Illegal dumping has forced the closure of the Goshen Recycling Center on Indiana Avenue. Photos from the City of Goshen.

News Release

GOSHEN — The city of Goshen has temporarily closed its recycling center on Indiana Avenue due to ongoing illegal dumping, despite surveillance cameras, fencing, and dozens of issued violations.

City officials announced the closure Friday, citing rising operating costs and an increasing burden on staff as reasons for shutting down the site, which first opened in 2023. A locked gate and a sign reading “closed due to dumping” now greet would-be recyclers.

Goshen’s Indiana Avenue Recycling Center entrance.

City officials say the situation has escalated beyond just careless recycling. Items dumped illegally include pool liners, bug-infested mattresses, and even dead animals. Officials have issued 34 violations, but say the dumping has persisted regardless.

Mayor Gina Leichty said the city cannot afford to provide permanent staffing at the site, and that ongoing violations make it financially unfeasible to reopen under current conditions.

City leaders are now reevaluating whether maintaining the site long-term is possible given the operational and financial challenges. No timeline has been set for reopening.