LEXINGTON, KY (June 5, 2019) — The city’s recycling center will be shut down Thursday, June 6, and Friday, June 7, because of a mechanical problem with the machine that separates aluminum cans from other materials. The replacement part is expected to arrive Friday.
Waste Management drivers will collect recyclables during the shutdown. The materials collected will be diverted to the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station and sent to a landfill. The city resists diverting recycled materials but is unable to store materials outside of the facility. Residents wanting to have their recyclables collected on Thursday or Friday should place their carts out like normal.
Recyclables collected on Thursday and Friday by Republic Services will be diverted to a recycling facility in Louisville.
The recycling center is expected to reopen on Monday.
Participants in the recycling program can help prevent future mechanical issues by recycling properly and keeping recyclable materials dry by closing lids on carts and dumpster to prevent moisture from getting in. Unwanted and wet materials place additional stress on mechanical components and can place employees at risk.
Lexington’s recycle center only accepts: dry cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles and jugs with a screwtop neck, glass bottles and jars. A downloadable flyer of acceptable materials is available in six languages at www.LexingtonKY.gov/recycle.
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