Please note: MCWEC does not provide waste disposal or recycling services – we can only point you in the direction of services that do.
Proper waste and recyclable material disposal are critical to protecting our drinking water and keeping our communities clean. If you do not have a subscription service coming to your home or you have extra recycling, the city of Indianapolis provides multiple locations where residents of Marion County can drop off non-hazardous household recycling. Look for the green box and review the guidelines below before you go.
Always refer to the City of Indianapolis for the most up-to-date locations. This map was last retrieved on March 19, 2025.
Before hopping in the car, determine if the material you have is hazardous or simply waste. Household hazardous waste and most electronics can be dropped off at the city’s ToxDrop locations on the first and second Saturdays of the month. Extra waste or leaves that cannot be taken in your regular trash pickup can be taken to the Citizen’s Transfer Station on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at 2324 S. Belmont Ave.
Here are some guidelines for non-hazardous material accepted at the recycling locations:
- Glass (all colors), plastic bottles and jugs (ex: shampoo, milk, detergent, yogurt but NOT clamshell takeout containers), and aluminum cans – washed (with soap if possible), clean of any food residue, and completely dry to prevent the spread of illness and the contamination of other recyclable materials)
- Dry paper material, free of food residue. Pizza boxes, for example, generally cannot be recycled because of grease residue.
- Broken down cardboard boxes.
- NO plastic bags, plastic film, or Styrofoam
These large green boxes follow Republic’s Recycling Guidelines and are explained further in the “Know what to throw” guide: How to Recycle: Recycling Basics | Republic Services (recyclingsimplified.com)
If you have other non-hazardous material that can’t be recycled through the city (such as plastic bags) or need a location closer to you, try the Indiana Recycling Directory where you can search by your location and type of material.
Be a part of the movement to save money, energy, and natural resources by recycling, reducing, reusing, and disposing properly. Each little step we take contributes to a better economy and keeps our communities and drinking water safe!
If you are a business in Marion County, check out our Hazardous Waste page for suggestions on where and who can help you recycle hazardous materials.