Lexington launches annual holiday lights recycling drive with multiple drop-off locations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington residents can once again recycle old or broken holiday lights through the city’s annual collection drive, according to a release from the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works.

City officials say holiday lights should not be placed in blue recycle carts or recycling dumpsters because string lights, batteries and other electronics can damage equipment at the Recycle Center. Instead, residents can drop them off at special collection bins through Jan. 18, 2026.

According to the release, this is the eighth year for the program, which has already diverted more than 11,000 pounds of electronics from the landfill.

Lexington is partnering with several local businesses and organizations to host drop-off bins during their regular business hours. The city encourages residents to check operating hours before visiting.

Drop-off locations include:
• Kenwick Community Center, 313 Owsley Ave.
• William Wells Brown Community Center, 548 East Sixth Street
• Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Center, 200 East Main Street
• Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Lane
• John’s Run/Walk Shop, 317 South Ashland Ave. and 3735 Palomar Centre Drive, Unit 140
• Wild Birds Unlimited, 152 North Locust Hill Drive

Officials note that holiday lights and other electronics can also be recycled year-round at the Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road. More details, including hours and accepted items, are available by clicking HERE.

For updated information on holiday waste disposal and the full list of drop-off locations, click HERE.