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Introduction: Your Community Resource for Responsible Waste Management
The Louisville Waste Reduction Center serves as a vital community resource for Jefferson County residents seeking to dispose of materials responsibly. Located at 636 Meriwether Avenue, this facility helps divert thousands of tons of waste from landfills each year by accepting items that don’t belong in regular trash pickup .
Understanding what the center accepts and how to use its services ensures you’re doing your part for Louisville’s environment. Whether you’re decluttering your home, tackling a renovation project, or cleaning up after a storm, this guide covers everything you need to know .
For foundational knowledge about sustainable practices, explore our zero waste living definition and 2026 guide to understand how facilities like this fit into your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Location and Contact Information
The Louisville Waste Reduction Center is operated by Louisville Metro Government and provides essential disposal services to the community .
Address and Contact Details
| Information | Details |
| Location | 636 Meriwether Avenue, Louisville, KY 40217 |
| Phone Number | (502) 574-2888 |
| Operator | Louisville Metro Government Waste Management District |
Hours of Operation
The center is open year-round with the following schedule :
| Day | Hours |
| Tuesday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Sunday – Monday | Closed |
2026 Holiday Closings
Hours vary during holidays. According to official sources, the center observes these closings :
- Wednesday, November 26 – Day before Thanksgiving (closes at 1 p.m.)
- Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving Day (closed)
- Friday, November 28 – Day after Thanksgiving (closed)
- Saturday, November 29 – Saturday after Thanksgiving (closed)
- Wednesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve (closed)
- Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day (closed)
- Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day (closed)
Before visiting, confirm current hours by calling (502) 574-2888 or checking the official LouisvilleKY.gov website .
What You Can Bring: Accepted Materials
The Louisville Waste Reduction Center accepts a variety of materials, though acceptance can change based on volume and demand .
Commonly Accepted Items
| Category | Examples |
| Large household items | Furniture, mattresses, appliances |
| Electronics | Computers, TVs, phones, printers |
| Yard waste | Tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves |
| Construction debris | Wood, drywall, flooring |
| Tires | Passenger vehicle tires |
| Storm debris | Tree debris after severe weather events |
Important Service Alerts
Due to high volume, the center sometimes reaches capacity. A June 2025 announcement noted that due to high demand, the center temporarily stopped accepting :
- Large household items
- Construction materials
- Tree and yard debris
During such times, electronics and tires remained accepted . Always call ahead to confirm current acceptance status.
What Is NOT Accepted
Some materials require specialized facilities and cannot be processed at the Waste Reduction Center .
Household Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste must be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off at :
7501 Grade Lane, Louisville, KY
This includes:
- Paints and solvents
- Cleaning chemicals
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Batteries
- Fluorescent light bulbs
Motor Oil, Antifreeze, and Cooking Oil
These materials are accepted at staffed recycling drop-off locations, not the Waste Reduction Center :
| Location | Address |
| Southwest Government Center | 7219 Dixie Highway |
| Central Government Center | 7201 Outer Loop |
| East District Public Works | 595 N. Hubbards Lane |
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Important: All lawn equipment must be empty of gasoline and oil before dropping off .
Alternative Disposal Options When the Center Is Busy
When the Waste Reduction Center reaches capacity, residents have several alternatives .
Privately Operated Disposal Locations
| Facility | Address |
| Rumpke Transfer Station | 1101 W. Oak Street |
| Poplar Level Transfer Station | 4446 Poplar Level Road |
| Outer Loop Recycling & Disposal Facility | 2673 Outer Loop |
These options charge fees, so confirm pricing before visiting.
Large Item Pickup for Urban Services District Residents
If you live in the Urban Services District, you can schedule an appointment for up to four large items to be picked up from your home . Use the Metro311 online portal or call 311 (or (502) 574-5000) to schedule .
Pop-Up Drop-Off Events
Louisville Metro Government hosts periodic Pop-Up Drop-Off events starting in March 2025 where residents can dispose of large items for free . Check the official Public Works website for upcoming dates and locations .
Recycling Drop-Off Locations Throughout Louisville
Beyond the Waste Reduction Center, Louisville offers numerous recycling drop-off points .
Unstaffed Recycling Drop-Off Locations (Blue on Map)
These locations accept standard recyclables:
| Location | Address |
| Beechmont Community Center | 205 W. Wellington Avenue |
| Louisville Fire Station | 235 East Jefferson Street |
| Louisville Fire Station | 1500 South 6th Street (8AM-8PM) |
| Fairdale | 10618 W Manslick Road |
| Fern Creek Fire Station | 7700 Routt Road |
| A.B. Sawyer Park | 9200 Whipps Mill Road |
| Louisville Fire Station | 2900 Hikes Lane |
| Cyril Allgeier Community Center | 4101 Cadillac Court |
| Bowman Field Drivers License Branch | 3501 Roger E. Schupp Street |
| Louisville Fire Station | 4535 Manslick Road (8AM-8PM) |
| Sun Valley Community Center | 6505 Bethany Lane |
| Aiken Road | 13312 Aiken Road |
Staffed Recycling Drop-Off Locations (Green on Map)
These staffed locations accept standard recyclables PLUS used cooking oil, motor oil and filters, and antifreeze. Staff will help unload items if needed .
| Location | Address |
| Southwest Government Center | 7219 Dixie Highway |
| Central Government Center | 7201 Outer Loop |
| East District Public Works | 595 N. Hubbards Lane |
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Storm Debris Drop-Off Information
After severe weather events, the Waste Reduction Center often serves as a free storm debris drop-off site for Jefferson County residents .
Recent Storm Debris Events
In May-June 2024, residents could drop off storm tree debris for free at multiple locations including the Waste Reduction Center . Requirements included:
- Proof of residency (driver’s license)
- License plate documentation
- Tree debris only (no construction materials)
Contractors and businesses may use the Waste Reduction Center for storm debris disposal but must pay the usual fee .
Regular Yard Waste Disposal
When yard waste collection is suspended in the Urban Services District (due to staffing shortages or extreme weather), the Waste Reduction Center accepts yard waste during regular hours .
In January 2022, during a COVID-related staffing shortage, the center accepted Christmas trees and yard waste Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturdays until 3 p.m.) .
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
The Louisville Waste District offers several ways for residents to learn about waste reduction .
KNOW Waste Wednesday
Follow the Waste District on social media for “#kNOwWasteWednesday” posts with recycling tips and quizzes. Recent topics included :
- Most commonly littered items in America
- Whether bubble envelopes are recyclable
- Common recycling contamination issues in Louisville
Educational Webinars
The Waste District offers webinars about :
- Louisville’s waste collection system
- Hard-to-dispose items
- Recycling best practices
Plastic Free July
The department promotes Plastic Free July each year, encouraging residents to avoid single-use plastics .
Using MyLouisville and Metro311
The MyLouisville online tool helps residents find city services .
Enter your address to find:
- Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection days
- Schedule Large Item Pickup appointments
- Sign up for street sweeping alerts
Use the Metro311 Online Portal, mobile app, or email to report issues. Call Metro311 at 311 or (502) 574-5000 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Louisville Waste Reduction Center’s phone number?
The center can be reached at (502) 574-2888 . For general waste questions, call Metro311 at 311 or (502) 574-5000 .
Where is the Louisville Waste Reduction Center located?
The center is at 636 Meriwether Avenue, Louisville, KY 40217 . It is situated near Shelby Park and the Germantown neighborhood .
What are the hours of operation?
Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday – Monday .
Does the center accept hazardous waste?
No. Hazardous waste must be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off at 7501 Grade Lane .
What happens if the center is full when I arrive?
If the center reaches capacity, you can :
- Use private facilities (Rumpke, Poplar Level, Outer Loop)
- Schedule large item pickup (Urban Services District residents)
- Wait for a Pop-Up Drop-Off event
Can businesses use the Waste Reduction Center?
Yes, but fees may apply. Businesses hauling debris must pay the usual fee .
How can I find my recycling collection day?
Use the MyLouisville tool on the official website. Enter your address to find garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection days .
How can I stay updated on Waste Reduction Center news?
Follow @KnowWasteLou on social media and check the official LouisvilleKY.gov website regularly .
Conclusion: Your Partner in Sustainable Living
The Louisville Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue provides essential services for responsible waste management. By using this resource, you’re directly contributing to a cleaner, healthier Louisville.
Remember these key takeaways:
- 636 Meriwether Avenue is your destination for large item disposal
- Call (502) 574-2888 to confirm hours and acceptance
- Use alternatives when the center is busy
- Recycle properly at staffed and unstaffed locations throughout the city
- Participate in programs like Pop-Up Drop-Off events and kNOw Waste Wednesday
Your efforts to reduce, reuse, and properly dispose of waste make Louisville a better place to live. Start today by visiting the Waste Reduction Center or exploring the many recycling options available in your community.
For more guidance on sustainable living, revisit our zero waste living definition and 2026 guide for additional tips and inspiration. explore the Environmental Protection Agency’s sustainable materials management resources.