Northern Kentucky Commercial Recycling Guide

Comprehensive information for businesses in Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties

Overview

This guide details commercial recycling for businesses in Northern Kentucky, covering processes, locations, fees, and regulations, with a focus on electronic waste (e-waste). Key points include:

  • Commercial Recycling: Businesses rely on private providers like Rumpke for tailored recycling services.
  • State Laws: Kentucky encourages voluntary recycling; e-waste is regulated as potential hazardous waste.
  • Processes: On-site collection, drop-off, or regional events like the NKSWMA HHW Collection Event.
  • Locations: Rumpke facilities, county centers (primarily residential), and e-waste recyclers.
  • Fees: Vary by provider and waste type; contact providers for quotes.

State Regulations

  • KRS Chapter 109: Encourages recycling for commercial solid waste (e.g., from offices, restaurants) without mandating it. View Statute
  • KRS 224.43-010: Promotes recycling to conserve resources and reduce waste. View Statute
  • No state mandate for business recycling, but local ordinances may apply.

  • KRS 224.1-010 (30)(b): Defines hazardous waste, including e-waste with toxic materials. View Statute
  • KRS 224.46-510 (2), 224.46-520 (2): Outline hazardous waste management and disposal. View 510 | View 520
  • RCRA: Classifies e-waste (e.g., lead, mercury) as hazardous; businesses are small or large quantity generators. EPA RCRA
  • Recycling Exemption: E-waste sent to certified recyclers is not hazardous waste, relieving liability. E-Scrap Laws
  • Prohibited in landfills due to hazardous components (e.g., lead in CRTs, mercury in batteries).

  • H.B. 45 (2022): Recognizes advanced recycling (e.g., chemical recycling of plastics) as manufacturing, supporting innovative recycling solutions. Learn More

Recycling Processes

Businesses contract with providers like Rumpke, Best Way Disposal, or Republic Services for single-stream recycling (paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, metals).

  1. Contact provider to assess needs.
  2. Receive containers (carts, dumpsters) and pickup schedule.
  3. Recyclables sorted at materials recovery facilities (MRFs).
  4. Reports provided for compliance. Rumpke Recycling

Waste audits optimize programs by analyzing waste streams.

Rumpke collects computers, monitors, batteries, etc., with secure data destruction. Rumpke E-Waste

  1. Arrange collection or drop-off with certified recycler.
  2. E-waste dismantled; recyclable materials (metals, plastics) separated from hazardous components.
  3. Hazardous materials processed per RCRA and KRS regulations.
  4. Documentation provided for compliance.

Other options: Apex Technology (859-485-4444), Best Buy (859-525-7118), NKSWMA HHW event (November). NKSWMA

Locations

County Facility Address Notes
Boone Boone County Recycling Center 3275 Maplewood Drive, Burlington, KY 41005 Residential focus; contact for commercial options. Details
Campbell Drop-Off Locations e.g., TANK Park and Ride Lot, Alexandria, KY 41001 Residential; use Rumpke for commercial. Details
Kenton Covington Transfer Station 4399 Boron Ave., Covington, KY 41015 Rumpke commercial facility. Details
Grant Rumpke Services Contact Rumpke Limited county facilities. Details

Other E-Waste Facilities: Apex Technology (859-485-4444), Best Buy (100 Meijer Dr., Florence, KY, 859-525-7118). Statewide Facilities

Fees

  • General Recycling: Vary by waste volume, collection frequency, container size; contact providers for quotes. Rumpke Contact
  • E-Waste: Fees for collection/processing; some items (e.g., cell phones) may be free. Hazardous waste (e.g., CRTs) increases costs.
  • HHW Event: May be free for small quantities, subject to approval for commercial waste. NKSWMA

Contacts