Recycling and Donation Resources

The following nation-wide resources are provided to assist companies and families to recycle and donate unwanted goods. Over 99% of the things we purchase becomes trash within 6 months!

Please click on the category below to find specific resources. Please contact the organization directly for more detailed information. If you do not see your category item mentioned, click National Recycling Resources for a listing of general recycling organizations that can offer more information.

If you would like to be listed, please click here for more information. Thank you for diverting your trash from the landfill!

National Recycling Resources

Colorado Recycling Resources

General Recycling Criteria (pdf)

Donation Valuation Guides

Categories of Recycling Resources:

Appliances

1-800-GOT JUNK? www.1800gotjunk.com
Will pick up old furniture, appliances, yard waste, electronics and construction debris. Recycles items that can be recycled.

Appliance Help
This site offers specific resources to recycle appliances including air conditioners, clothes washer and dryer, microwaves, ovens, stoves.

ARCA, Inc. www.arcaincutility.com
Appliance Recycling Centers of America (ARCA) offers resources on how to recycle appliances in states where a ARCA contact is located.

Goodwill, www.goodwill.org
Accepts only working appliances.

Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org
Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials, including appliances, are sold or used in building new homes.

Bags, Purses & Suitcases

Cycla, LLC
Assists Thrift Stores and other secondary businesses recycle their clothing, shoes, other textiles, purses, belts, backpacks, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, mixed plastics and household metals. Recycle That is a sister consumer-focused organization that partners with charities and community groups to provide fundraising opportunities via recycling for similar items.

Suitcases for Kids, www.suitcases4kids.org
The donate used bags and suitcases to children moving into or out of state care and shelters. Often these kids only have trash bags to carry their belongings. Distribution is only in the Massachusetts area but they accept donations nationwide. See the ‘donate’ page for more details and information.

Batteries

Batteries Plus, www.batteriesplus.com
Across the country, Batteries Plus stores accept all batteries for recycling.

Battery Solutions, Inc., www.batteryrecycling.com
Accepts batteries from around the country. There is a small cost of .85 cents a pound to recycle your batteries which goes to support the program.

Rechargeable Recycling Battery Corporation, www.rbrc.org
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) can help you recycle your portable rechargeable batteries. These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras. They have drop off locations nationwide at Home Depot, Sears, Target and Staples. See their website for specific locations.

Western Disposal, www.westerndisposal.com
Western Disposal, located in Boulder, CO, will accept all household batteries from local Boulder County residents. Batteries must be dropped off at their facility located at 5880 Butte Mill Road, Boulder.

Bikes

Community Cycles, www.communitycycles.org
A Boulder, Colorado based program that refurbishes and recycles bikes for return back into the community.

Working Bikes Cooperative, www.workingbikes.org
An organization that collects used and old bikes and ships them to developing countries in South America and Africa. Drop off centers located throughout the IL state area. For shipping information please go to the website.

Books

Blue Rectangle, www.bluerectangle.com/buyback
Will buy used books and textbooks. Go to their website and log in the ISBN number to see if it is a book they will take. If so, they pay for shipping with our their postage-paid mailing label.

Books for Africa, www.booksforafrica.org
This organization ships college text books, children's books, science and math books, dictionaries to African schools. Books must be in excellent to good condition. See website for more complete donation guidelines and shipping address.

Books for Soldiers, www.booksforsoldiers.com
Offers a process that individuals can donate books, DVD’s and games to U.S. troops directly. Individuals must register as an ‘official volunteer’ with the program and do pay for shipping directly. Troops prefer paper back books, magazines and comics. Most have access to DVD players. Click on the site’s FAQs for more specific information and details on the program.

Literacy Link, www.townofsilvercity.org/publibrary/literacy.htm
This is a volunteer tutoring program operating in a small, rural community in Southwest New Mexico. They tutor adults and children, to those who are learning English as second language or cannot afford to buy books for themselves. They can use books for teens and adults primarily for their ESL Program. Donations can be sent via mail to their offices directly.

Recycle Books, www.recyclebooks.org
They offer an outlet to donate new and used, unwanted books, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, textbooks, and software. They reuse most of the books donated. Books of value are sold to raise money for their organization, some are donated to other good causes and those books that cannot be placed are recycled for paper content. Local pickup available in the Denver area or you can send books to them from other national U.S. cities.

Sprout Classrooms, www.sproutclassrooms.com
Headquartered in Marin County, CA, they offer Teachers and Home School parents nationwide a resource for lightly used educational materials at a fraction of the cost they'd pay for them new. They accept and will pick up donations from schools or school districts in the Bay Area and often purchase select materials from retiring teachers as a way to encourage reuse and save educators money in the process.

Bottle Caps

Aveda, http://aveda.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.asp
Aveda now has a program that will recycle bottle caps, a material that has been in the past un-recyclable. They will accept all screw caps that are hard plastic, usually the #5 in the recycle arrows. This includes twist tops on bottles, flip tops from tube or food products and other screw-type rigid lids. Please do not send any flexible or soft lids like on tubs. For more details on type of caps and where to send them, email Aveda directly at capcollection@aveda.com.

Weisenback Reycled Products
They accept clean plastic bottle caps, plastic jap caps, flip top caps from personal care products and flexible snap on lids (e.g. butter or dairy lids) and convert them into other products. They also accept all #5 plastic containers such as yogurt cups, butter tubs and some tupperware containers. You can ship them to 437 Holtzman Avenue, Colombus, Ohio 43205.

Carpets

Carpet Recovery America Effort, www.carpetrecovery.org
Offers locations and sites across the U.S. that will recycle carpet.

ReVolve Carpet Recycling
Based in Broomfield, Colorado, ReVolve Recycling will recycle all commercial carpet. They do not have a website but are located at 3401 Industrial Lane, Broomfield, CO 80220. Phone: 720-212-9375, revolve.recycling@gmail.com

Cars / Autos

Action Donation Services
Offers nationwide service to donate a car, boat, motorhome, RV or truck to a non-profit organization. They provide free towing and process all required DMV and IRS documents for donors.

Cars for Causes
Accepts car donations, fixes them up and re-sells them in an ‘affordable transportation’ program for low-income families. They donate the proceeds to the donors preferred charity. They have over 10,000 various charities to choose from. Cars that cannot be repaired, are then recycled for parts and scrap metal.

Cars for Charity
A local Colorado non-profit organization that accepts cars for use with other non-profit organizations.

Kars for Kids
The program is a national charity that provides free towing and a tax deduction certificate when you donate/recycle your car, motorcycle, RV, boat, trailer, jet ski, bus or snowmobile.

Vehicles for Charity
A local Colorado organization that will pick up old cars, auction them off and give the money to various local environmental non-profits in Colorado.

Wheels for Wishes
This Colorado based organization supports the Make A Wish Foundation with the proceeds of used donated vehicles. They accept as motor vehicles (both working and non-working) including cars, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV or boats. They offer free pick up and towing in all U.S. states. They also provide a tax deductible receipt. See website for more details.

Cell Phones

Altrusa International, 303.756.6158 (Marilyn Baker ), www.donateaphone.com
Local Colorado organization that accepts used mobile phones and donates them to the Donate a Phone campaign.

CITA, www.recyclewirelessphones.com
CITA is a wireless foundation committed to minimize the environmental impact of discarded cell phones. They have an extensive site of locations across the country to donate/recycle your old cell phone.

Call to Protect, www.wirelessfoundation.org
They refurbish phones and donate them to domestic violence victims and professionals

Collective Good, www.collectivegood.com/donate_phone.htm
Recycles and donates used mobile phones. Has over 50 different charities that you can directly donate your phone to just be downloading the form.

Sprint, www.sprint.com
Sprint also offers either a buy-back or recycle program for their products. Over 90% of their phones are re-used and donated to charity.

Verizon Wireless, www.verizon.com
Verizon has two wireless cell phone recycling programs. One program is called HopeLine, which collects phones, refurbishes them and then donates them to victims of domestic violence. They also have a Wireless Trade In Program that customers can submit an online appraisal and receive a Verizon Wireless gift card, depending on the value of their phone. The gift card can be used to purchase new phone or accessories.

Wireless Recycling,  www.wirelessrecycling.com
A separate site sponsored by Recellular, Inc. a company that refurbishes used cell phones. They donate phones to major non-profit organizations around the world. See site for specific drop off locations in your area.

Children / Kids

Parenting Place
A non-profit based in Boulder that supports and educates local families about parenting. They accept donations of all children and baby items including clothing, toys, books, art supplies and diapers.

Wee Cycle
WeeCycle's helps low income families with infants and toddlers in the Denver metro area by providing them with new and gently used baby gear free of charge. They serve families with infants and toddlers affected by poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and under-employment. To donate, go to 'Give Gear' page to see local drop off locations in the Denver metro area. They only accept items for children 0 to 3 years old.

Clothing

Local Thrift Stores (see under Thrift Stores in your local directory)

American Friends Service Committee, www.afsc.org/cambridge/ht/display/ContentDetails/i/4505
Donates used clothing overseas to countries in need or disaster

Career Closet, www.careercloset.org
Provides interview-appropriate clothing to disadvantaged women entering the workforce. Accepts business attire, shoes, jewelry, scarves and coats. Plus size clothing is needed. See website for locations to send or drop items off.

Clothes The Deal, www.clothesthedeal.net/contribute.html
Based in Los Angeles, Clothes The Deal assists low income men, women, and at risk youth empowering them to gain and sustain employment and achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success. They provide business clothing and training to help them gain employment and become self sufficient. Clothing donations must be sent to their Los Angeles facilities.

Cycla, LLC
Assists Thrift Stores and other secondary businesses recycle their clothing, shoes, other textiles, purses, belts, backpacks, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, mixed plastics and household metals. Recycle That is a sister consumer-focused organization that partners with charities and community groups to provide fundraising opportunities via recycling for similar items.

Dress for Success, www.dressforsuccess.org
A nonprofit that helps outfit low-income women with apparel for job interviews. Available in 24 cities.

Fairy Godmothers Inc., www.fairygodmothersinc.com
Gives formal gowns, long bridesmaid dresses, dresses, shoes, evening bags, jewelry to high school girls from low-income families for their proms. Dresses must be fashionable and in good condition. This organization distributes dresses in the East coast area. See website for delivery addresses.

Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, www.makingmemories.org
The foundation sells used wedding dresses around the country to fulfill the wishes of terminally ill breast cancer patients. Accepts gowns, bridesmaids dresses, shoes, jewlry and other wedding accessories.

One Warm Coat, www.onewarmcoat.org
Gives coats to needy individuals and has locations around the country. Go to website to find a location in your area.

Patagonia, www.patagonia.com/recycle
Through their ‘Common Threads Garment Recycling Program’, Patagonia will recycle customers worn out Capilene® Performance Baselayers, Patagonia fleece, Polartec® fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts. Items can be dropped off at retail stores or sent to their Service Center in Reno, NV. See website for address.

Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.org
Will provide free pick up.

The Women's Alliance, www.thewomensalliance.org
Has alliance organizations around the country that provide business-attire clothing to low income women. Visit site for drop off locations.

Compost

A-1 Organics, www.a1organics.com
Based in Golden, CO they do accept commercial compost waste. Call to find out if they can pick up from your location.

Find a Composter, www.findacomposter.com
Offers a searchable data base to locate a composting facility in your area nationwide.

Computers / Electronics

Boulder Community Computers, www.bococo.org
A Boulder, Colorado based organization that collects used computers and allows students, individuals and unemployed an opportunity to rebuild the equipment and learn IT skills. Once rebuilt, they are re-sold and the money is then used to fund the program.

Beyond the Pod, www.beyondthepod.com
They specialize in consumer electronics trade-in services. They pay the consumer for discarded, broken or un-wanted electronics. The consumer only pays for shipping. Available to U.S. based consumers.

BuyMyTronics, www.buymytronics.com
Purchases used electronic equipment including ipods, cell phones, laptops, iphones and other electronic equipment.

Computers for Community, massongoodwin@uswest.net
Collects computers and distributes them to people in the community, primarily schools. Can accept MAC computer.

Computers for Schools, www.computersforschools.org
Sponsored by the Technology Training Foundation of America they offer a program to have good computers donated to schools. See their 'how to donate' page for specifics of computer configurations that they request.

Corporate Recycling Programs, www.digitaltips.org/green/corporate-recycling-programs.asp
This site offers a full list of all the computer manufacturer and retail take back programs.

Dell Computers, www.dell4me.com/recycling
Customers who use the service receive on line discounts good for future purchases.

Eco Cycle, www.ecocycle.org
Eco cycle is based in Boulder and computer equipment can be dropped off at their ‘hard to recycle’ location.

Electronic Industries Alliance, www.eia.org
Provides consumers with information on recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics. Including state and local collection programs, charitable organizations and recyclers that accept used electronics.

Electronics Recycling Initiative,  www.nrc-recycle.org/resources/electronics
This organization is sponsored by the EPA and the US Postal Service. They have an extensive list of computer recyclers in the country.

Electronic Recyclers International, www.electronicrecyclers.com
Offers e-waste facilities in Colorado, California, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Washington. It recycles not only computer equipment but most electrical equipment used in offices. This company does offer certificates of destruction to ensure that all waste is being handled responsibly and ethically.

Executive Recycle, www.executiverecycle.com
A Colorado based electronic recycling company that recycles most electronic equipment including computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, copiers, typewriters, radio’s, routers, telephone’s and even automotive electronics. Free pick up is available. Telephone: 303.791.0808.

George Washington High School, Denver georgewashingtonstem.org
The STEM/IT club accept used computers refurbish them to donate them to low-income students who can't afford one. The club works alongside IT specialists to learn the trade as well as offer a product to their fellow classmates in need. They will accept Mac and PC desktops and laptops. They will also accept monitors, keyboards and mice. They do ensure that all data is destroyed and will provide a certificate as well as a tax deductible receipt. To donate, email donations@georgewashingtonstem.org or call 720-445-6960.

Goodwill, www.reconnectpartnership.com
Goodwill has a partnership with Dell called Reconnect that collects e-waste at local Goodwill locations. It is a program meant for residential consumers that can recycle their home computers and printers. All brands accepted. Go to the website to find a local Goodwill location that will accept e-waste.

Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (GRX), www.grxrecycles.com
GRX, located in Denver, Colorado, is a computer and electronics recycling company in the Rocky Mountain region that offers drop-off and pick-up service. GRX is a genuine recycler (NO landfilling, NO incineration, and NO exporting to third world countries) that guarantees data destruction.

My Boneyard, www.myboneyard.com
Offers free computer and electronics recycling across the country and even pays for shipping. They also provide a reward system for the more your recycle with their company. Go to website to complete the online form and they will email you a pre-paid shipping label.

National Center for Electronics Recycling, www.electronicsrecycling.org
The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a non-profit organization that offers information and sources for recycling electronics.

NextWorth, www.nextworth.com
They offer an online service and have participating retail stores, such as Target, that will recycle used electronics such as ipods, iphones, cell phones and other electronic gadgets. Depending on the condition they will sell, upgrade or offer a trade-in program for your equipment.

R2 Stewardship Responsible Recycling Solutions, www.r2stewardship.com
Based in Denver, they accept computers, appliances, batteries, cardboard, cell phones, copiers, stereo equipment, electronic equipment, ink cartridges, monitors, scrap metal, paint, plastic, printers, tv's and wire.

RepowerIT, LLC., http://www.repowerit.com
We buy and sell all kinds of used high end IT equipment made by Dell, Cisco, and HP including computers, servers, towers, mainframes, switches, routers, monitors, phones, cable and wire. We also accept and recycle all kinds of computer scrap, no matter how small or large it is. Based in South Florida but do service nationwide.

Salma Systems, www.salmasystems.com
Will purchase used Computers, Servers, Monitors, Cisco and Telephone systems. They also offer recycling facilities. Will need to call them directly to schedule or arrange pickup and shipment.

Techno+Rescue, www.technorescue.com
Offers electronics recycling in the Denver/Boulder area. Will try to refurbish computers before recycling.

Technology & Recycling, www.techrecycle.com
Will pick up and dismantle old computers in Denver, CO. Can only accept large pick-ups from companies. Fee is charged.

Toshiba, http://toshiba.eztradein.com/toshiba
The Toshiba Trade-In and Recycle Program provides you with a way to trade-in or recycle used, working technology products in exchange for a refund by mail.

Construction and Building Materials

C&A Floor coverings
Recycle old carpet and design it into new carpet. Deal with mainly corporate and business offices.

Center for Resource Conservation
The ReSource Yard salvages used building materials and resells them at great prices, making it possible to reuse and recycle building materials that are traditionally discarded during construction and demolition (C&D) and basic remodeling. ReSource Yard sales outlets are located in Boulder and Fort Collins in Colorado.

GreenCycling Homes
For Colorado residents this company offers pre-demolition interior recycling for homes before remodeling occurs.

Copy Machines

Technology Recycling, www.techrecycle.com
Will pick up and dismantle old copy machines in Denver, CO. Fee is charged, check website for latest pricing.

Corks

ReCork, www.recork.org
Recycles all wine corks and distributes them to make new materials made from corks. Click on "Get Involved" to find a local drop off location in your area.

Credit Cards / Gift Cards / ID Cards

EarthWork Systems
A company that recycles ID cards, credit cards, driver's license, library card, video rental card, membership cards, shopper discount cards, retailer gift cards, almost any plastic card. Ideally prefer larger shipments. You can send your old cards to Earthworks c/o Halprin Ind., 25840 Miles Rd., Bedford, OH 44146.

Discs (Floppy and CD-ROM)

CD Recycling Center of America, www.cdrecyclingcenter.com
They recycle CD/ DVD's and their packaging free, the only cost you incur is shipping. Send directly to 68H Stiles Road, Salem, NH 03079.

Green Disk, www.greendisk.com
Will accept all computer discs and CD ROMs. Does not pay for shipping and charges 10 cents per pound to recycle.

Eyeglasses

Lions Clubs International
The Lions clubs collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses which are then distributed to people in need in developing countries. You can mail glasses to 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Or go to their site to find a local recycling center.

New Eyes for the Needy, www.neweyesfortheneedy.org
Distributes glasses free worldwide. Accepts plastic and metal frames in any condition. Also accepts sunglasses and hearing aids.

Unite for Sight, www.uniteforsight.org/donate_eyeglasses.php
Your eyeglasses (reading and distance) as well as non-prescription sunglasses will be distributed to children and adults in Nigeria, Malawi, Benin, Ghana, Uganda, Somalia, Cameroon, Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Tanzania, India, and Thailand.

Fishing Equipment

Berkley Recycling
Accepts fishing line and converts it into fish habitat structures. Some fishing store retailers have bins or it can be mailed to 1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360.

Food

Emergence Family Assistance Assoc., www.efaa.org
Will accept all dry goods that have not been opened. Donations can be dropped off at the back door.

Community Food Share, www.communityfoodshare.org
Accepts food donations

Denver Rescue Mission, www.denverrescuemission.org
A shelter for the homeless that accepts can and non-perishable food items.

Food Bank of the Rockies, www.foodbankrockies.org
Accepts food, desks, paint, and furniture. Can pick up items.

Furniture & Housewares

CSR Eco Solutions
Asocial enterprise dedicated to minimizing waste by donating and recycling corporate surplus furniture to local charities. They operate in the USA and Canada and accept any and all office furniture and equipment, regardless of location or condition.

Emergence Family Assistance Assoc.
Accepts all furniture for low-income families. Will pick up in Boulder, Louisville and Longmont areas.

Joy’s Consignment Furniture
Based in the Denver, CO area, Joy’s is a high-quality furniture consignment retailer. Click on Consignment Details for more specific information about furniture consignment.

Providers Resource Clearinghouse
PRC accepts donations in the Denver area from corporations and individuals of new and used office and household furnishings plus new office and household supplies, and finds new life for the items by recycling or redistributing them to other non-profits in Colorado and those individuals they serve for a small fee. Call directly to schedule a pick up.

Salvation Army
Will provide free pick up for most large furniture items. Advance notice must be given.

Furs

The Humane Society of the U.S., www.husus.org/furdonation
Will accept real furs as donations. They send them to wildlife rehabilitators who use the furs to comfort the orphaned wild baby animals they find every year.

Hangers

Local Dry Cleaners
Most local dry cleaners accept the wire hangers.

Thrift Shops
Accept plastic and or wood hangers.

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Hazardous Waste / Chemicals

• Boulder, CO Area
• Denver, CO Area

Hearing Aids

Starkey Hearing Foundation, www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org
Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting those permanently residing the in the U.S. who are deaf or hard of hearing and have no other resources to acquire hearing aids. Hear Now collects hearing aids for recycling purposes. Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated to the hearing aid recycling program. Please see website for shipping address.

Industrial / Manufacturing

Repurposed Materials, www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com
Repurposed Materials deals in repurposing and re-using byproducts and waste of manufacturing and industry materials. They accept materials such as containers, materials, billboards, scrap conveyor belting, drums, street sweeper brushes, roof insulations, etc,. that are a byproduct of manufacturing and commerce that can be re-purposed "as is".

Jewelry

Animal Defenders International
They will accept all unwanted jewelry including gold, silver, costume jewelery and watches. They can accept all jewelry whether it has been used, damaged, or broken. On their website shows an address for sending it to the UK headquarters. Email them for a direct shipping address for the U.S. info@ad-international.org.

Junk Removal Companies

1-800-GOT JUNK? www.1800gotjunk.com
Will pick up old furniture, appliances, yard waste, electronics and construction debris. Recycles items that can be recycled.

College Hunks Hauling Junk, www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
College Hunks Hauling Junk® provides collegiate teams to remove junk quickly from anywhere within commercial or residential property. They donate a portion of revenues from each job to local college scholarship programs.

Gone for Good, www.goneforgoodstore.com
A local Colorado company serving the Denver Metro area. They will come to your house or business and pick up items. Of those items they will resell, give to charity or recycle and try to reduce impact into the landfill.

Junk Genius, www.junkgenius.com
A franchised junk hauler with locations across the nation. They offer flat fee system.

Rubbish Works, www.rubbishworks.com
A national US franchise that offers appliance, landscaping, commercial and household junk removal and recycling. They are able to recycle over 50% of the material they remove and are committed to disposing of junk items responsibly.

Light Bulbs and Lamps

Lamp Recycle, www.lamprecycle.org
Provides a list of resources nationwide on where to recycle various types of light bulbs and lamps.

Luggage / Suitcases

Suitcases for Kids, www.suitcasesforkids.org
Donates suitcases to foster children who move from home to home. Suitcases are preferred but large duffel bags and backpacks are also accepted.

AmeriCares
Sends medical supplies to countries all over the world.

Colorado Medication Take Back Project
The Colorado Medication Take-Back Project is a network of secure boxes for the collection of unused and unwanted household medications. The collection boxes can be found at eleven locations in the Denver front range and Summit County areas. The medications are collected and disposed of with other hazardous waste materials. They accept all prescription medications, over the counter medications, medication samples, pet medications, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions and inhalers.

Medical Assistance Program (MAP)
Provides medicines to developing and poverty stricken nations. They accept all medical supply and medications donations from manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical supply companies or dentists or dental suppliers. To donate call 800-225-8550 and ask to speak with Connie Reed, Procurement Coordinator.

Rainforest Health Project
Sends medical supplies to Peru’s isolated Amazon villages.

Medication

Colorado Medication Take Back Project
The Colorado Medication Take-Back Project is a network of secure boxes for the collection of unused and unwanted household medications. The collection boxes can be found at eleven locations in the Denver front range and Summit County areas. The medications are collected and disposed of with other hazardous waste materials. They accept all prescription medications, over the counter medications, medication samples, pet medications, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions and inhalers.

Medical Assistance Program (MAP)
Provides medicines to developing and poverty stricken nations. They accept all medical supply and medications donations from manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical supply companies or dentists or dental suppliers. To donate call 800-225-8550 and ask to speak with Connie Reed, Procurement Coordinator.

Office Supplies / Furniture

Facility Cycle, www.facilitycycle.com
It's a free, online Colorado-based community resource for business owners, facilities managers, non-profits, commercial real estate professionals, and others to sell, trade, donate or recycle used office furniture.

Nature Conservancy of Colorado, 303.444.2950
Accepts various office supplies and office furniture & equipment.

Providers Resource Clearinghouse, www.prccolorado.org
PRC accepts donations in the Denver area from corporations and individuals of new and used office and household furnishings plus new office and household supplies, and finds new life for the items by recycling or redistributing them to other non-profits in Colorado and those individuals they serve for a small fee. Call directly to schedule a pick up.

Outdoor Gear

Passages Northwest, www.passagesnw.org/MakeAGift_GG.htm
This organization inspires girls and young women of diverse backgrounds to discover leadership skills through outdoor exploration. Takes tents, sleeping bags, day packs and hiking boots for women or girls. Call 206-286-8601 to find out where to send items to.

Play it Again Sports, www.playitagainsports.com/donategear.aspx
Donate used sports gear at local retail store ‘Play it Again’. They donate to non-profit kids sports programs.

Paint

Note: Most paint and their cans are considered hazardous waste. If you do not recycle the paint, then it must be disposed of with your local hazardous waste collection.

Earth Paints
This Chicago based company has found a way to recycle old and unused latex paint. The paint is processed to be reused into new paint or specialty type cements. They also recycle the paint cans. Click on ‘Locations’ to find a paint collection center in the Illinois or Wisconsin areas. Call them directly if outside that area.

GreenSheen
GreenSheen is based in Centennial, Colorado and can recycle interior and exterior paint and the plastic and metal paint containers. They only accept latex paint (not oil or other chemical based paint) that is in liquid form and in the original packaging. Make sure not to consolidate partially full cans of paint, keep them in the original container no matter what the quantity. There is a small fee to recycle but they will give you a coupon for a good discount on the purchase of GreenSheen's recycled paint. Visit their contact us page to schedule a drop off or pick up.

Local High Schools
Unused water-based paint (especially neutral colors) can be donated to local high schools who do set design for musical productions and performances. Call your local high school to inquiry directly.

Mix Paints
Mix Paints provides paint disposal & recycling options for Colorado residents, contractors, businesses and organizations. They charge a small fee to recycle but this will keep paint out of landfills. They only accept latex paints and it is important not to mix paints. Please see their page on called 'Paint Disposal and Recycling' for complete details on process and drop off locations.

 

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No Nonsense
No Nonsense collects all brnads of hose, tights and kneehighs which are then recycled into other products. Go to their site and download a mailing label, put them in a box or mailer and send them directly to their manufacturing plant.

Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers
This assocation supports the recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is the lightweight stryrofoam type of packing material that comes in shipments. They have a mail back recycling option or it can be dropped off at one of their U.S. packaging drop off locations.

Plastic Loose Fill Council, www.loosefillpackaging.com
Consumers can drop off their leftover plastic packing peanuts at Peanut Hotline collection sites. There are over 1,500 collection sites in the US. Go to the site to enter your state to find a location near you.

UPS Brown Stores, www.ups.com
The UPS brown stores will accept clean bubble wrap and peanuts to reuse as packing materials.

Pens

The Pen Guy, www.thepenguy.org
Costas Schuler is a graphic and web designer based in San Francisco. He collects worn out pens and uses them for art projects. He is known for his "Mercedes Pens" art car that has over 10,000 pens glued to the body. Pens can be mailed directly to Costas. The address is located on his website.

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Pet Supplies

Humane Society
The local humane society dedicated to caring for abandoned animals will always accept used pet supplies. Humane societies are located across the U.S. In particular they need food bowls, leashes, pet food (unopened and not expired), dog and cat toys, pet bedding, used towels and sheets and unused medication. Make sure these items have been washed and are free from pet hair. This link will take you to the Humane Society of the U.S. to find the local shelter in your state and city.

Colorado Based Animal Shelters
This link by Animal Shelter will take you to a listing of all animal shelters located in Colorado. It will provide you a link to the animal shelters website. On most of the websites, they will have a listing of the type of pet products and supplies they need.

Plastic Containers and Packaging

Most #1 and #2 bottle plastic containers are recycled in most U.S. local recycling facilities. However #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 plastic containers are usually not widely accepted. Here are some recycling factilities that do accept the hard to recycle plastic containers and packaging:

• Plastic Bag Recycling
  They provide a list of all types of plastic bags that can be recycled and a list of drop off locations in all U.S. states.

• Preserve's Grimme 5 Program
  Accepts all #5 plastics containers, brita pitcher filters. They have recycle bins at select Whole Foods Markets and materials can also be shipped to them directly. See website for details.

• Terracycle
  A company that transforms packaging waste into re-useable products. They accept candy wrappers, cereal bags, cheese packaging, cookie bags, chips, corks, drink pouches, laundry detergent pounches, energy bar wrappers, gum packaging, solo cups, scotch tape, yogurt containers, wine pouches, tortilla bags. Go here to see a full list of all the brands and waste items they collect.

• Weisenback Reycled Products
  They accept clean plastic bottle caps, plastic jap caps, flip top caps from personal care products and flexible snap on lids (e.g. butter or dairy lids) and convert them into other products. They also accept all #5 plastic containers such as yogurt cups, butter tubs and some tupperware containers. You can ship them to 437 Holtzman Avenue, Colombus, Ohio 43205.

Printer, Toner & Ink Jet Cartridges

Recycle Free
Recycles empty inkjet and laser cartridges for FREE. They will pay $1 for each returned cartridge. For envelopes go to your local CompUSA store.

Hard Copy Recycling
Recycles inkjet and laser cartridges

Hewlett-Packard’s Planet Partners Recycling Program

Ink Guides
Offers information on how to recycle ink and toner cartridges and also list nationwide printer cartridge recycling programs.

Recycle Place
Will accept most inkjet, laser and toner cartridges and will offer money back anywhere from ten cents to a dollar depending on the type of cartridge. Will accept cartridges from companies, schools and individuals. Click on 'How to Collect' for more information on shipping procedures.

Xerox Corp.
Please select toner cartridge models to Xerox for free by way of UPS or US Postal Service. Check the website for specifics on how to do this.

Shoes

Cycla, LLC
Assists Thrift Stores and other secondary businesses recycle their clothing, shoes, other textiles, purses, belts, backpacks, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, mixed plastics and household metals. Recycle That is a sister consumer-focused organization that partners with charities and community groups to provide fundraising opportunities via recycling for similar items.

Eco-Cycle Hard-to-Recycle Items, www.ecocycle.org
Boulder-based Hard-to-Recycle items accepts old, worn tennis shoes that are made into recycled flooring.

Nike Reuse a Shoe, www.nikereuseashoe.com
Recycles shoes to foreign countries. Worn out shoes are recycled into courts, tracks and playgrounds.

One World Running, www.oneworldrunning.blogspot.com/2007/05/drop-off-locations.html
Since 1986, a group of runners in Boulder, Colorado, has collected, washed and sent to Third World countries new and "near-new" athletic shoes, T-shirts and shorts, along with medicine and school and art supplies. Shoes in good condition can be donated and sent or dropped off at the designated locations.

Soccer For Life, Inc. Special Project - Project Athletic Shoes For Youth Empowerment, www.satglobal.com/project_athletic_shoes_for_build.htm
Soccer For Life, Inc is a non-profit organization which collects sports gear, uniforms, soccer cleats, athletic shoes, and sneakers and distributes them in Honduras. 954-812-7431

Sole 4 Souls, www.soles4souls.org
Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)3 recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Wildize Foundation, www.wildize.org
This Colorado-based organization accepts hiking boots and tennis shoes for the African Rangers who patrol the parks and wilderness areas. Send items directly to them at: PO Box 3078 Aspen, Colorado, USA 81612

 

Sewing Materials / Textiles

Calling All Angels, 303-954-9146
A local Colorado organization that sews and knit blankets, hats, mittens, etc. for veterans, women’s shelters, hospice and homeless. Will accept thread, buttons, trimmings, yarn and textiles. Call to arrange for pick up or drop off.

Sporting Goods

Boulder Ski Deals, www.boulderskideals.com
Accepts skis, snowboard boots, ski boots, bindings, poles and snowboards for recycling. Usable equipment will be donated to charitable and domestic programs. Equipment that cannot be reused will be shredded and made into new products.

Boulder Sports Recycler, www.bouldersportsrecycler.com
Based in Boulder, they accept most sporting goods equipment that is in good condition for consignment.

Gear4Good, www.gear4good.org
Based out of New Mexico, they accepts used backpacks and other outdoor gear for reuse in the mountaineering community in the United States and throughout the world. Please go to website for contact information and to view list of items needed.

Green Mountain Ski Furniture, www.recycledskis.com
Based out of Vermont, they also reuse old skis to custom build furniture or will resell old skis. They will pick up in the New England area only. They will accept shipments but will not pay the cost of shipping.

Skichair, www.skichair.com
Based out of Massachusetts, they makes chairs and ottomans out of skis, snow boards, hockey sticks, baseball bats and golf clubs. Also sells do-it-yourself plans to create these items out of your own materials.

Reeski, www.reeski.com
This Aspen, CO based company reuses old skis and snowboards and creates outdoor furniture and household items.

Sports Gift, www.sportsgift.org
Donates used sports equipment to the world’s impoverished children. Will accept individual donations along with sports teams, leagues, clubs or schools. Based in LA goods can be dropped off at their location or mailed. See website for specific list of types of sports equipment accepted and mailing directions.

ReBounces
They restore old tennis balls that have lost their bounce. Go to their website to complete form to receive a prepaid shipping label. For more details email them at recycle@rebounces.com.

Recycle Your Mat
The Manduka yoga mat company now recycles all brands of old, torn or dirty yoga mats. They don't accept natural rubber mats (e.g. Manduka eKO or Jade mats). You can mail the old mats to 1323 SE 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214.

Styrofoam

Eco-Cycle
Their hard to recycle items drop off center located on Old Pearl Street in Boulder will accept Styrofoam.

Timbron International
They accept all clean styrofoam items (except for packaging peanuts) that don't have paint, stickers, tape on them.

V&G Styro Recycle
This company is based out of Renton, Washington. They have local drop off centers. You can also mail your Styrofoam to them directly.

Call to Protect
Refurbishes old cell phones or smartphones and donates them to organizations commited to helping victims of domestic violence. Make sure to deactivate your phone service, turn the phone off and leave the battery attached. You can mail the phone to US Postal Service, PO Box 9998, Dexter, MI 48130 or download the mailing label here.

Collective Good
Recycles and donates pagers, smartphones, cell phones, Blackberry and Windows CE/Mobile devices. The electronic devises can be dropped off at the same locations as the mobile phone outlets.

Cycla, LLC
Cycla LLC, is a professional second hand recycling company, established in 2007. They recycle bags, purses, backpacks, books, clothing, shoes, computer electronics, DVD's and discs, PDA/Handheld computers.

Toys

Domestic Metals and Plastics
Will recycle all used or broken children's plastic toys. They have drop off locations in Southern California. Or items can be mailed and they have downloadable shipping labels.

 

Trophies & Plaques

Creative Images, www.gccreativeimages.com/donate%20trophie.html
Send your old trophies and plaques to Creative Images to be refurbished and donated to nonprofit organizations such as Special Olympics and School Children Groups that don't have the money to spend on new trophies.

Lamb Awards and Engraving, www.lambawards.com/recycle.html
A company based in Maryland that will accept used and/or damaged trophies. They will donate matching sets to charities and ones damaged will break down and use for parts. Please send them an email before sending at internet@lambawards.com and include “recycling” in your subject line.

Tyvek Envelopes

Dupont Tyvek Recycling Program
Tyvek envelopes are made from #2 plastic and can be recycled however, not in your regular curbside recycling programs. Dupont has its own recycling program for Tyvek envelopes and can be mailed directly to: Tyvek Recycle, Attn: Shirley B. Wright, 8401 Fort Darling Road, Richmond, VA 23237

Video/Audio Cassettes

Eco-Media, www.ecomedia.net, recycling@ecomedia.net
Will send UPS forms for free delivery for 50+ pounds of videos. Will accept VHS, Beta, Hi 8, and DV tapes.

Eco Disk, www.ecodisk.com
Recycles all audio cassette tapes

National Recycling Resources

1-800-Recycling.com, http://1800recycling.com
Offers a recycling location database with resources nationwide in the U.S. They also have a great blog and resources on other items related to recycling and donation used materials.

Donation Town, www.donationtown.org
An organization that connects donators and local charities all over the U.S. to donate clothes and household items. You can arrange pick up service directly on the site. Donation Town does not charge charities or donors to use their website.

Earth 911, www.earth911.org
This site offers recycling and reuse information for almost anything. You can enter your zip code and it will list recycling facilities or re-use options in your area.

Excess Access, www.excessaccess.com
This organization matches up donors of goods to area non-profits, schools, government organizations, etc., that have a designated wish list of items needed.

Freecycle, www.freecycle.org
The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is run by a local volunteer moderator. See site for more details.

National Recycling Coalition, www.nrc-recycle.org
This is a national non-profit advocacy group with members that span all aspects of waste reduction, reuse and recycling in North America.

Raymond Communications, www.raymond.com
An organization that tracks global and state wide legislation on recycling. It has newsletters of state recycling laws, electronic recycling and international recycling laws.

Donation Valuation Guidelines

Salvation Army, www.salvationarmyusa.org
Go under “Ways to Give” and then Valuation Guide. This guide offers low to high end possible values.

Bank Rate, www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/edit/news/stories/news_20000107a.asp
This guide actually will configure automatically total amounts. Each topic also has a downloadable PDF.

Money for Your Used Clothing booklet, www.mfyuc.com