When it comes to recycling paper and plastic the proper protocols are a no-brainer. What you may not know is that there are many other household items that require recycling. If items like car waste, paint, and electronics are improperly disposed of they can be harmful to the environment and everyone in it. Here are some of the ways to dispose of these items without disrupting Colorado’s beautiful ecosystem.
Common Household Waste Materials
Did you that fluorescent light bulbs should be recycled instead of thrown away? Here is a list of other common household items that require disposal methods other than throwing them in the trash:
- Ammunition, Explosives, and Flares
- Bandages & Dressings
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Thermometers
- Fire Extinguishers
- Bear or Pepper Spray
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Pesticides
Many of the items on this list are considered toxic and should never be poured down the drain, toilet, storm sewer or put in the trash. Denver offers a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program as a way to properly dispose of these items. Denver residents are eligible for one collection appointment per the calendar year. Click here for more information about this program and for a full list of accepted materials.
Medical Disposal
When introduced to the environment, household medicines can disrupt or destroy the useful microorganisms found in the sewage treatment system. They also have the potential to contaminate downstream water sources. The Colorado Medication Take-Back Pilot Project is a secure collection point for any unused or unwanted prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications and controlled substances. To find the location that’s nearest to you, click here.
Car Waste
It is illegal to leave or abandon automotive fluids and products. Automotive waste is also banned from landfills and refers to items like:
- Anti-Freeze
- Tires
- Car Batteries
- Motor Oil
These items are all eligible for disposal through the Household Hazardous Waste Collection, and most of these items can also be disposed of at automotive stores like Advanced Auto Parts, Auto Zone, Pep Boys and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Paint
PaintCare, Colorado’s program for recycling paint has made the process easier than ever. Residents and businesses can take unwanted or leftover architectural paints, which are interior and exterior architectural coatings 5 gallons or smaller, to participating paint retailers for disposal at no charge. Containers that are leaking, unlabeled or empty are not accepted. For nearest drop off locations visit paintcare.org or call 1-855-724-6809.
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal refers to items made from metals including brass, copper, iron, bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel to name a few. These items are banned from landfills and trash. There are many local recycling plants like All Recycling, Atlas Metal and Iron and Rocky Mountain Recycling that specialize in the disposal of scrap metal.
Electronics
Electronics contain a variety of harmful materials such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, which is why the disposal of electronic equipment in the trash is illegal. Denver Recycles in conjunction with MeTech Recycling offers an “E-cycle Coupon” for Denver residents. With this coupon, residents can drop off their televisions, monitors and other electronic items at the MeTech Recycling facility at a discounted rate. Large items like air conditioners and refrigerators are not allowed and there is a limit of one coupon per household, per the calendar year. For more information and a full list of materials accepted, click here.
If you are still unsure where to recycle any of your items the City and County of Denver website has a recycling directory online where you are able to type in your item or material and it will tell you where that item can be disposed of. In 2017 99,351 pounds of household hazardous waste were kept out of the wastewater stream.¹ Using proper disposal methods, this number can only increase keeping Colorado beautiful.
