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Colorado Battery and Electronics Disposal Guide for Households - Where to Safely Recycle Used Batteries and Electronics

Colorado Battery and Electronics Recycling and Disposal Guide for Households

If you are having a difficult time finding out what to do with used batteries and where you can take them to be recycled or safely treated and disposed, then you should find a solution here on this page. Whether you have a AAA, AA, C, D, watch, button, hearing aid or car battery, there is a solution.

Where to Recycle Your Batteries

Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries manufactured in the United States no longer contain mercury.
These batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash.
Batteries often still have some charge left when disposed.
Place a piece of tape securely over each terminal end of the alkaline battery before placing it in the trash, or place individual batteries in a strong plastic zip-top bag before placing in the trash.

Rechargeable batteries
Includes nickel cadmium (ni-cad), nickel metal hydride (ni-mh), lithium (li), most button (Hg) and small sealed lead-acid (Pb) batteries.
The best option is to recycle these batteries.
Many stores participate in the national call2recycle program.
Find a recycling location.
Many household hazardous waste collection events and programs accept rechargeable batteries.
Find out whether you have one in your city or county.
If you must dispose of batteries in the trash, place a piece of tape securely over each terminal end of the battery before placing it in the trash, or place individual batteries in a strong plastic zip-top bag before placing in the trash.

Automotive batteries
Automotive lead-acid batteries are prohibited from disposal in Colorado landfills. They're generally turned in for recycling at the time a replacement battery is purchased.
Some battery retailers will accept additional automotive batteries for recycling even if you don't make a purchase.
Some household hazardous waste collection programs accept automotive batteries.
Find out whether you have one in your city or county.

Recycling Electronics

Denver

The City of Denver, in partnership with Metech Recycling, is now offering an E-cycle Coupon. The E-cycle coupon will allow Denver residents to drop off their televisions, monitors and other electronic items at Metech Recycling's facility at a significantly discounted rate. Denver residents may request an E-cycle coupon by completing the online form or by calling 311 (720-913-1311).

Request An E-cycle Coupon

Drop-off - Electronics (Computers, Monitors, Etc.)

Electronics waste (E-waste) can contain a number of potentially hazardous materials and responsible recyclers should handle materials in a manner that benefits the environment and ensures toxic materials are not exported to developing countries or processed by prison labor. For this reason, Denver Recycles and the City & County of Denver have opted to only list local Certified e-Steward Recyclers that follow strictest environmental standards.

Call ahead to confirm hours, pricing and services.

  • Best Buy Store #211 (Mexico & I-25)
  • Blue Star Recyclers

  • METech Recycling
  • Techno+Rescue

  • CHaRM

  • ERI

  • R2 Stewardship

E-Cycle Coupon Program

The City & County of Denver, in partnership with Metech Recycling, is now offering an E-cycle Coupon. The E-cycle coupon will allow Denver residents to drop-off their televisions, monitors and other electronic items at Metech Recycling's facility at a significantly discounted rate. To request a coupon call or click here or call 311 (720-913-1311).

DENVER RESIDENTS ONLY.

Ship - Computers (Manufacturer take back)

Check with the manufacturer of your equipment (Apple, IBM, Dell, etc.) to see what electronic recycling take back programs or services they might offer.

Contact vendor for shipping information, costs and ready-to-ship mailing containers.

Golden, Colorado

There are a number of recycling centers are available throughout the city for specialty items. The following information offers a guide to local centers. Because these vendors are not affiliated with the city and are privately owned operations, their information may change at any time. We suggest calling ahead.

Electronic Waste

Computers, monitors, TVs, microwaves, electronics, etc. Electronic waste is now classified by Colorado Law as a hazardous waste. Waste haulers will not accept these items in the trash and may charge a fee for separate pick up.
Service Center Directions
Rooney Road Recycling Center Drop-off or pick up by appointment only (303) 316-6262
(A per item fee is charged to cover the cost of disposal) 151 South Rooney Rd., Jefferson Co.
Action Recycling (303) 424-1600 7610 W. 42nd Ave., Wheat Ridge
Staples (303) 278-4258 Free recycling of desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, shredders, UPS devices, computer peripherals, and small office electronics such as mobile phones, GPS, and digital cameras. Cannot accept televisions, appliances, floor model copiers, stereo equipment, alkaline batteries, and certain other household electronics. Limit of 6 items per customer per day. 16630 West Colfax, Golden
Best Buy accepts TV and video components (tube TVs up to 32″ only), computers & tablets, cell phones & radios, appliances (vacuums & fans only), ink & toner, rechargeable batteries (no alkaline), audio, music, & movies, video games & gadgets, cameras & camcorders, car audio, video & gps units. 1400 Denver West Blvd, Lakewood

Washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.

Curbside Appliance Pick Up Program: The City of Golden now offers curbside appliance recycling to all single family and townhomes in Golden. Acceptable appliances are limited to: washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and full size stove/ovens. Items not listed here (including microwave ovens and small refrigerators) are not allowed and will not be picked up.

Rechargable batteries

Rooney Road Recycling Center Ni-Cd, lead acid, lithium and alkaline batteries, Drop-off or pick up by appointment only. (303) 316-6262 (Small co-pay charged) 151 South Rooney Rd., Jefferson Co.
Staples Rechargeable batteries, (303) 278-4258 16630 West Colfax, Golden

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Service Center Directions
Home Depot Unwanted or non-functioning CFLs may be taken to the returns desk at any Home Depot for free recycling. The CFLs must be intact and not broken into pieces. 16900 W. Colfax Ave., Golden

If you can't find a location above:

Take the rechargeable batteries to any of the participating retailers. In the U.S.: Alltel, Batteries Plus, Best Buy, Black & Decker, Cingular Wireless, The Home Depot, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Orchard Supply, Porter Cable Service Center, RadioShack, Remington Product Company, Sears, Staples, Target, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Wal-Mart. And in Canada: Battery Plus, Bell Mobility, Canadian Tire, FIDO/Microcell, Future Shop, The Home Depot, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Makita Factory Service Centers, Personal Edge/Centre du Rasoir, RadioShack Canada, Revy, Sasktel, Sears, The Sony Store, Telus Mobility and Zellers.

Best Buy Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Recycling Made Easy: As the nation's largest retail recycler of used electronics and appliances, we're doing our part to responsibly reduce e-waste. We'll take all kinds of used tech*, regardless of where you bought it, how old it is or who made it.

Click here for more information.

Use the RBRC collection site locator, or call the consumer helpline, 1-800-8-BATTERY, to find the retail collection site nearest you.

Non-rechargeable (typically "alkaline batteries") still don't have a recycler and general just must be disposed in the trash. If you have large quantities or are a business, talk with your permitted sanitary landfill operator (otherwise known as "sanitation services", the "dump" or "landfill"). Waste batteries should not be burned because of the metals, and they could explode. When burned, some heavy metals such as mercury may vaporize and escape into the air, and cadmium and lead may end up in the ash.

Click here for one more place to try to find a recycling location near you if none of the options above were suitable.

Contact your local or county health department, waste disposal operator, extension educator, recycling facility, call the EPA Hotline and ask for a copy of the publication: "Used Dry Cell Batteries" - phone (800) 424-9346. This publication does not address nonhousehold waste battery sources such as medical, business, etc.

Summary - Real Disposal and Recycling Methods

Check with your local solid waste management district (listed under County Government in your phone book) for any outlets for household battery recycling. See if your local jeweler, pharmacy or battery retailer will accept button batteries for recycling. Ohio EPA keeps a list of battery recycling and disposal companies on file; however, these companies are usually set up to serve industrial or municipal customers with bulk amounts of batteries rather than individuals.

Battery Type

Common Name

Sizes Available

Examples of Use

Disposal classification

Proper Disposal

Alkaline

( manganese)

Coppertop, Alkaline AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls These batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste. Place in the trash (normal municipal waste). Exceptions: California which requires non-households to dispose of these batteries in accordance with the California Universal Waste Rules.
Button Mercuric Oxide, Silver Oxide, Lithium, Alkaline, Zinc-Air Sizes vary Watches, hearing aids, toys, greeting cards, remote controls hazardous waste Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site
Carbon Zinc "Classic", Heavy Duty, General Purpose, All Purpose, Power Cell AAA, AA, C, D

6V, 9V

Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke alarms, remote controls, transistor radios, garage door openers These batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste. Place in the trash (normal municipal waste). Exceptions: California - requires non-households to dispose of these batteries in accordance with the California Universal Waste Rules. Also, Minnesota (Hennipen County only) requires these batteries be disposed as a hazardous waste.
Lithium / Lithium Ion Usually has "lithium" label on the battery 3V, 6V, 3V button Cameras, calculators, computer memory back-up, tennis shoes These batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste They can be recycled! To find a center near you that will take them, click here!
Nickel-Cadmium (Rechargeable) Either unlabeled or labeled "Ni-Cd" AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V Flashlights, toys, cellular phones, power tools, computer packs hazardous waste To find a center near you that will take them, click here! or Bring to a Household HazardousWaste Collection Site
Nickel Metal Hydride (Rechargeable) Either unlabeled or labeled "Ni-Li" or "Ni-Hydride) AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V Flashlights, toys, cellular phones, power tools, computer packs non-hazardous waste - except in California, which requires non-households to dispose of these batteries in accordance with the California Universal Waste Rules. Safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. These batteries are also acceptable for recycling by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program.
Reusable Alkaline Manganese (Rechargeable) Renewal AAA, AA, C, D Flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, radios, remote controls Place in the trash
Sealed Lead Acid (Rechargeable)

"Gel," VRB, AGM, Cyclone, El Power, Dynasty, Gates, Lithonia, Saft, Panasonic, Yuasa Multiples of 2 Volts: 2V, 6V, 12V Video cameras, power tools, wheelchairs, ATV's, metal detectors, clocks, cameras hazardous waste To find a center near you that will take them, click here! Bring to a Household HazardousWaste Collection Site
Lead Acid Vehicle Batteries Autozone, Sears Die Hard, Yuasa 12V, 6V Cars, trucks, motorcycles hazardous waste Take back to place of purchase <
Most places that sell car batteries will also accept them for recycling. There may be a fee for this service.
metal recycler may pay you for your car battery. Look in the yellow pages under "Recycling Centers" for a list of recyclers.
Silver Oxide Panasonic Silver Oxide Sizes vary Watches, hearing aids, toys, greeting cards, remote controls hazardous waste Non-Consumers must dispose of these batteries in full compliance with the hazardous waste rules. Consumers are covered by the Household exemption under RCRA which allows for these batteries to be disposed of into the municipal waste stream. These batteries are also acceptable for recycling by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program.

Other related information and sources:

Battery Manufacturer contact information

Keep in mind that the battery manufacturers have funded the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program to find a drop off location for batteries nearest you, so that you wouldn't need to call the manufacturers directly. To find a location, click to visit the RBRC homepage or call 1-800-8-BATTERY.

Manufacturer (click the name for their website) Phone number Email address or contact form
Panasonic 1-800-211-PANA (7262) Panasonic contact form
Duracell Duracell contact form
Eveready Energizer (i.e., the Energizer Bunny)

Other sources of information, Links and Publications

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Interesting Reads:

THE PREPPER'S CANNING & PRESERVING BIBLE: [13 in 1] Your Path to Food Self-Sufficiency. Canning, Dehydrating, Fermenting, Pickling & More, Plus The Food Preservation Calendar for a Sustainable Pantry

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! Paperback

The Citizens' Guide to Geologic Hazards: A Guide to Understanding Geologic Hazards Including Asbestos, Radon, Swelling Soils, Earthquakes, Volcanoes

The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming

Book: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Paperback




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