Recycling and Local Assistance Branch - Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

Solid Waste Planning

Assistance, training, and resources for local governments with implementation of solid waste programs, including: collection systems, disposal needs, waste diversion, siting facilities, authorizing landfill capacity, and developing solid waste ordinances

Recycling, Composting, Household Hazardous Waste Management

Recycling in the U.S. is a $236-billion-a-year industry. Companies rely on recycling programs to provide the raw materials they need to make new products. The average American discards seven and one-half pounds of garbage every day. Most of this garbage goes into landfills, where it's compacted and buried. Recycling requires far less energy, uses fewer natural resources, and keeps waste from piling up in landfills.

State Office Paper Recycling Program

You’ve probably seen Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) staff emptying recycling barrels in your office or driving around Frankfort in big trucks with “Kentucky Government Recycles!” on the side. These workers are with the Kentucky Government Recycling Section (KGRS), a program in the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) created to help state agencies comply with mandatory recycling requirements.

Waste Tires

The Kentucky Division of Waste Management (DWM) estimates that about 4 million scrap tires are generated annually in Kentucky. In July 1998, Kentucky established waste tire statutes to ensure responsible waste tire management. The law requires tire retailers, transporters, and accumulators to register with the state and post a bond. The law also establishes management standards for scrap tires to reduce the risk of fire and prevent water entrapment and mosquito infestations.

Litter Abatement

In 2021, county and city governments removed 614,674 bags of litter on 146,900 miles of roadways. Most of the items found on roadways are plastic bottles and food containers.

Illegal Dumps

A drive through Kentucky reveals diverse scenic beauty within the hills and hollows of eastern Kentucky, the horse farms in Central Kentucky, and the lakes and flatlands in western Kentucky. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance you may also see an illegal dumpsite. These blights on the Bluegrass State are ugly, dangerous, and expensive to clean up. Counties have the responsibility of cleaning and preventing their recurrence. The Division of Waste Management offers assistance through cleanup grants.

Medical Waste

Medical waste, in simple terms, is any waste that may be contaminated by blood, bodily fluids, or potentially infectious materials. Although the EPA does provide some oversight of medical waste storage and disposal, the majority of medical waste is regulated on a state or local level.

Electronic Waste

Electronic products are everywhere and most contain some hazardous materials. Computers, televisions, stereo equipment, cell phones, and other electronic products eventually wear out or become obsolete and need to be disposed of properly. Finding a safe and environmentally friendly method of disposal is the challenge we all face.

Food Conservation Alliance

Kentucky supports a heathier environment and helps families save money by educating their public about reducing food waste at home, work and communities. To learn why food waste is so important and to learn how you can help - Please join us at the 2023 Food Waste Prevention Week. This online and in person event is hosted by organizations and companies who want to change food waste.

CONTACT US...Grants Program Commonwealth Cleanup Week Solid Waste Coordinators County Judge Executives RLA Topics A-Z Local Assistance Contact Map Recycling Assistance Contact Map KY Solid Waste Management Planning Directory 2023 Food Waste Prevention Week April 10-16th