LOOGOOTEE — Martin County residents looking to clear out household clutter will have the opportunity to do so later this month. The Martin County Recycling Center has announced its annual Spring Cleanup, scheduled for Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16.
The event will be held at the main recycling facility located at 500 Industrial Park Drive in Loogootee. Doors will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Fees and Disposal Rates
To help offset the cost of disposal, officials have established a tiered fee structure based on the size of the load:
- Small Pickups: $20.00
- Full-Size Pickups: $30.00
- Trailers (any length): $40.00
- Construction Waste: $80.00 per ton
Accepted and Restricted Items
While the event is designed for general household waste, there are several strict limitations on what can be accepted at the cleanup rates.
Not Included in Standard Fee: The standard load fee does not cover specialized hazardous or electronic waste. Items such as tires, paint, batteries, and electronics (including televisions, computers, and printers) are excluded from the flat rate. Furthermore, any appliances containing Freon will require an additional disposal charge, typically around $10.00 per unit.
Prohibited Materials: Officials emphasized that yard waste (such as limbs or grass clippings) will not be accepted during this event. Additionally, the center will not be purchasing aluminum cans during these special cleanup days.
Despite the focus on disposal, the center’s standard recycling programs remain in effect. Residents can still drop off traditional recyclables free of charge, including:
- Corrugated cardboard and paper products (newspapers, magazines, and junk mail)
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Tin, steel, and glass containers
- Books and clothing
The Spring Cleanup is a major logistical undertaking for the Martin County Solid Waste Management District, which processes over 250 tons of recyclables monthly. Residents in Shoals should note that the Shoals Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, May 16, to allow staff to assist with the high volume of traffic expected at the Loogootee site.
For additional questions regarding specific items or pricing, residents are encouraged to contact the Martin County Recycling Center directly at 812-295-4142.
