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Boulder County
Resource Conservation
1901 63rd Street
Boulder, CO 80301
tel (720) 564-2220
fax (720) 564-2227

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Waste Products NOT Accepted at Boulder County's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility (and resources for these products)

Alkaline and zinc carbon batteries

Most types of alkaline and zinc carbon (often called "heavy duty" or "general purpose") batteries can be disposed of with regular trash. See Fact Sheet #1 for more information or call the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division at 720.564.2220 for a Household Battery Fact Sheet.

Asbestos insulation, or large quantities of asbestos tile or linoleum

Never attempt to remove products you suspect contain asbestos (floor tiles, linoleum, insulation materials).  Asbestos fibers are dangerous if inhaled.  Call Boulder County Public Health for information 303.441.1100, or consult with a certified asbestos removal contractor.

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Business wastes including: industrial, agricultural, municipal, school, church, non-profit or other community organization wastes

Boulder County’s household hazardous waste facility accepts household wastes only at this time. All businesses are responsible for disposing of hazardous wastes in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Companies providing hazardous waste collection services are listed in the Phone Book Yellow Pages under “Waste Disposal – Hazardous” or “Environmental and Ecological Services.” A list of companies that provide hazardous services is also available from the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division; call 720.564.2220 to request a copy. Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment 303.692.3300 for information on hazardous waste generator requirements. Also contact EPA Region 8 at 303.312.6149 and Boulder County Public Health 303.441.1100 for information on reducing the use of hazardous chemicals and pollution prevention.

A new hazardous waste facility is being developed by Boulder County that will accept hazardous wastes from businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous wastes and can be categorized as “conditionally-exempt small quantity generators.” We plan to accept business wastes in 2011.

EMPTY containers

Dispose of with regular trash, or if metal, recycle with scrap metal.

Note:  Empty containers with dried out latex paint can also be disposed with regular trash. See Fact #2 for more information.

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Explosive or shock sensitive wastes

Contact your local sheriff's office before moving explosive or shock sensitive materials. They will accept dangerous materials for safe disposal. This includes unwanted ammunition, road flares and fireworks.

Fire extinguishers

Eco-Cycle's CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials), 303-444-6634, located at 5030 Old Pearl Street in Boulder will accept these for a small fee (City of Boulder residents' fire extinguishers are accepted free of charge).

Medical wastes, medicines, and sharps

All medical wastes require special handling and disposal. Some retail pharmacies are accepting unused medications as follows:

Good Day Pharmacy, in Longmont also will take and incinerate all unwanted prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements – liquids and solids - except controlled substances. Needles and syringes are not accepted.

  • Good Day Pharmacy, Longmont Clinic, 1925 West Mountain View Avenue, Longmont, CO 80501. 303-776-0709

For information on proper disposal of controlled substances or other drop-off options, call the Partners for a Clean Environment Hotline at 303-786-PACE (7223).

For more information, contact: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Solid Waste Section, 303-692-3437 or 303-692-3320, or refer to their website at www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/infecthm.pdf

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Non-hazardous wastes

Dispose of with regular trash.

Propane tanks (BBQ grill-size or larger)

Contact local propane supply companies. Many accept these for free or a nominal fee.

Radioactive materials

Call the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, Radiation Control Division at 303.692.3300.

Smoke detectors (some contain small amounts of radioactive material)

Households can dispose of smoke detectors with their regular trash. Some manufacturers of these units also offer take back. Businesses should use hazardous waste disposal contractors.

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