we recycle paper, for example, we save trees from being cut down. When we recycle aluminum cans, we save energy and resources needed to mine bauxite and manufacture new cans. This not only helps preserve natural resources but also reduces the environmental impact of extracting and processing new materials. Some materials such as aluminum can be recycled indefinitely.
Recycling also helps to decrease pollution. When materials are not recycled, they often end up in landfills or as litter, which can harm wildlife and pollute the air and water. By recycling, we reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which can emit harmful methane gas and be harmful to the surrounding area.
Recycling can also help to conserve energy. It takes less energy to recycle materials than to extract and process new materials. For example, recycling aluminum cans uses only 5% of the energy needed to produce new cans from raw bauxite. This reduction in energy consumption can help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Recycling is fiscally responsible.
Recycling is a simple yet powerful way that we in Northern Kentucky can protect our environment and preserve our natural resources. Recycling reduces our need to extract new raw materials, decreases pollution, and conserves energy. By recycling, each Northern Kentuckian can make a positive impact in our community.
Regional Recycling Events
Spring and Fall Clean-Up Days
- Many individual cities and counties sponsor their own individual spring and fall clean-up events. What can be recycled is usually limited and specifically stated. Items can vary year to year. All household hazardous waste items can only be recycled at one (1) specific Household Hazardous Waste clean-up event per year. Hazardous waste will NOT be recycled during a community clean-up event.
- Learn more about individual clean-up events here
Tire Recycling
- Tire recycling events are posted when announced. These events are for residents only and businesses do not usually qualify. Tire recycling has a limit and residency requirement.
- Learn more about NKY tire recycling here
Shred Events
- Shred events are where you can get larger quantities of sensitive papers shredded and then recycled. NKY shred events are becoming an increasingly popular community event.
- Each city has their own "Shred event", and you must be a resident of that city to qualify. Quantities are usually limited to two boxes of items.
- Learn more about NKY shred events here
Household Hazardous Waste Event
- This is the one-time a year where you can get your cleaning products, paint, and etc. recycled.
- This event is held at the Florence Y’alls stadium every November.
- Strict rules and residency apply.
- Learn more about the NKY Household Hazardous Waste Event
Christmas Tree and Christmas Light Recycling
- Christmas Tree Recycling varies every year and happens for a short period in January. There has been some expansion into Christmas lighting and artificial tree recycling.
- Learn more about Christmas Tree recycling
What Does Recycling Do For Northern Kentucky?
- Reduces need for landfills
- Prolongs the life of current landfills
- Saves energy
- Conserves our natural resources
- It is fiscally responsible
How Do I Start?
To begin recycling, start by familiarizing yourself with the specific recycling guidelines in your local city and county. Next learn what can be recycled and what cannot.
See our starting guidelines for recycling here
Curbside Recycling Bin - (generated image)
Helpful Recycling Tips
What items are recyclable in Northern Kentucky? You’d be surprised at what is accepted and NOT accepted.
Learn more about what items the Big Blue Bins, waste haulers, and recycling contractors accept.
F.A.Q.