Since we were taught about the “Three R’s” in elementary school, we have all understood the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling. We know recycling reduces the amount of waste in landfills, conserves natural resources, and saves energy and money.
As an admitted environmentalist, I devote my best efforts to recycling as much as I can. However, curbside recycling is not currently offered where I live. So, I am therefore forced to collect my recyclables in a bin in my kitchen, and then lug them to the nearest recycling facility. Despite my best intentions, I continue to watch my recyclables pile up in their blue plastic bin of shame week after week, and often, in an attempt to save time, end up just tossing these items into the trash.
Tired of seeing my recyclables end up in plastic landfill-destined 
garbage bags week after week, I decided to better educate myself about recycling options in Indianapolis. I was pleasantly surprised to discover many community organizations and city programs dedicated to easing the process of recycling.
My search began with the Indiana Recycling Coalition, who promotes recycling statewide. The IRC has created the “EcoVille” website, which provides information about types of recyclable materials such as used oil, compost and yard trimmings, and even those pesky CFL bulbs. A statewide map of recycling drop-off locations is also provided.
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful maintains the City’s Recycling and Reuse Guide, which informs residents of local companies and organizations who accept materials for recycling or reuse. They also provide information on where to recycle junk mail and other paper products, and list upcoming ToxDrop events where citizen’s may dispose of household hazardous waste.
The City of Indianapolis has an official “recycling philosophy”, which, you guessed it, includes a mission to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The City’s site lists City designated drop-off locations in the Metropolitan Area, and offers information on the curbside recycling program,which Indianapolis residents may opt-in to (for a $6 monthly fee). The City is working to expand it’s pedestrian recycling program, installing recycling bins along popular city streets. Several recycling bins are already installed around central downtown, along Mass Ave, and in Broad Ripple, so be sure to keep your eye out, and drop your bottles and cans in these designated receptacles when you are in the area!
If this post now has you jazzed up about recycling, then you’re in luck, as Indiana Living Green will be hosting Recycle Fest, next Saturday, July 27 at Garfield Park. Recycle Fest will combine environmentally responsible initiatives through an all day festival featuring live music, demonstrations, activities and education. I hope you will take this opportunity to not only enjoy the food and music, but to also learn more about recycling in Indianapolis!
Reducing, reusing, and recycling are important to conserving energy and preserving precious natural resources in our city, state, and nation. What have you found to be the most efficient ways to recycle in Indianapolis? What advice do you have for fellow recyclers? How can we work to improve the ease and efficiency of recycling in our City?
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Carly Weidman is an Indianapolis native, Ball State Alumni, and IU SPEA Master of Public Affairs Graduate. A strong proponent of sustainability and smart growth, Carly works to promote local and state public policies related to transportation, the environment, and sustainability, and strives every day to find new ways to live her life more simply. Stay up to date by following her on twitter: @carlyweidman.
