Background

Bowling Green (pop. 60,600), Kentucky’s third-largest city (Louisville and Lexington are one and two), was voted this year as one of the 25 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. by Forbes. The city offers up its curbside recycling program to residents for a $2.50 monthly charge. Residents use 14-gallon red bins at the curb — smaller containers than most cities provide — though the materials are commingled, and collection is on a weekly basis. Regional hauler Southern Recycling handles the city’s program.

Materials recycled

Paper Newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs and flattened corrugated cardboard are accepted. Cardboard must be cut to fit the bin. Plastics Plastic #1 and #2 bottles, jugs and containers (rinsed) are accepted. Remove lids/caps and flatten to conserve bin space. Metals Aluminum cans and containers and tin/steel cans and containers (rinsed) are accepted. Glass Glass containers, bottles and jars (clear, brown and green) are accepted. Items must be rinsed. No lids or caps.

Frequency

Bowling Green recycles at the curb on a weekly basis. Bins must be placed at the curb with refuse the evening prior to collection day.

Other programs

Bowling Green’s municipal website offers suggestions for recycling “alternative” recyclables around town, including electronics, shoes, clothing, light bulbs, plastic bags and even eyeglasses.

More information

Visit the City of Bowling Green Recycling website for more recycling program info.