Welcome home to Lexington! On this page you will find resources essential to you as a homeowner or renter. If you rent, communicate with your property owner about any missing carts or street tree issues. Informational flyers are provided on the linked websites below. The flyers are also available in Spanish. For more languages, email livegreen@lexingtonky.gov.
For home modification permits, visit the Homeowner's corner.
Waste Management
Carts should not be placed out earlier than 4 p.m. the day before your collection day and no later than 5 a.m. on the day of your collection day. Carts should have a clearance of 3 feet around them. Make sure to face carts towards the street to avoid spillage.
Recycling
Recycling is local! What is recyclable in Lexington may not be the same as your previous town. Even if you do not have city service, your recycling still goes to the Lexington Recycle Center. Only recycling accepted items helps protect employees and equipment. Always remember to NEVER bag your recycling!
The Recycle Center now accepts:
- aluminum and steel cans, lids and canisters
- #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jars and jugs (caps on)
- paper
- cartons (caps on)
- glass bottles and jars
- cardboard
- paperboard
LexCall
LexCall is your go-to for any questions regarding city programs or services. They can answer your questions or put you in touch with city employees. You can contact LexCall by dialing 311, submitting a request through the website or using the LexCall app.
City events
The city holds multiple special collection events throughout the year. These events include paper shred, free trash disposal day, household hazardous waste, mulch giveaway, and tire round up. These special collection events are a great way to dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally-friendly way.
There are many other volunteer and community events held throughout the year.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste such as computers and TV’s are not accepted in your curbside trash cart. They pose a risk to employees and the collection trucks. To dispose of your electronic waste, visit the city’s Electronic Recycle Center Monday through Saturday.
311 Alerts
To stay in the loop on city service announcements and volunteer opportunities, sign up for email or text alerts.
Pets
Help protect our local waterways by picking up after your pet on walks and at home, every time! Dogs must be on a leash at all times in Fayette County. For more information on animal care in Lexington, visit the Animal Care and Control page.
Protect your pipes
Cooking oils, grease and food can clog your pipes. Grease clogs can be unsanitary and expensive to repair.
Here are some simple steps to protect your kitchen and bathroom pipes:
- Pour cooking oils and grease into a sealable container and allow it to cool. Dispose of it in the trash.
- Scrape food scraps into the trash.
- Wipe cookware and dishes with a paper towel before washing them to remove cooking oils and grease.
- Limit the use of your garbage disposal. Ground-up food can stick to pipes.
- Place strainers in your sink to catch food. Dispose of the scraps in the trash.
- Remember, “flushable” wipes aren’t flushable! The only things you should flush down the toilet are toilet paper and human waste.
Trees
As a homeowner you are responsible for your portion of Lexington's tree canopy. Caring for your street trees and planting the right trees on your property is essential in maintaining the city's tree canopy and your property value!
To grow your canopy in tandem with the city, learn more about Reforest at Home, a city program that provides homeowners with free trees for their property, with the help of city arborists at your side!
To ensure you stay within city and neighborhood guidelines, check out the street tree program. Permits are required to remove and replace street trees. There is a cost share program to help homeowners with financial need.
For tips on tree selection, care and planting, visit our urban forestry page