Hard to Recycle Materials

two rows of cans stacked on top of each other.

Hard-to-recycle materials are items that can be diverted from the landfill but not via a traditional curbside recycling bin. The following is an abbreviated, alphabetical list of the most common hard-to-recycle items and where you can take them. For a comprehensive list in an interactive map format use Lakewood’s Zero Waste Directory.

E-Waste Voucher Program with SustainAbility

Lakewood is partnering with SustainAbility to offer residents a low-cost way to dispose of hard-to-recycle items. This year, the eligible material is e-waste! 

Fill out the voucher form below and use it between June 15 – Aug. 31. 

Hard-to-Recycle Centers

There are several one-stop-shop hard-to-recycle centers which take a broad range of materials for a fee. See individual websites for hours of operation, accepted materials, and rates. 

A to Z List

Bulbs & Batteries  
Batteries Plus in Lakewood accepts the widest array of batteries and light bulbs. 

Bulky Items 
Bulky items can include furniture, fixtures, appliances and lawn and garden equipment. If they are suitable for donation or reuse:

  • Post on peer-to-peer marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or local free groups.
  • Donate to local second-hand retailers such as Arc Thrift, Goodwill, or American Samaritan. 

Bulky items not suitable for reuse can be picked up for a fee by your waste hauler or junk removal company. Dumping bulky waste in city alleys or private property is illegal. 

Building Materials
Lakewood maintains a list of construction and demolition debris vendors and facilities at LakewoodCO.org/CDWaste.  

For reusable building materials, fixtures, and working appliances in good condition:

Contact Lenses & Glasses 
Drop off used contact lenses, containers, and glasses at your optometrist office or Vision Works.  

Electronics
Many electronics can be dropped off for free at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Staples, or Office Depot. Check the Zero Waste Directory for locations. Lakewood also has a voucher program with SustainAbility for electronics this year.  

Household Hazardous Waste 
Rooney Road Recycling Center takes all kinds of chemicals (solvents, cleaners, fuels, paints, pesticides, herbicides, etc.), compressed gases and a variety of other items.  

Tip: Appointments are required and there is a minimum $30 fee so it’s recommended to bring larger quantities of items. Their rates for electronics are the highest in the region. 

Ink & Toner Cartridges 
Office Depot takes used and new ink and toner cartridges for free. 

Mattresses 
Mattresses are accepted for a fee at SustainAbility and Spring Back Colorado (pick up service available). 

Make Up Containers
Drop off used make up containers at Ulta Beauty in Lakewood City Commons. 

Medication 
Do NOT flush expired medication down the drain. Drop off old medications at your local pharmacy or hospital for free. Find locations at TakeMedsSeriously.org. 

Paint  
Paint can be recycled for free in CO due to a state law. Drop excess paint off at a nearby Sherwin Williams. Find locations at Paintcare.org/drop-off-sites.  

Tip: Never pay for paint again! Visit GreenSheen at 1055 S. Jason St. in Denver to get new paint for free or recycled paint for a low cost. 

Plastic Film 
Certain retailers like King Soopers and Whole Foods have bins at their storefronts to collect plastic film. Not all grocers participate. Find exact locations on in the Zero Waste Directory. 

Refrigerators & Freezer 
Xcel Energy provides a rebate for working refrigerators. Ask the company dropping off your new fridge if they can remove the old. Otherwise use a junk hauling company for a fee. 

Scrap Metal 
Quail St. Recycling Center accepts Scrap metal. There are numerous scrap metal yards in the Front Range to choose from if you prefer to receive a rebate. 

Tires 
Go Green Tires and Discount Tire will recycle used tires for a small fee. 

Used Oil
Most auto shops like O’Reilly and AutoZone accept and recycle used oil and filters. 

Wine Corks 
Total Wine & More and Mile High Spirits accept real corks at their storefront. 

        
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