The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) announced the community recycling drop-off site at the Washington Square Mall is closing.
The site at 10280 E. Washington St. closed “effective immediately,” according to an Indy DPW release. While a specific reason was not provided for the closure, Indy DPW suggested illegal dumping or vandalism may be the cause.
“The community drop-off locations across the city are for disposing of household recyclable materials only. Commercial use of the sites is prohibited. The future longevity of each drop-off site is contingent upon the public utilizing it for its intended purpose,” the press release said.
In order to drop off materials, specific rules must be followed, including no illegal dumping. Materials dropped off must be loose, clean and dry. Cardboard boxes must be flattened.
Plastic bags get caught in the sorting machines and can be hazardous to employees during the sorting process. As a result, recyclables in plastic bags are not accepted. Items may be placed in an open paper bag or can be transported in a reusable tote or bin.
The following materials are accepted at the site for no charge:
- All colors of glass
- #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (no Styrofoam, plastic bags or plastic film)
- Aluminum, tin and steel beverage and food cans
- Newspapers, broken down cardboard boxes, paper and magazines
If you are unsure if something is recyclable, Indy DPW advises that it is better to place it in the garbage than in the recycling bin than to practice “wish-cycling” or wishing that something can be recycled when it cannot.
Indy DPW also reminds businesses that illegal dumping carries up to a $2,500 fine. Leaving recyclable materials that cannot fit into the box is also considered illegal dumping.
For a map and address information of other drop-off recycling locations, visit indy.gov./activity/find-a-recycling-drop-off-location.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
