Reuse Options
Don't throw it away - make it available for reuse! Here's how:
Reuse at South Walnut Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste
Reuse Sidewalk
The reuse sidewalk at Central Recycling & Reuse will be open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays for dropoff and pickup of reuse items. What's even better than recycling? Visit Monroe County's reuse center, located at Central Station next to the recycling center.
Materials for the Arts
The Reuse Center welcomes your participation in diverting reusable materials from the waste stream and by allowing them to be reused. Our Reuse Center is stocked with an ever-changing supply of materials for your next art, education, or community project. Materials are free and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The Materials for the Arts Center is designed to serve non-profits, churches, schools, and artists working on community projects.
If you fit this description, please bring a letter of verification on letterhead to the Material for the Arts Center for us to put on file. The Materials for the Arts Center is open every Thursday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, and by appointment. Call 24 hours in advance and speak to Mary Baker Hunter for an appointment. There is usually a wide array of items to choose from. You can find items such as paper and cardboard boxes; all shapes, sizes, and colors of plastic containers; craft, household, toys, and much more. We also accept donations. If your group is working on a specific project, we may be able to accommodate a wish list for your project. Non-profits, churches, and schools that are not within Monroe County may make arrangements to "trade" services by calling 812-349-2022. There are occasions where groups and reuse centers can trade materials or come and shop for a donation.
Hazbin Room
The Hazbin Room located in the Household Hazardous Waste department is an ideal option for diverting most common household chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials from the waste stream. Bring your leftover and unused paint, varnish, cleaners, fertilizer, and other common household chemicals to the Hazbin Room so that others can have the opportunity to use them instead of disposing of them. Also, if you are in need of any of these items, come check out the inventory of the Hazbin Room, you may just find what you need and save yourself some money.
The Trading Post at Rural Recycling Centers
The Trading post is a place to exchange useful household goods. Trading Posts are available at all Rural Recycling Centers and are open to all residents of Monroe County. They are designed to take and leave usable household items. We ask that residents follow some rules of courtesy as the program is designed for all to share. We also ask that residents who take items do not use them for resale purposes. Please only shop once a week and limit the number of items that you take in one trip. Accepted items: small electronic items (microwaves, toaster ovens, radios, and fans), toys, housewares, books, magazines, kitchenware, tools, gardening supplies, etc... All for free!!! Items are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Large items are sometimes accepted, please check with the Site Operator.
Items Not Accepted: Large bulky items, mattresses, clothing, toilets, construction materials, doors, windows, televisions, computers, large electronic devices, non-working items, paint, tires, or trash.