The Indiana Solid Waste Management Districts are a wonderful source of information about local recycling and reuse options. Find your local district for specific information about your area.
Drop-off Recycling
Indiana Recycling Coalition has an Indiana Recycling Directory for households and businesses to find information about recycling opportunities in Indiana.
Curbside Recycling
Many counties have curbside recycling and will pick up recyclables from your home. To find out if curbside is available in your community, check with your local solid waste or public works department.
Electronics
The Indiana Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Law went into effect in 2009 “to reduce the amount of electronic waste being sent to Indiana landfills and to ensure that hazardous substances found in electronic waste are being managed in an appropriate and environmentally responsible manner.” HEC Green Business QuickShred Indy offers safe and secure electronics recycling, as does a number of other businesses and nonprofits. A quick Google search for “electronics recycling” and your town should point you in the right direction.
Hazardous Waste Recycling
Some examples of household hazardous waste are automotive fluids, lawn care chemicals, household cleaners, paint and wood stains, and compact flourescent lightbulbs (CFLs)*. View a complete list of household hazardous waste materials that should be disposed of properly at a ToxDrop site. Find your local solid waste management districts and household hazardous waste service providers.
*CFLs use 75% less energy, last 10 times longer, and can save 2,000 times their own weight in greenhouse gases; however, CFL`s contain mercury, a toxic substance, and should be disposed of properly.
Paper Recycling
Recycling paper not only saves forests from logging, it also saves energy and water. Paper can be recycled in your curbside bin or at a number of drop-off locations.
Leaf Recycling and Yard Waste
Many municipalities offer leaf collection in the fall/winter, turning it into mulch and compost for the community. Check with your Solid Waste Management District for resources available in your area. Companies, like HEC Green Business Greencycle of Indiana, will accept yard waste for a small fee. IDEM also offers tips for composting your leaves.
Car Donation
Wheels For Wishes is a car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. They offer an easy way to recycle or donate unwanted cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, or even boats, by turning them into a wish for a local child. Visit the Wheels for Wishes website to learn more or call 1-855-891-9474.
Veteran Car Donations is a car donation program benefitting our nation’s veterans. Car donations help to benefit veterans by funding programs for essential medical care, shelter, food, and mental health services, to name a few examples. Visit their Veteran Car Donations website for more information.