Franklin Ave Recycling Center

Franklin Ave Recycling Center is the local spot in Springfield for dropping off household recyclables and keeping things out of the landfill. Neighbors from the north side and downtown swing by with loads of cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, glass and cans, and sometimes larger items when special drop-off programs are running. The site sits at 731 N Franklin Ave, easy to spot if driving through that part of town.

Drive up to a small entrance booth and pull into the main yard where a few large bins and roll-offs sit in plain view. The recycling bins are typically grouped together to the right past the booth, with bulky containers and special program areas farther back. Traffic can back up on weekend mornings or during seasonal cleanups, so there’s often a line to get in. Bring materials separated as much as possible and be prepared to stop at the scale on the way out if the center charges by weight.