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Solid Waste & Recycling

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1. What does single stream mean?

Single stream (also known as fully commingled) recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers and containers are mixed together in a collection truck, instead of being sorted into separate commodities (newspaper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc).

2. Who picks up my recycling?

Republic Services can be reached at 859-936-0957.

3. What happens to my recyclables?

It goes to a Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF) - an owned and operated facility by and in the City of Lexington.

4. Do I really put everything in my recycle container loose?

Everything but shredded paper, it must be in a clear plastic bag. Single Stream Recycling is all about keeping the material loose.

5. If Single Stream Recycling is all about keeping my material loose than why must I bag my shredded paper?

When the material is brought into the Municipal Recycling Facility (MRF) trucks dump the material on the floor. The loose shredded paper would be hard to capture, but in bags, the operators can separate and maintain the quality of the product.

6. What if I do not want a recycling container?

Oh no, please don’t! But if you must, call Republic Services at 859-936-0957.

7. What happens if the container at my house becomes damaged or lost?

Republic Services will replace any damaged or lost container. Please contact them at 859-936-0957 to report your issue.

8. How and when should my container be put to the curb?

For collection, place the container as close as possible to the curb or roadside, not on the street. Make sure the container is at least 3 feet from mailboxes, parked cars, trees, light posts, and the handle and lid hinge is facing your residence. Please ensure the lid is closed to prevent damage to cart(s). Place your cart out the night before and do not forget to return your cart to the house when it has been emptied.

9. How will I know when my recycling will be picked up?

A collection schedule (PDF) has been provided with your container when it was issued.

10. How will holidays affect my pick up schedule?

This schedule applies to all residential services (trash and recycle). Republic Services will observe the following Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Republic Services will not be servicing residential customers on these Holidays. Republic Services will be adjusting its service schedule by one day. For example, if the Holiday is on a Monday, the service would be as follows:

• Monday service will occur on Tuesday
• Tuesday service will occur on Wednesday 
• Wednesday service will occur on Thursday 
• Thursday service will occur on Friday 
• Friday service will occur on Saturday

Check the local newspaper or call Republic Services at 859-936-0957.

11. My apartment complex is littered with unused recycle containers because we all use one until it is full and then go to the next. We never fill them all, what can we do?

Have your landlord or apartment manager call Republic Services at 859-936-0957 and they will pick up any unused or unwanted containers.

12. What if I have more recyclables than my container can hold before my next pick-up day?

You can put your excess material next to the container in a paper bag, cardboard box, or plastic tote. If you regularly produce more than your container can hold, call Republic Services and request another container, there is no extra charge.

13. Will the container be very heavy once it’s full?

The design of the new containers provides leverage to assist maneuvering. Many residents have found this makes using a cart easier than lifting a filled 18-gallon bin or box of recyclables.

14. What if weather conditions cause my recycle can top to blow open?

Use a brick or rock to hold it down. Allowing water to get into the container can cause the paper to degrade.

15. Can I recycle caps, lids, and plastic bags?

No. Caps, lids, and plastic bags cannot be recycled curbside. Plastic bags can be recycled at your grocery store or Gose Pike Convenience Center.

16. Should I remove the labels on my bottles, cans, and jars?

No, you can leave the labels on.

17. Should I rinse my bottles, cans, and jars?

Yes. Conserve water by using dishwater, bathwater, or rainwater.

18. Where can I recycle books?

Books can be recycled at the curb if you rip off the hardcover and rip out the pages so it is not so thick and you can just drop them off whole at the Gose Pike Convenience Center, or donate to charity.

19. Electronics and household batteries are not accepted at the curb, where can I recycle them?

Gose Pike Convenience Center accepts electronics and batteries. You can contact them by calling 859-238-1106. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 am to 5 pm.

20. What about my personal documents, are they secure?

All personal documents should be shredded. Boyle County Recycle Center has a paper shredder that shreds 2 tons per hour free of charge to residents, businesses, industries, and schools. Call 859-238-1116 for more information.

21. What is a waxy paper box? I noticed they were not allowed in the recycling container?

Waxy paper boxes are paper boxes that can be refrigerated or frozen such as frozen pizza and soda boxes. They cannot be recycled at the curb. But, you can recycle soda and beer boxes at the Gose Pike Convenience Center Pike 859-238-1106.