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Recycling and Waste Diversion
Recycling and Waste Diversion
Adams County does not provide trash and recycling services for residents. Residents can contact any licensed solid waste hauler to set up services.
As outlined in the Sustainable Adams County 2030 Plan, Adams County is committed to reducing landfilled waste. The Environmental Programs Division team supports this commitment through the following strategies:
Providing information and resources on waste diversion and recycling
- Delivering cost-effective and convenient options to residents for hard-to-recycle items
For questions and information about recycling resources in Adams County, please contact:
Katie Keefe
Environmental Programs Manager
Email
| Household Recycling | Hard-to-Recycle Materials | Business Recycling |
Recycling
Curbside recycling is available to residents and businesses of unincorporated Adams County. Contact your trash collection provider to find out about costs, ask questions about what is recyclable, or to sign up for recycling service. At a minimum, recycling providers are required to accept the materials included on the Minimum Recyclables List, such as aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, food and beverage cartons, corrugated cardboard, empty aerosol cans, magazines, catalogues, mail, newspaper, office paper, paperboard (chipboard) and plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs labeled with resin identification #1, #2.
Solid waste haulers operating in unincorporated Adams County must be licensed and comply with County regulations.
Click here for a list of licensed solid waste haulers.
Not sure if you’re in unincorporated Adams County? Use this map to find out. The boundary of Adams County is indicated on the map and incorporated cities and towns are shaded with different colors. All other areas (areas without color shading) are unincorporated areas. If your residence or home is located within an incorporated (shaded) area, please contact your municipality for recycling service information.
Electronics Recycling Drop-off
Adams County and City of Thornton are partnering with Techno Rescue to host several electronics recycling ‘Drop-off Days’ open to Adams County residents.
Dates: Weekdays: September 16 – October 4; Saturdays: September 21 & September 28
Times: Weekdays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston Street, Suite 10, Aurora, CO
Registration Required: https://bit.ly/E-WasteFall2024
Guidelines: Adams County residents can drop off electronic waste (computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, televisions, computer monitors, hard drives, DVD players, scanners, printers, and radios) at Techno Rescue's facility by appointment where items will be recycled safely and securely. A fee of $15 per vehicle will be charged for all electronics up to one TV or computer monitor. A $25 fee will be assessed for each vehicle carrying up to three TV’s and/or computer monitors.
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF ADAMS COUNTY ONLY. TVs AND MONITORS WITH EXPOSED TUBES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Adams County and City of Thornton are pleased to partner with Techno Rescue for recycling services on this event. For specific questions on certain electronics and data destruction, please call Techno Rescue directly at 303-482-2207.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) & Drop-off Voucher Program
Appointments full through November 30 – Program Closed for 2024
Many household chemicals such as vehicle fluids and maintenance products, lawncare products, cleaners, bug sprays, rodent poison, stains/varnish/paints, rechargeable batteries, car batteries, fire extinguishers, and other products, pose a serious health/environmental hazard if not disposed of properly.
The HHW Drop-Off Voucher Program available to residents of Unincorporated Adams County, offers a convenient and safe option to dispose of household chemicals at the Veolia Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Center located in Henderson, CO.
Program Guidelines: Unincorporated Adams County, Bennett, Brighton, Commerce City and Northglenn residents may receive one (1) voucher per household worth the $27 facility fee (resident is responsible for and agrees to pay the per pound fee). Redeemable only at the Veolia HHW Recycling Center.
Facility Location: 9131 E. 96th Ave., Henderson, CO
Dates: April 3 – November 30, 2024, Wednesdays and Saturdays by appointment only. Schedule appointment online or by calling 303-526-8155. Make an appointment.
Voucher Instructions: Complete this online form to receive a voucher. Within 7-10 business days, a unique voucher will be sent to the email address provided. Voucher MUST be printed and handed to the Veolia facility attendant at the time of your drop-off appointment.
For a list of acceptable and unacceptable items, please visit Veolia's website.
City of Thornton residents, please email [email protected] with your name and address to receive a voucher.
Paint Recycling
Colorado’s PaintCare program makes it easy and convenient to recycle unwanted and/or leftover paint, primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings such as shellac and varnish. A searchable database of drop-off locations in Adams County can be found here.
Preventing Food Waste & Organics Disposal Options
Organic materials comprise nearly 38% of the material sent to landfills in Colorado. Once food scraps, grass clippings, and other organic materials are placed in the landfill, they break down anaerobically (without the presence of oxygen) and generate a potent greenhouse gas knowns as methane. Reducing food waste and limiting the amount of yard debris that ends up in the landfill are two great ways that Adams County residents can reduce their environmental impacts. Here are some potential options for limiting the amount of organic waste you generate and options for composting:
Prevent Food Waste
Roughly one third of all food in the US goes uneaten. Preventing food waste in the first place is the number one way to keep valuable food out of Colorado Landfills.
Curbside Compost Collection Service
Compost collection service for food scraps and/or yard debris may be available at your home. Click here for a list of solid waste haulers licensed to operate in unincorporated Adams County.
Backyard Composting
Creating space for composting at home can is an effective way to reduce the amount of yard and food waste your household sends to the landfill. Many resources are available to help guide new composters.
Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)
For those without outdoor space to compost, indoor composting using red wiggler worms can be a fun and practical way to achieve similar waste reduction impacts. Vermicomposting systems can be established with homemade bins or commercially available containers.
Other
Appliances:
When purchasing new household appliances, ask the retailer about take-back and recycling programs. This is often a more convenient and less costly option.
Several local vendors will accept appliances in good working condition for reuse. Many appliances can also be taken to scrap metal recyclers. Refrigerants such as Freon or CFCs must be removed from fridges, freezers, air conditioners, etc. by a certified CFC technician prior to recycling.
Always call ahead to confirm items accepted, fees, requirements, hours, and location:
- All Recycling North – 303-293-3333
- Bud’s Warehouse – 303-296-3990
- Denver Scrap Metal – 303-297-1818
- Evraz Recycling – 303-295-2911
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore (multiple locations) – 303-421-5300
- Iron & Metals Inc. – 1-800-776-7910
- Metro Gas – 303-428-3036
- Recycling Connections – 303-333-6363
- Reliable Appliance – 303-344-4014
- Rocky Mountain Recycling – 303-288-6868
Furniture:
Many area thrift stores and community organizations accept furniture for reuse and resale.
Always call ahead to confirm items accepted, pricing, hours, and location:
- Arc Thrift Stores (multiple locations) – 303-777-3703
- Goodwill Industries (multiple locations) – 303-650-7700
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore (multiple locations) – 303-421-5300
- Denver Rescue Mission – 303-297-1815
- The Good Couch – 303-246-2174
Some items not suitable for reuse, such as mattresses, may be recycled. Fees do apply.
Always call ahead to confirm items accepted, pricing, hours, and location:
- Spring Back Colorado – 720-515-1328
- SustainAbility – Arvada: Zero Waste Center – 303-425-9226
Most licensed junk haulers will remove large, bulky items such as furniture and appliances from your home for donation or recycling.
Medication:
Medications including over-the-counter and prescription pills should be safely disposed of when they are no longer needed. To protect people and the environment, medications should not be flushed down the drain or put in the trash.
Colorado Household Medication Takeback Program (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment)
Needles and Sharps:
Needles and other ‘sharps’ should be safely disposed of once used and should never be placed in the recycling.
Colorado Household Sharps Takeback Program (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment)
Tires are prohibited from landfill disposal in Colorado. Most automotive tire businesses will accept tires for a small fee and some municipalities periodically host tire collection events.
Businesses
Curbside recycling is available to all residents and businesses of unincorporated Adams County. Contact any trash collection provider serving unincorporated Adams County to find out about costs, ask questions about what is recyclable, or to sign up for recycling service. At a minimum, recycling providers are required to accept the materials included on the Minimum Recyclables List, such as aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, food and beverage cartons, corrugated cardboard, empty aerosol cans, magazines, catalogues, mail, newspaper, office paper, paperboard (chipboard) and plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs labeled with resin identification #1, #2.
Solid waste haulers operating in unincorporated Adams County must be licensed and comply with County regulations.
Click here for a list of licensed solid waste haulers
Not sure if your business is in unincorporated Adams County? Use this map to find out. The boundary of Adams County is indicated on the map and incorporated cities and towns are shaded with different colors. All other areas (areas without color shading) are unincorporated areas.
If your business is located within an incorporated (shaded) area, please contact your municipality for recycling service information.
Looking for more business-related sustainability resources? Check out the Colorado Green Business Network.
