Find Recycling Centers Near You
Your trusted resource for finding the best recycling centers nationwide.
Locate recycling centers, e-waste disposal facilities, and scrap metal buyers in your area. Search by location to discover facilities that accept aluminum, copper, steel, plastics, paper, batteries, and more. Find curbside pickup, drop-off centers, and buy-back facilities near you.
Currently featuring 3452 recycling center listings
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Free Recycling Tools & Calculators
Measure your impact, track your progress, and discover savings with our suite of completely free recycling calculators. Make data-driven decisions about your sustainability efforts with no cost and no signup required.
Savings Calculator
Calculate how much money you can save or earn through bottle deposits, reduced waste fees, and scrap metal sales.
Carbon Calculator
Calculate the CO2 emissions you save through recycling and see your environmental impact in relatable terms.
Business ROI
Estimate the financial return on investment from implementing or improving a commercial recycling program.
Complete Recycling Resources
Access free calculators, find recycling locations for 23+ material types, and get expert guidance for all your recycling needs.
Free Recycling Tools
9 powerful calculators & AI tools
Recycling Materials Guide
23 categories, hundreds of items
Not sure what you can recycle?
Use our AI-powered tool to instantly check local recycling regulations for any item.
Try AI Regulation CheckerWhat Can You Recycle?
Discover local recycling locations that accept various materials. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the right recycling centers for all your sustainability needs.
Plastic Recycling
Find centers that accept various plastic types including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. Proper plastic recycling helps reduce landfill waste and conserves resources.
Most municipal recycling programs accept plastics #1-5, but acceptance varies by location. Always check the number on the bottom of containers and rinse them clean before recycling.
Commonly Accepted:
- Water & soda bottles (PET #1)
- Milk jugs & detergent bottles (HDPE #2)
- Food containers (PP #5)
Usually Not Accepted:
- Plastic bags & film wrap
- Styrofoam containers
Paper Recycling
Locate centers that recycle paper products including newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and office paper. Paper recycling saves trees and reduces landfill waste.
Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and enough energy to power an average home for six months. Most paper can be recycled 5-7 times before the fibers become too short.
Commonly Accepted:
- Cardboard boxes (flattened)
- Newspapers & magazines
- Office paper & mail
Usually Not Accepted:
- Wax-coated or food-soiled paper
- Paper towels or tissues
Metal Recycling
Find scrap metal buyers and facilities that accept aluminum, copper, brass, steel, and other metals. Metal recycling conserves energy and natural resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scrap metal has real value. Many facilities pay by weight, with copper typically fetching $2-4/lb, aluminum $0.30-0.80/lb, and steel $0.05-0.15/lb depending on market conditions and metal grade.
High-Value Metals:
- Copper wire & pipes
- Brass fixtures & fittings
- Aluminum cans & extrusions
Common Scrap Metal:
- Steel & iron (appliances, auto parts)
- Stainless steel (kitchenware)
Electronics Recycling (E-Waste)
Discover certified e-waste disposal facilities that safely recycle computers, phones, TVs, and other electronic devices. Proper e-waste recycling prevents hazardous materials from entering landfills.
E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper, plus toxic substances like lead and mercury. Always use certified e-waste recyclers. Many offer free pickup for larger quantities.
Commonly Accepted:
- Computers, laptops & servers
- Mobile phones, tablets & accessories
- TVs, monitors & printers
Preparation Tips:
- Wipe all data before recycling
- Remove batteries when possible
Specialty & Hazardous Recycling
Find specialized recycling locations for batteries, light bulbs, paint, and other hard-to-recycle items. These materials require special handling to prevent environmental contamination.
Many retailers offer free battery and light bulb recycling. For hazardous materials like paint and chemicals, check for local collection events or household hazardous waste facilities.
Specialty Items:
- Batteries (rechargeable & single-use)
- CFL & LED light bulbs
- Motor oil & automotive fluids
Hazardous Materials:
- Paint, stains & solvents
- Pesticides & fertilizers
How It Works
Find and connect with recycling centers in four simple steps
Search or Browse
Search by location, material type, or browse recycling centers by state and city to find facilities near you.
Compare Services
Review accepted materials, current prices for scrap metals, hours of operation, and customer ratings.
Check Materials
Verify what items are accepted, prepare your materials according to facility guidelines, and check for any fees.
Visit or Schedule
Drop off your materials during business hours or schedule a pickup service for larger loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about recycling centers and services
How do I find a recycling center near me?
Use our search bar at the top of the page to enter your city, state, or ZIP code. You can also browse recycling centers by state and then filter by city. Our directory includes thousands of verified recycling facilities across the United States, making it easy to locate the nearest options for your specific needs.
What items can I recycle for money?
Many recycling centers pay for scrap metals including aluminum cans, copper wire, brass, steel, and iron. In states with bottle deposit laws, you can return beverage containers for cash. Some facilities also purchase car batteries, catalytic converters, and electronic waste containing precious metals. Check with individual facilities for current prices and accepted materials.
Do recycling centers pay for materials?
It depends on the material and facility. Scrap metal recyclers typically pay by weight for metals like aluminum, copper, and steel. Municipal recycling centers and drop-off locations usually offer free recycling services but don't pay for materials. Our listings clearly indicate whether facilities purchase recyclables, and many include current pricing information for common metals.
What are recycling center hours near me?
Recycling center hours vary by location and facility type. Most operate during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM), with some offering Saturday hours. Many facilities close on Sundays and holidays. Check the specific listing for each recycling center in our directory to see their exact hours of operation, and always call ahead to confirm before visiting.
How do I recycle specific items like electronics, batteries, or paint?
Different items require specialized recycling facilities. Electronics (e-waste) should go to certified e-waste recyclers. Batteries can be recycled at most hardware stores and battery retailers. Paint recycling is available through hazardous waste programs. Use our material filter to find facilities that accept your specific items, or visit our materials guide for detailed recycling instructions for hundreds of items.
What's the difference between recycling centers and scrap yards?
Recycling centers typically accept a wide variety of materials (paper, plastic, glass, aluminum) and may be free municipal services. Scrap yards (also called scrap metal recyclers) specialize in buying and processing metals, paying by weight. Scrap yards focus on automotive parts, appliances, construction materials, and industrial metals. Both serve important recycling functions. Choose based on your material type and whether you want payment for your recyclables.