Hardcover books in gently used condition can be donated to libraries, Arc and Goodwill thrift stores, and other local programs for reuse. Many textbooks can be sold online.

Hard cover books not in useable condition can be recycled at the following drop-off locations (fees may apply). Do not put hard cover books in curbside recycling. If they can not be donated or dropped off elsewhere they should be thrown away in the trash. 

Paperback books can be recycled in curbside recycling.

Foam packing peanuts should be reused or taken to one of the drop-off locations listed below for reuse. If reuse is not an option, they should be thrown away in the trash. 

Bulky rigid plastics describes plastic containers and items with a #2 (HDPE), #5 (PP), or #4 (LDPE) in the chasing arrow symbol on them that are larger than what is acceptable in curbside recycling. This includes plastic play structures, plastic lawn furniture, plastic watering cans, laundry baskets, clean plastic buckets, crates, rigid backyard kiddie pools and plastic trash containers.

These types of plastics can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Be sure to remove all metals (e.g. screws, bolts, axles, bins, hinges, handles; etc.) and other non-plastic items before recycling.

Bulky rigid plastics DO NOT include: PVC pipe, foam of any kind, flower pots, inflatable pools or other inflatable plastics, water beds, chew toys, CD jewel cases or small toys such as action figures, etc.

If not listed here, contact drop off locations before visiting to verify if they can take a specific item.

Bicycle tubes can be recycled at the following drop-off locations. They SHOULD NOT be included in curbside recycling as they can damage equipment at the recycling sorting plant.

Polystyrene (Styrofoam) block foam is not recyclable in Fort Collins and should be disposed of in the trash.

The nearest locations recycling this material are Green Girl Recycling (may pick up for a fee) in Longmont and the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Boulder, which can accept #6 white block foam (typically used for packaging electronics). If you are unable to take it to either location, block Styrofoam should be landfilled. 

Foam packing peanuts can be reused.

More information: The best way to handle Styrofoam is to not receive it in the first place. Contact the manufacturer of the item you received packed in foam and request they take their foam back or package their product in universally recyclable packaging, such as molded paperboard.

Electronics in working condition can be donated to local thrift shops. Contact specific locations before donating. They can also be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. 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.

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.

Scrap metal items can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below.

An item must be at least 50% metal to be recycled as scrap metal. This includes a wide variety of items, including water heaters, lawnmowers, wire, satellite dishes, metal shelves and bicycles. Most any item with a motor or power cord has enough metal in it to be recycled as scrap metal. If an item has a circuit board, it must be recycled with electronics.

Scrap metal items that contain liquid, like lawnmowers, must be emptied before recycling. Fees may apply to items that contain Freon or other CFCs (freezers, air conditioners etc.).

Pressurized containers such as propane containers cannot be recycled as scrap metal, and should be specially recycled. See how to recycle propane containers here.

The only metals that can be included in curbside recycling are aluminum and steel cans and aluminum foil. Other scrap metal items should never be included in curbside recycling, as they can damage recycling equipment at the sorting facility.

Shredded paper can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Place shredded paper loose in the office paper bin at the recycling drop-off centers listed below. 

Do NOT include shredded paper in your curbside recycle bin. The paper literally falls through the cracks in the machinery at the sorting facility, and will not be recycled

Note: These locations do not offer secure document shredding services.

Paper can be recycled 7-12 times. However, when shredded, its value is decreased and the number of times it can be recycled decreases drastically. In order to maintain the value of the paper fibers, shred only when necessary. Consider only shredding the documents (or parts of the documents) that contain sensitive information – and recycle the rest whole!

Small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, toasters, food processors, and mixers are considered scrap metal and can be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below.

They should not be put in curbside recycling. Fees may apply; contact specific location for details. 

Telephone books can be recycled curbside or at drop-off locations listed below.

Televisions in working condition can be donated to local thrift shops. Contact location before donating.

Televisions can also be recycled at the drop-off locations listed below. Fees may apply. Contact specific location before dropping off.

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

Wooden pallets that are untreated and unpainted can be brought to the drop-off locations listed below for reuse and recycling. Contact location prior to dropping off.