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Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Facility

5887 S. Taft Hill Road
Fort Collins
80526

(970) 498-5771

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Accepts:

Item Name Details  
Syringe / "sharps"

“Sharps”, including syringes, hypodermic needles, and blades should be disposed of as household hazardous waste at the locations listed below. Improper disposal poses a threat to recycling and trash workers as well as to the environment.

They should NEVER be placed in a recycling bin, even if they are inside a closed, durable container. The presence of sharps or syringes in recycling can cause an entire load of recyclables to be rejected and sent to landfill.

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Propane Canister

Propane canisters can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Contact locations for requirements of canister disposal.

Propane canisters SHOULD NOT be disposed of in the trash or curbside recycling. They must be safely disposed of. Any pressurized container can be hazardous.   

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Automotive Fluids (other than motor oil & antifreeze)

Automotive fluids should be recycled as household hazardous waste at the drop-off locations listed below. They contain hazardous chemicals which can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. They SHOULD NOT be poured down the drain or put in the trash or recycling.

Motor oil and antifreeze can be brought to many local auto part stores or other local drop-off centers for recycling.

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Photo Chemical

Photo chemicals should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Photo chemicals contain hazardous materials that pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly.

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Paint - Latex

Reusable quantities of liquid paint in good condition can be dropped off to Larimer County’s Hazardous Waste “Drop ‘N’ Swap” Facility

Latex paints and other water-based paints can be taken to the following drop of locations. Recycling at these locations is free of charge through Paint Care Colorado.

One way to identify paint as latex (water-based) or oil-based is by reading the cleanup instructions on the can. If water can be used for cleanup, the paint is latex paint. If solvents, such as paint thinner or mineral spirits must be used, the paint is oil-based.

Highly flammable paints, such as epoxy base, stains, lacquers, varnishes, or shellacs, or paints containing heavy metals, such as cadmium or lead, must be taken to the Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

Liquid paint should never be disposed of in the trash. Paint should also never be poured down the drain or dumped on the ground. When poured down the drain, many of the chemicals in paint will bypass wastewater treatment or septic systems and may contaminate lakes, streams, or ground water.

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Paint - Oil Based and Lacquers

Reusable quantities of paint can be dropped off to Larimer County’s Hazardous Waste “Drop ‘N’ Swap” Facility

Oil-based paints and lacquers should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. This includes enamels, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, stains, epoxy base, sealers, and paints containing heavy metals, such as cadmium or lead.

These paints contain hazardous chemicals which are harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly.

One way to identify paint as latex or oil-based is by reading the cleanup instructions on the can. If water can be used for cleanup, the paint is latex paint. If solvents, such as paint thinner or mineral spirits must be used, the paint is oil-based.

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Flammable Liquid

Flammable liquids should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous wastes pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. They should never be placed in curbside recycling or at any recycling drop off center.

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Cell Phone

Cell phones can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Many retail stores, electronic, and cell phone stores also offer in-store recycling options. Fees may apply; contact specific location before dropping off.

In Colorado, it is illegal to dispose of electronics in the trash as they contain toxic components that are harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly.

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Printer Cartridge

Printer cartridges can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below.

Many manufacturers provide pre-paid envelops or mailing labels to return used printer cartridges for recycling.

Many retail stores that sell printer cartridges and toner will also take used ones back for recycling – check with stores for details.

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Helium Tank

Helium tanks can be recycled as scrap metal at the drop-off locations listed below. Tanks must be empty. Contact locations for any further guidelines before dropping off.

To dispose of other types of gas tanks check with specific locations before dropping off. 

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Battery, Rechargeable

Rechargeable batteries should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste at the following drop-off locations. Contact location for details of what can and cannot be accepted.

These batteries contain heavy metals that can harm human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. Always tape the ends of rechargeable batteries with clear tape prior to dropping them off for recycling. 

Batteries should NEVER be included in curbside recycling or trash, as they can be highly flammable if not handled safely. 

You can learn more about battery dangers, proper storage and recycling at Larimer County's battery recycling webpage

View the Battery Recycling Guide

View information about business hazardous waste disposal options

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Battery, Other

Batteries can be disposed of at the following drop-off locations. Contact location for details of what can and cannot be accepted. 

Batteries should NEVER be included in curbside recycling or trash, as they can be highly flammable if not handled safely.

No matter whether a battery is rechargeable or not, it is safest to dispose of it as household hazardous waste.

You can learn more about battery dangers, proper storage and recycling at Larimer County's battery recycling webpage

View the Battery Recycling Guide

View information about business hazardous waste disposal options

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Light Bulb - Fluorescent Tube

Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes contain mercury and require special recycling at drop-off locations listed below. Fees may apply; contact specific location before dropping off.

 

DO NOT put lightbulbs in curbside recycling.

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Automotive Battery

Automotive batteries can be recycled at many auto repair shops or at the following drop-off locations.

They contain lead which can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.

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Antifreeze

Antifreeze can be disposed of at the following locations. Many local mechanics also take antifreeze for recycling – contact shops for details.

Antifreeze can be harmful to human and animal health and the environment. DO NOT pour antifreeze down your sink or toilet and NEVER pour antifreeze into the storm sewer or in your street. Transport antifreeze in a sealed plastic jug.

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Ammunition & Explosives

Live rounds of ammunition or any other explosives should be disposed of as hazardous waste at the drop-off locations listed below.

Contact the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office before moving explosive or shock sensitive materials.

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Pesticide

Pesticides should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste poses a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. It should never be placed in curbside recycling, any recycling drop off, or the trash. 

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Glue

Glues and other adhesives should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous wastes pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. They should never be placed in curbside recycling or at any recycling drop off center.

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Cooking Oil and Grease

Used cooking oil and grease can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Oil should be free of contaminants such as water or food scraps.

Do not put fats, oils, and grease down the drain.

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Herbicide

Herbicides should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste poses a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. It should never be placed in curbside recycling, any recycling drop off, or the trash. 

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Household Cleaners

Household cleaners, including ammonia, bleaches, floor cleaners, polish, and degreasers, should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous materials pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. They should never be placed in the trash, nor in curbside recycling or to any recycling drop off center. 

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Light Bulb - CFL

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and long fluorescent tubes contain mercury and require special recycling at drop-off locations listed below. Fees may apply; contact specific location before dropping off.

 

DO NOT put lightbulbs in curbside recycling.

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Light Bulb - Halogen

Halogen light bulbs can safely be thrown away in the trash.

DO NOT put lightbulbs in curbside recycling.

Fluorescent bulbs (CFLs & tubes) include chemicals that make them unsafe to throw away.

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Light Bulb Ballast

Depending on when a ballast was made, it may or may not contain hazardous materials.

Newer ballasts labeled with “No PCBs” can be safely disposed of in the trash or can be recycled at drop-off locations listed below.

Older ballasts and any not labeled as “No PCBs” should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. They should not be disposed of in the trash.

Note: PCBs stands for polychlorinated biphenyls

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Lighter

Lighters contain flammable liquids and should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

They should never be placed in trash or curbside recycling due to risk of fire.

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Battery, Lithium-Ion

Lithium Ion batteries can be disposed of at the following drop-off locations. All Batteries must be taped on the ends with clear tape before being dropped off at these locations for the safety of staff and visitors. Contact location for details of what can and cannot be accepted.

Lithium Ion batteries should NEVER be included in curbside recycling or trash, as they can be highly flammable if not handled safely. These batteries have caused multiple fires at recycling facilities in recent years.

No matter whether a battery is rechargeable or not, it is safest to dispose of it as household hazardous waste

You can learn more about battery dangers, proper storage and recycling at Larimer County's battery recycling webpage

View the Battery Recycling Guide

View information about business hazardous waste disposal options

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Mercury Thermometer

Mercury thermometers should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Mercury poses a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly.

Mercury-containing thermometers should never be disposed of in the trash or recycling.

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Motor Oil

Used motor oil is accepted at most auto parts stores. Contact specific store for details. It can also be recycled at one of the drop-off locations listed below.

Motor oil should be free of contaminants (gasoline, antifreeze, paint thinner, solvents, dirt, leaves, water, etc.) and placed in a clean, container with a tight-fitting cap (such as a one-gallon plastic milk jug) before recycling.

Used motor oil bottles and other plastic containers that hold motor oil should be thrown away. They cannot be recycled.

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Battery, Alkaline

Many local retail stores and the drop-off locations listed below accept alkaline batteries free of cost. Contact specific location for details.

Since the late 1990s, alkaline batteries have no longer been manufactured using heavy metals, meaning they can be thrown away in the trash, although recycling is preferable. All other types of batteries are manufactured with heavy metals and must be recycled.

No matter whether a battery is rechargeable or not, it is safest to dispose of it as household hazardous waste

You can learn more about battery dangers, proper storage and recycling at Larimer County's battery recycling webpage

View the Battery Recycling Guide

View information about business hazardous waste disposal options

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Battery, Button

Button batteries should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste at the following drop-off locations. Contact location for details of what can and cannot be accepted.

These batteries contain heavy metals which can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. Always tape button batteries with clear tape prior to dropping them off for recycling. 

Batteries should NEVER be included in curbside recycling or trash, as they can be highly flammable if not handled safely. 

You can learn more about battery dangers, proper storage and recycling at Larimer County's battery recycling webpage

View the Battery Recycling Guide

View information about business hazardous waste disposal options

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Art Supplies

Art supplies in gently used condition can be donated for reuse.

Certain art supplies, such as paints or other chemicals may be considered household hazardous waste (HHW), and should be disposed of accordingly.

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Gasoline

Gasoline and other flammable liquids should be properly disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Hazardous wastes pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled properly. They should never be placed in curbside recycling or at any recycling drop off center.

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Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below.

Fire extinguishers SHOULD NOT be disposed of in the trash or curbside recycling. They must be safely disposed of. Any pressurized container can be hazardous.

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Over the Counter Medication

Over-the-County Medications should be dropped off at the following locations to be safely disposed of.

Also check to see if your pharmacy has a take-back program for unneeded or expired medications. 

Do NOT flush your old or leftover medications down the drain. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove these chemicals and compounds, so they can pass through to local waterways and have harmful effects on animals, humans and the environment.

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Spray Paint

Spray paint should be disposed of as household hazardous waste at the drop-off locations listed below. They contain hazardous chemicals which can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. 

Empty spray paint cans can be recycled as empty aerosol cans in your curbside recycling bin

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***DISCLAIMER***

The information provided in this tool is compiled as a service to Fort Collins Residents. Contact information has been provided for the listed locations, and it is encouraged that you call ahead to verify the location, materials accepted, and hours of operation. Inclusion in this list is not an endorsement by the City of Fort Collins.

Any recycler wishing to be added to this list may contact recycling@fcgov.com. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please call us at 970-221-6600