Recycling in Independence

Discover curbside programs, drop-off locations, special events, and more to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Curbside Recycling Programs

Most Independence residents have access to weekly curbside recycling through providers like Republic Services, Rumpke, or Best Way Disposal.

Accepted Materials:
  • Aluminum cans: Rinsed beverage cans.
  • Paper: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail (no plastic wrap).
  • Plastic containers: Bottles and jugs with a spout smaller than the bottom (lids okay if attached).
  • Glass containers: Unbroken, rinsed bottles and jars (no caps).
  • Cardboard: Flattened corrugated cardboard.

How to Participate: Contact your provider (e.g., Rumpke at www.rumpke.com to confirm service and request a bin.

Note: Do not include plastic bags, motor oil, or hazardous waste in curbside bins.

Recycling Drop-Off Locations

Kenton County manages 14 "Big Blue Bins" for comingle recyclables and cardboard. Key Independence locations include:

Address: 420 Independence Station Rd., Independence, KY 41051

Accepted: Comingle (aluminum cans, paper, plastic, glass) and cardboard (flattened).

Contact: (859) 392-1920

Address: 5272 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051

Accepted: Comingle only.

Address: 1992 Walton Nicholson Rd., Independence, KY 41051

Accepted: Comingle and cardboard.

Guidelines: Clean, dry recyclables only. No broken glass or plastic bags.

Bulky Waste Voucher Program

The Kenton County Open Dump program was replaced by a voucher program for bulky waste disposal at Bavarian Landfill.

Location: 12764 McCoy Fork Rd., Walton, KY 41094

Details: 1 voucher/month, up to 10/year per household via CivicRec. Requires paid trash bill.

Accepted: Furniture, appliances, mattresses.

Contact: (859) 485-4416 or Bavarianwaste.com

Electronics and Hazardous Waste Recycling

Electronics (E-Waste)

Electronics contain valuable metals and hazardous materials. Recycle at:

  • Can Dew Recycling: 1510 Russell St., Covington, KY 41011. Accepts electronics, batteries. Website, (859) 261-8264.
  • Recycling Express: 7430 Industrial Rd., Florence, KY 41042. Accepts electronics, non-ferrous scrap. Website, (859) 282-5200.
  • Annual HHW Event: First Saturday in November. Accepts electronics, tires, paint. Details, (859) 334-4808.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Includes cleaners, paint, motor oil. Dispose via HHW events or auto parts stores (oil). Contact county solid waste coordinator.

Special Recycling Events

Shredding Event

Date: TBA, 10:00 AM–Noon

Location: Independence Municipal Building, 5409 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051

Securely shred and recycle sensitive documents.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Location: Memorial Park, 2001 Jack Woods Pkwy., Independence, KY 41051

Details: Early January (contact (859) 356-6264 for 2025 dates). Trees must be decoration-free.

Tire Recycling

Contact Kenton County Solid Waste for monthly tire recycling days.

Commercial and Scrap Metal Recycling

  • Can Dew Recycling: Covington, KY. Pays for scrap metal, batteries. Website.
  • River Metals Recycling: 1220 Licking Pike, Newport, KY 41071. Non-ferrous scrap. Website, (859) 441-6300.
  • Cohen USA: 13229 Dixie Hwy., Walton, KY 41094. Metals, electronics. Website, (859) 363-8300.

Community and Educational Initiatives

Stay informed via Northern Kentucky Recycling Facebook.

Schools and organizations can fundraise through recycling programs with Republic Services.

Tips: Separate recyclables, use reusable items, repurpose creatively.

Why Recycling Matters

  • Landfill Preservation: Extends landfill life.
  • Energy Savings: Recycling aluminum saves 95% energy.
  • Environmental Protection: Reduces pollution, preserves habitats.
  • Economic Benefits: Earn from scrap metal recycling.

Key Contacts and Resources