Why Recycling Technology Matters
With rapid advancements in technology, outdated computers, phones, and other devices often accumulate in homes and businesses. However, disposing of electronics improperly can have serious environmental consequences. Devices contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if not handled correctly.
Proper recycling helps prevent environmental damage, recovers valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper, and reduces the growing volume of electronic waste in landfills. Colorado provides several free and low-cost recycling programs for both residents and businesses, ensuring responsible disposal of e-waste.
Colorado’s E-Waste Recycling Laws
Since 2013, Colorado has banned the disposal of most electronics in landfills under the Electronic Recycling Jobs Act (SB 12-133). As a result, individuals and businesses must recycle their technology through certified programs.
Electronics That Must Be Recycled
- Computers (laptops and desktops)
- Monitors and televisions
- Printers and scanners
- Keyboards, mice, and cables
- Smartphones and tablets
- Gaming consoles
- External hard drives and flash drives
Items Exempt from the Ban
Some small household electronics, such as microwaves and coffee makers, may still be disposed of through regular trash collection. However, it is always best to check with your local waste management service for guidelines.
Where to Recycle Electronics in Colorado
Colorado offers multiple certified locations for responsible e-waste disposal. Below is a list of key recycling centers with contact information and services offered.
Blue Star Recyclers – Statewide
- Locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Pueblo
- Website: bluestarrecyclers.org
- Phone: (303) 534-1667
- Address (Denver): 953 Decatur St, Denver, CO 80204
- Address (Colorado Springs): 100 Talamine Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
- Services: Ethical e-waste recycling, job training for individuals with disabilities, business and residential recycling
Eco-Cycle CHaRM (Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials) – Boulder
- Website: ecocycle.org/charm
- Phone: (303) 444-6634
- Address: 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303
- Services: Accepts computers, laptops, phones, chargers, televisions, and more
METech Recycling – Denver
- Website: metechrecycling.com
- Phone: (720) 377-7700
- Address: 500 W 53rd Pl, Unit B, Denver, CO 80216
- Services: Certified secure data destruction, bulk e-waste recycling for businesses
Techno Rescue – Aurora
- Website: technorescue.com
- Phone: (303) 482-2207
- Address: 3251 Lewiston St, Suite 10, Aurora, CO 80011
- Services: Corporate and residential electronic recycling, IT asset disposition, data security services
Retail Recycling Programs – Statewide
Several major retailers also accept electronic devices for recycling at various locations across Colorado.
- Best Buy – bestbuy.com/recycle
- Staples – staples.com/services/tech-recycling
- Office Depot – officedepot.com/recycle
Before dropping off devices, it is advisable to check their websites for accepted items and potential recycling fees.
Preparing Your Devices for Recycling
To ensure safe disposal and protect personal information, take these steps before recycling:
- Back up important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Perform a factory reset to erase personal information from devices.
- Remove batteries if required by the recycling facility.
- Check for trade-in programs that may offer store credit for old devices.
TrinCycle: Sustainable IT Asset Disposal for Businesses
At TrinWare, we recognize the importance of responsible technology recycling. Our TrinCycle program assists businesses in securely disposing of outdated hardware while ensuring data protection and sustainability.
- Secure data destruction
- Certified electronics recycling
- Refurbishing and repurposing for extended device lifespan
For more information about how TrinCycle can assist with corporate recycling needs, contact us directly.
Take Action for Global Recycling Day
Colorado offers numerous opportunities to recycle technology responsibly. This Global Recycling Day, take a moment to clear out old devices and dispose of them properly.
For more details on local recycling programs, visit the official Colorado e-waste resource page:
Colorado E-Waste Recycling Resources