Vail, CO
Home LoveVail MenuHard to Recycle Events
We host an annual Hard to Recycle event to assist in spring cleaning. The event is free for residential items for people who live and work in Vail and funded by bag fees generated through the Kick the Bag Habit program. Businesses are not allowed to dispose of items at the event. Typically, we hold the event in May. Be sure to check out our 'Get Involved' page if you need more specific information about the events or you would like to volunteer.
The next event is Friday, May 8, 2026 from 10 am - 3 pm at the Ford Park Parking Lot.
Below is a list of items that will be ACCEPTED at this event.
- Batteries ***(Please read as this has changed from 2025)***
- Due to transportation regulations, all rechargeable and/or lithium batteries must be taped with clear tape (scotch or packing) prior to your arrival at the event. Tape will be offered, but you will tape your own batteries if they are not done prior to arrival.
- Batteries still inside devices do not need to be taped.
- Regular household alkaline batteries do not need to be taped.
- Find full policy guidelines here.
- Lithium and rechargeable batteries must be sorted separately from other batteries prior to arrival. If not done so, you will sort your own batteries at the event.
- Maximum one container per person, smaller than 5-gallons. Any 5-gallon or larger buckets will be turned away.
- Due to transportation regulations, all rechargeable and/or lithium batteries must be taped with clear tape (scotch or packing) prior to your arrival at the event. Tape will be offered, but you will tape your own batteries if they are not done prior to arrival.
- General Mixed E-Waste: printers, countertop appliances, A/V equipment, electric tools, RC and electronic toys, Computers (laptop, tower, server, all-in-one), cellphones, tablets/eReaders, Flat-screen & intact CRT (“tube”) TVs and Monitors
- Wires and cables
- Light bulbs
- Household hazardous waste:
- paint, stains, household cleaners, pesticides, pool/hot tub chemicals, automotive fluids like antifreeze and motor oil, etc.
- Paper to be shredded (on-site)
- Yard waste and food waste to be composted (must be emptied from plastic bags)
- Tires (4 tires max per person, available only until the dumpster fills)
- Styrofoam (two types only):
- White, clean, rigid furniture, appliance, electronics, etc. packaging
- White, clean foam coolers
- Soft Plastics (exemptions apply)
- Only some soft plastics are accepted: if you pull it and it stretches a bit, it’s accepted. If you pull it and it rips like paper, it’s a no. Check this flyer out for a clear visual of what is accepted.
- Gently Used Outdoor Gear
- Think stuff you would find at REI (ex. skis, bikes, clothes, soft goods, hard goods, camping gear, etc.)
- Scrap Metal
Items that are NOT accepted include:
- Mercury-containing devices (e.g. older thermostats)
- Vape/e-pens/e-cigarettes
- Capacitors/Transformers
- Media (CDs/DVDs, tapes, diskettes, film)
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Explosives
- Biomedical waste
- Sharps
- Large appliances
- Any appliance with refrigerant/Freon
- Foam packing peanuts
- Any styrofoam cups
- Any styrofoam food packaging - trays, takeout boxes
- Some soft plastics
- If you pull it and it stretches a bit, it’s accepted. If you pull it and it rips like paper, it’s a no. Check the bottom of this flyer out for a list of what is not accepted.
- Helmets
- Climbing Gear
If you are not sure about an item, please call Hunter Koch at 970-479-2338.