Recycling Guide
WCSWD is a government agency whose mission is to inform and educate the citizens of Parke and Putnam Counties about proper disposal, waste reduction, reuse, recycling and provide programs and services in these areas. WCSWD residents may use programs and events in any of the two counties.
Rural Recycling Centers
All of us should be concerned with the “state of our trash”. National recycling efforts and stricter disposal laws have helped to clean up our act considerably. However, the average American generates 4.5 pounds of garbage each day and the more we consume the more we have to “throw away”. WCSWD has four rural recycling centers located in Parke and Putnam counties for residential use only. All sites are open year around 24/7.
District Recycling Map
View a list of current recycling centers
Accepted Recyclables at a Glance
Yard Waste Collection Program
WCSWD partners with the town to offer yard waste collection sites to residents. Acceptable items include – grass clippings, leaves, twigs/branches under 8 inches in diameter. No stumps, sod or treated lumber. Residents are responsible for unloading their own yard waste.
Directions, Hours of Operation, and Phone Numbers:
Putnam County Yard Waste Drop-Off Site - 2363 South County Road 250 W. Call: (765) 653-6699.
Hours of Operation and Days Open:
- Monday and Wednesday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Opens first week of April - Closes last week of October - Closed Holidays
- Located next to County Highway Department and Police Firing Range (Call for Directions).
Tox Away Days
Tox-Away Days are annual events sponsored by West Central Solid Waste District that provide Parke and Putnam County residents with the opportunity to safely and inexpensively dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW).
These events are organized to get people in and out as quickly and safely as possible, but lines should be anticipated. These hazardous items, if disposed of improperly, are dangerous to the health of humans, animals and the environment. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicle as skilled personnel unload items in a safe drive-through environment.
Electronics such as computers, cell phones, gaming consoles, etc. can no longer be thrown in the trash or landfills. Tox-Away Days are the perfect opportunity to dispose of tires that are lying around collecting water that can turn into mosquito breeding grounds.
Click here for details: Tox Away Days
Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste is any product labeled: toxic, poison, corrosive, flammable, combustible or irritant that is disposed of. A typical home can contain a vast array of household hazardous products used for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage.
Electronics Recycling Day
Electronic waste (E-Waste) accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste that you currently find in landfills. In addition to valuable metals like aluminum, electronics often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. When placed in a landfill, these materials (even in small doses) can contaminate soil as well as drinking water.
Electronic waste or “e-waste” is the term used to describe old, end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, television sets, DVD players, mobile phones, mp3 players, etc., which have been disposed of by their original users. While there is no generally accepted definition of e-waste, in most cases, e-waste comprises of relatively expensive and essentially durable products used for data processing, telecommunications or entertainment in private households and businesses. Electrical and electronic equipment are made up of a multitude of components, some containing toxic substances which can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. Often, these hazards arise due to the improper recycling and disposal processes used.
Click here for details:
Electronics Recycling Day
Christmas Tree Recycling
Christmas tree recycling is a way that Parke and Putnam County residents can give something back to the earth. By recycling these trees, residents can help divert trees from the landfill, provide a habitat for fish and wildlife, aid in erosion control, and provide mulch for flowerbeds and trees. The trees are also available for FREE to anyone who would like to use them for their ponds, lake or to stop erosion on their property. The parks or community affiliated with the collection sites will use the remaining trees.
Each year, West Central Solid Waste District is encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas Trees for FREE starting December 26th through the last Saturday in January.
*Please remove all decorations, lights, garland, stands, and plastic bags. Only compostable trees or wreaths/branches (wire free) should be dropped off.
Typically, the sites listed below participate each year. In order to be certain, check your local newspaper during the Christmas season or call and check with the location in your area:
- Raccoon Lake (765) 344-1412 – Follow signs to Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area, 9 miles East of Rockville on Highway 36
- Lieber State Park Recreation Area (765) 795-4576 – Office Parking Lot, 1317 W. Lieber Road, State Road 243, near park entrance
- Rockville Lake Park (765) 569-6441 – Follow the signs at the park entrance on Marshall Road
These sites will always be available for Christmas tree recycling as long as the District continues to provide the program:
- Greencastle Yard Waste Drop-Off Site – 2363 S. C.R. 250 West – Located by County Highway Department and Police firing range