Where to Drop Off Hazardous Waste in Denver (2026)
Paint, chemicals, batteries, motor oil, pesticides — these items can’t go in the trash, recycling, or dumpster. Denver-area residents have several options for safe disposal, most of them free.
Year-Round Facilities
Arapahoe County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Address: 7600 S. Peoria St, Englewood, CO 80112
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8 AM – 4 PM (closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays)
- Cost: Free for Arapahoe County residents (bring ID or utility bill for proof of residency)
- Non-residents: May be accepted for a fee — call ahead
Accepted items:
- Paint (latex and oil-based)
- Paint thinner, mineral spirits, solvents, turpentine
- Stain, varnish, polyurethane
- Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, rodent poison
- Pool chemicals (chlorine, muriatic acid, algaecide)
- Household cleaners (bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner)
- Motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze
- Gasoline and kerosene (small quantities)
- Batteries (all types — car, lithium, alkaline, button cell)
- Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs
- Mercury thermometers and thermostats
- Propane tanks (1 lb and 20 lb)
- Fire extinguishers
- Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors)
- Medications (OTC and prescription)
NOT accepted:
- Ammunition, explosives, or firearms
- Radioactive materials
- Commercial or business waste (residential only)
- Asbestos
- Large quantities (call ahead for loads over 50 lbs)
PaintCare Drop-Off Sites (Paint Only)
PaintCare provides free, year-round paint recycling at participating retailers:
- Sherwin-Williams (multiple Denver metro locations)
- Select Ace Hardware and True Value stores
- Select Benjamin Moore retailers
Visit paintcare.org to find the nearest location. Limit: 5 gallons per visit. More details in our paint disposal guide.
Denver Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Denver hosts periodic free collection events for city residents. These are typically held quarterly at various locations around the city.
How to find upcoming events:
- Call Denver 311 (dial 311 from a Denver phone, or 720-913-1311)
- Visit Denver’s Recycle & Compost website
- Check the Denver 311 app
What to expect at events:
- Drive-through format — stay in your car, volunteers unload
- Bring items in original containers when possible (or clearly label)
- Residential quantities only (no businesses)
- Typically accept everything listed above plus tires and appliances
- Events fill up — arrive early
Other Free Drop-Off Options by Item Type
Batteries
- Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Can technically go in regular trash in Colorado, but recycling is better. Drop off at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Batteries Plus.
- Lithium batteries (laptop, phone, power tool): Do NOT put in trash — fire hazard. Drop off at Best Buy, Home Depot, or Batteries Plus.
- Car batteries: Free drop-off at AutoZone, O’Reilly, NAPA, or any auto parts store (they give you a core credit).
- Button cell batteries: Hazardous waste events or Batteries Plus.
Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids
- AutoZone — Free used motor oil drop-off (up to 5 gallons)
- O’Reilly Auto Parts — Free used motor oil drop-off
- NAPA Auto Parts — Free used oil and filter drop-off
- Jiffy Lube — Some locations accept used oil
Fluorescent Bulbs and CFLs
- Home Depot — Free CFL and fluorescent tube recycling at all locations
- Lowe’s — Free CFL recycling
- Batteries Plus — Accepts fluorescent tubes
Medications
- Denver Police stations — Many have permanent drug drop boxes in the lobby
- Walgreens — Safe medication disposal kiosks at select locations
- CVS — DisposeRx packets available (dissolve meds at home, then trash)
- DEA Take-Back Events — Held twice yearly (April and October)
Propane Tanks
- Blue Rhino exchange — Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, gas stations (trade in any brand)
- AmeriGas exchange — Similar locations
- Small 1-lb cylinders: Arapahoe County HHW facility or Denver hazardous waste events
Tires
- Tire shops: Most accept old tires for $3-$10 each when you buy new ones
- Denver hazardous waste events: Sometimes accept tires (check event details)
- Full tire disposal guide
What About Everything Else?
For non-hazardous items — furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, construction debris, and general junk — call Junk Same Day at (303) 324-6014 or book online. We take everything except hazmat, same-day, across the Denver metro.
When we do a garage or basement cleanout, we’ll separate out any hazardous items and let you know exactly what needs to go to a drop-off location. You handle the hazmat; we handle everything else.
