Louisville Recycling Updates

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Recycling cart storage area in Highlands | Photo by @theLOUtoday

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Let’s roll.

Back in June, blue-lidded rolling recycling carts appeared on city streets overnight to replace the familiar orange bins. The new, 95-gallon bins — dubbed “Big Ben” were purchased through a grant for advancing recycling in the community. Thanks to the increased capacity of the carts, the city also changed its pickup schedule from weekly to bi-weekly.

Approximately 28,000 bins were distributed for free to households within the Urban Services District. Qualifying households — homes that recycled at least 1 week — were determined by a 3-week audit completed in October and November of 2020. Households that already owned a 65-95-gallon bin were not eligible for a “Big Ben.”

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Photo by @theLOUtoday

It’s been over a month since the change was implemented on July 12 and some households still haven’t received their sleek new bin and may be wondering why. If that’s you, check the Cart Request Form to see if your home is eligible.

The orange bins will be discontinued as a result of the new program and no longer serviced by the city after December 21. See ya later, “Little Ben.”

While we’re on a roll, let’s recycle some recycling tips + tricks.

♻️ Remember to empty all containers and flatten paper products before recycling. Check out what you can and cannot recycle here.

♻️ Download the Recycle Coach app to see your personalized collection calendar + receive notifications on pick-up delays.

♻️ Ditch the plastic bag and place recyclables directly into the bin. Plastic bags are not recyclable and jam recycling machinery.

♻️ Listen to the Curious Louisville podcast from WFPL to learn about what happens to your recycling.

♻️ Take the Know Waste quiz to test your Louisville recycling knowledge.

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