Columbus Recycling Center

The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District (BCSWMD) has been dedicated to providing exceptional solid waste management services to the residents of Bartholomew County since its establishment in 1969. Before the formation of the BCSWMD, the community's waste disposal needs were met by several open dump sites. However, the need for improved services led to the creation of the Columbus-Bartholomew Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA), which served as a landfill manager from 1974 until 1990.

In 1990, the SWDA expanded its role to include the management of solid waste programs, including landfill construction and operation, under the new title of BCSWMD. The District Board was also given the responsibility of formulating a comprehensive 20-year solid waste management plan and selecting a new landfill site. Today, the BCSWMD is in charge of operating a 250-ton per day sanitary landfill, a municipal recycling and education center, a rural refuse collection program, a household hazardous waste collection program, and a 10-acre municipal composting operation.

Our Services

The BCSWMD offers a wide range of services to meet the solid waste management needs of Bartholomew County residents. These services include:

• Landfill Disposal: The BCSWMD operates a 250-ton per day sanitary landfill that meets the highest standards for safety and environmental protection. The landfill is designed to provide long-term disposal capacity for the community's solid waste.
• Municipal Recycling and Education Center: The BCSWMD's recycling and education center provides a convenient location for residents to drop off recyclable materials. The center also offers educational resources and presentations to promote recycling and waste reduction.
• Rural Refuse Collection Program: The BCSWMD offers a rural refuse collection program for residents who live outside the city limits of Columbus. This program provides curbside pickup of solid waste and recyclable materials on a regular schedule.
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program: The BCSWMD operates a household hazardous waste collection program to safely dispose of materials that are not suitable for disposal in the landfill. This program provides a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of household chemicals, paints, batteries, and other hazardous materials.
• Composting Operation: The BCSWMD's 10-acre municipal composting operation converts yard waste and other organic materials into high-quality compost. This compost is available for purchase by residents and is used in landscaping and gardening projects throughout the community.

In addition to these services, the BCSWMD is committed to promoting recycling and waste reduction through education and outreach programs. The BCSWMD's Adopt-a-County Road District program encourages residents to take an active role in maintaining the community's roadways by collecting litter and recyclable materials. The Little Red School House Reuse Center and TOO Education Resources provide opportunities for residents to learn about reuse and repair of household items, reducing the need for disposal.

Our Mission

The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District is dedicated to providing safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective solid waste management services to the residents of Bartholomew County. The BCSWMD is committed to promoting recycling and waste reduction, and to protecting the community's natural resources for future generations.