Boone County, Kentucky Recycling Guide
Comprehensive Guide to Recycling Programs, Locations, and Restrictions
Overview
Boone County, Kentucky, offers comprehensive recycling programs through the Boone County Solid Waste Management District and the Northern Kentucky Solid Waste Management Area (NKSWMA). This guide details recycling locations, programs, accepted materials, restrictions, and special events.
Boone County Curbside Recycling
Recycling Locations
- Corner of Idlewild Road & Maplewood Drive: 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005 (Styrofoam bin planned for April)
- Bullittsville Christian Church: 3094 Petersburg Road, Burlington, KY 41005
- Belleview/McVille Fire Department: 6900 McVille Road, Burlington, KY 41005
- Enrichment Center: 1824 Patrick Drive, Burlington, KY 41005 (Styrofoam bin planned for April)
- Immaculate Heart of Mary: 5876 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005 (paper only)
- Petersburg Community Center: 6517 Market Street, Petersburg, KY 41005
- Conner High School: 3310 Cougar Path, Hebron, KY 41048
- Burlington Recycling: Barney's Rd., Burlington, KY 41005
Notes: Accepts plastic bottles/jugs (Types 1 & 2, lids on), glass bottles/jars, metal cans, mixed paper, flattened cardboard. Contact 859-334-4808 if bins are full.
Address: 3275 Maplewood Drive, Burlington, KY 41005
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM (appliances/scrap metal on Fridays only)
Contact: 859-334-4808
Notes: Boone County residents only; ID may be required.
- Recycling Express: 8505 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042 (859-282-5200, non-ferrous scrap, electronics)
- Plastic Bags: Kroger, Walmart, Best Buy, Remke stores
- Packing Peanuts: Micro Wizard (Union, 1-888-693-3729), UPS Store (Florence, 859-746-1182)
- Propane Tanks: Blue Rhino stores or Boone County Public Works cleanups
- Pill Bottles: Matthew 25 Ministries (Cincinnati, OH, within guidelines)
Recycling Programs
Description: No sorting required; place accepted items in Big Blue Bins or curbside bins.
Accepted: Plastic bottles/jugs (Types 1 & 2), glass food/beverage containers, metal cans, mixed paper, cardboard.
Fun Fact: Glass is crushed into sand for reuse.
Availability: Through HOAs or city contracts with Rumpke (1-800-828-8171), Best Way Disposal (859-372-4900), or Republic Services (1-800-543-1339).
Restrictions: No plastic bags in curbside bins (take to retail locations).
Description: Recycle plastic straws, utensils, bubble wrap, chip bags in orange Hefty ReNew bags.
How to Access: Purchase bags (<$10) or request a free starter kit online; place in curbside bins or Big Blue Bins.
Contact: rumpke.com
Date: November 1, 2025, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042
Accepted: Electronics, tires, automotive fluids, aerosols, batteries, paint, needles, medications, light bulbs, gas tanks.
Restrictions: Residents only (Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties); no businesses; no radioactive items; registration required.
Contact: nkyhhw.org, 859-334-3151
Date: October 10–11, 2025 (Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Location: Boone County Recycling Center
Accepted: Passenger, bicycle, small trailer tires (limit 6, off rims).
Restrictions: No foam-filled, calcium-filled, or over-the-road tires; residents only; ID required.
Contact: 859-334-4808
Date: December 26–January 15
Location: Union Park, 10165 US 42, Union, KY
Notes: Remove decorations; contact 859-334-3151.
Date: December 1, 2024–February 1, 2025
Locations: Boone County Public Works (5645 Idlewild Road), Boone County Conservation District (6028 Camp Ernst Road), Burlington
Notes: Remove boxes/bags.
Date: Various (call for details)
Locations: South Fork Park, Oakbrook Park, Rabbit Hash, Gunpowder Creek Nature Park/Sperti Park
Registration: forms.gle/VLi5tjcRT66x2heC7
Contact: 859-586-7903 or 859-334-3151
Description: Free loan of 50 recycling bins for events.
Contact: 859-334-3151
Description: Facility tours, speakers, Master Recycler course (under re-evaluation).
Contact: 859-334-3151
Accepted Materials and Restrictions
| Material | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastics (1 & 2 with spout) | Water bottles, detergent bottles | Rinse, lids on |
| Glass | Mason jars, beer bottles | Rinse, remove lids |
| Metal | Soda cans, soup cans, aerosols | Rinse, lids off |
| Paper/Cardboard | Mixed paper, corrugated cardboard | Remove plastic wrap, flatten |
| Hefty ReNew | Straws, utensils, bubble wrap, chip bags | In orange bags |
Styrofoam, plastic bags, electronics, organic material, wood, toys, furniture, hazardous items.
Note: Verify questionable items at 859-334-4808.
- Batteries: Auto batteries (Boone County Public Works, retailers); rechargeable (Public Works, Florence, Walton, Union); alkaline (trash).
- Electronics: Designated facilities or HHW events (bccdky.org).
- Household Cleaners: Mix water-soluble cleaners with water and drain (avoid septic systems); offer to others.
- Paint: Solidify with cat litter, dry, and trash; offer usable paint to others.
- Antifreeze: Kenton County Public Works (5-gallon limit).
- Pesticides: Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture (1-800-205-6543).
- Car Seats: RecycleForce (Indianapolis), Target (special collections).
- Composting: Use red wigglers/black soldier fly larvae; donate to farmers.
Description: Dispose of waste at Bavarian Landfill (12764 McCoy Fork Road, Walton, KY) with a voucher.
Contact: Boone County Public Works, 859-334-4808.
Tips and Best Practices
- Five R's: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot.
- Avoid Contamination: Only recycle accepted items; verify with 859-334-4808.
- Composting: Reduces landfill methane; compost at home or donate to farmers.
- Get Involved: Volunteer for River Sweep or request a speaker (859-334-3151).
Contact Information
- Boone County Solid Waste: 859-334-4808, boonecountysolidwaste.com
- Boone County Conservation District: 859-334-3151, bccdky.org
- NKSWMA HHW: nkyhhw.org
- Rumpke: 1-800-828-8171, rumpke.com
- Hefty Renew: hefty.com/hefty-renew/communities